MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

Not everyone will have classic pieces in their wardrobe – and that’s ok.   Not all of us like to dress classically.

But for those of you who do have classic style, (ie traditional, tailored, clean, simple)  with a wardrobe of pieces to complement it, the thing to keep in mind is that while classic clothes are often described as being timeless – realistically they are not.

Classic clothes date like everything else.

Here’s your homework…

Pull out all of your classic pieces and throw them on the bed.   They might be…

Classic blue jeans

Classic white shirt

Classic navy blazer

Classic black pants

Classic grey pencil skirt

Classic beige trench coat

Classic blue sweater

Classic tailored dress

Classic black pump

Now, one by one, try them on and assess whether they are still current.

Give away’s will be, the size and width of the shoulder, where they sit on your torso (ie low or high waisted), the size of the collar and/or lapel, the width of the sleeve, where the pants finish on your leg, the width of the leg, the shape of the skirt, the length of the armhole and the shape of the toe of your shoe.

*If you have a suit you bought in 1992 from Armani or Anthea Crawford, despite it being beautiful fabric and quite possibly still in impeccable condition,  it’s more than likely out-dated.  Before you decide to toss it consider whether it can be reinvented by a tailor.  Don’t however, keep hanging on to it, wearing it, just because it cost you a lot of money 20 years ago.  Revamp or let it go!

While you certainly don’t have to wear clothes that are trendy, you do not want to wear clothes that are outdated.  Tired and outdated is aging.  Modern and current is youthful.

If you’re unsure and having difficulty determining what has and hasn’t dated in your wardrobe, consider booking in for a Wardrobe Overhaul and I will help you.

You can read what styling services I offer here

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According to Ines de la Fressange, a navy sweater is one of her “Magnificent Seven” basics every wardrobe must have.  (We all know – right? – that basics are the key to creating great outfits.

Here’s a little excerpt from her book, Parisian Chic, detailing why she thinks we all need one among our collection of knits.

You can read what styling services I offer here

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A statement skirt…

In an eye-catching color, shape, texture or print.

It could be something you can dress up or down and wear shopping, with your denim jacket and a basket or to the theatre with your heels and sparkly earrings.

All it needs to accompany and showcase it, is some key fresh basics  – a simple sweater, a classic white shirt, a flattering t-shirt or a well fitting simple jacket. (And of course, it goes without saying, a great shoe).

If you don’t have a statement skirt, perhaps consider adding it to your shopping wishlist.

CHALLENGE: If you have a statement skirt, pull it out and see if you can come up with a few ways to wear it differently.  Maybe you’ve only worn it to weddings or to work…see if you can style it in a way that you could wear it casually. (Or at least a less dressy situation)

Style your clothes in different ways, for different occasions and get more wear out them.

*If you’re not playing around with your clothes and coming up with different ways to wear them, remember you can book me in for (or enquire about) an outfit planning session here 

You can read what styling services I offer here

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A versatile, hardworking wardrobe should have at least one casual jacket – ideally in a neutral color that works with everything.

That jacket should be a step up from a knit, (i.e., a cardie) not a coat, nor something you’d wear hiking, exercising, or feeding the chooks on the farm.

It should be a piece you can dress up or down and wear anywhere from a picnic to school pick-up, to going shopping, watching your kids play sport, to lunch, to work…to dinner. Each time, changing and adapting its look.

The khaki jacket, or parka (Army green jacket/Military jacket) fits the bill.

You can read what styling services I offer here

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