MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

In the past couple of weeks two of my regular clients have asked me to help them find something “sexy” to wear.

One contacted me saying “Help! I’ve got a wedding to go to and I need to look hot. My ex-husband is going to be there with his new girlfriend” and the other was ready to start embracing her curves, by accentuating her lovely figure and wear something less conservative than she was used to.

The first thing I asked both of them was – When it comes to clothes, what makes you feel sexy?

(One, after some prompting from me knew what it was, and the other had no idea, which meant we had to do lots of sampling of different things til she figured it out).

Everyone has their own idea of what sexy is and what makes you feel that way when you’re wearing it. For some, it’s a pretty soft flowy dress with just a subtle hint of skin, for others it might be a figure hugging and/or revealing (perhaps Kardashianesque) outfit and for others like me, it’s my favourite perfume, pretty lingerie, a great pair of jeans and heels.

(And for some, it’s not important at all…)

Whether it’s “funky”, “edgy”, “trendy”, “cool” or “sexy”, that you’re wanting to achieve, you need to figure out what that word means to you first. Keeping in mind that it’s not just about how you look, but more importantly how you feel. Because when you feel it, you’ll also exude it..

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It’s seems ridiculous to imagine someone thinking they have nothing to wear when their wardrobe is spilling over with clothes.

But to me, because I know and understand why it’s happening, it seems reasonable.

Among several reasons women feel, when they stand in front of their wardrobe full of clothes each day that they have nothing to wear, is because they have too much.

Quite possibly too many choices which make it confusing and too time consuming to go through it and put outfits together or too much mediocre stuff (ill-fitting, outdated, old, not loved) getting in the way of being able to see and use the good stuff.

If your wardrobe feels overwhelming, boring, frustrating or even depressing, consider taking the following action:

1. Ask a friend or family member to help you (honestly) go through it with you.  Make a day of it.  Have some nibbles and champagne and put on some music.  (Remembering that you want the clothes in your wardrobe to reflect your personal style, not someone else’s)

2. Book in for a Wardrobe Overhaul with me.  (You can still make a day of it with nibbles, champagne and music.  Whatever makes you feel comfortable and relaxed and makes the process enjoyable and fun for you.)

3. Work through some of my Weekend Wardrobe Challenge’s

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I get asked often whether denim jackets are still in fashion. A client might have one in their wardrobe, that’s been hanging unworn for years, because they’re unsure whether or not to let go of it or hold on to it.

My answer is always yes denim jackets are still in fashion however, like everything, shapes change and some can become outdated – particularly those that are made of treated denim (perhaps stone washed) or have zips, studs or rhinestones.  So if you have an old Sportsgirl version from 1995, chances are it may well be dated and either needs reinventing (if possible) or retiring.

Because I’m always encouraging people to try and work with what they already own before racing out and buying anything new, I thought I would talk about how you can determine whether your denim jacket is right for you and whether to keep it or not.

Consider..

• firstly, whether a denim jacket is your style.  It’s certainly a classic piece, but not for everyone.  Don’t just wear it because it’s there.
• whether your particular jacket is flattering to your shape.  Is it too short and boxy or too long?  Is it too wide across your back?  Are the sleeves too full making your arms appear bigger than they are?  Is it making your shoulders and/or bust look broader/bigger than they are?
• whether the denim is dated.   1980’s distressed denim and 2000’s distressed denim are not the same
• whether it’s worth having it altered by a tailor to make it a more modern, flattering shape for you
• whether the style is still current or if it’s dated. (ie. if it’s acid washed with bat-wing sleeves and suede fringes, unless your style is Eighties Rocker, I’d say it’s probably time to donate it)

…and in case you’re wondering, yes, denim jackets can be worn by all ages.  But just like anything, it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it. For instance, unless you want to look like Dolly Parton, avoid wearing your rhinestone embellished denim jacket with your jeans of the same denim. Wear a dark denim jacket to lunch with a stripey tee, navy linen pants and espadrilles or throw one over your shoulders when you’re wearing a cool summer dress, while you’re on holidays.

Here are a few pictures to give you some ideas for how you can wear your jacket.

You can read what styling services I offer here

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You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here