MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

I was asked recently what are the most common things I notice about people’s wardrobes when I’m helping give them an overhaul and without thinking too much the first thing that came to mind was that many women I meet have clothes in their wardrobes that don’t fit them properly – and more often than not, they’re too big.

This occurs for various reasons. They bought something without trying it on, they haven’t learnt what to look for to ensure it’s the right size and fit, they grabbed something in a sale that didn’t come in their size, they’re buying bigger in the hope that it will cover up and hide any areas they want to disguise, their size has changed since they purchased it or they just walk into shops convinced of their size, only try that number on, think that’ll have to do and buy it despite how unflattering it fits.

Sound familiar?

Anyone who has shopped with me will know I’m very particular about getting the right size and fit. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone has looked at me puzzled after I’ve handed them something to try on, and said, “There’s no way I’m a size 10”.

Here’s a text I received after a shopping trip..

“Thanks so much for yesterday Meaghan – It was great! And there is no way I would have chosen a smaller size pants without you there!!! I would have ended up with baggy pants after a few wears!!!”

If, when you look in the mirror what you’re wearing doesn’t look quite right, ask yourself,  Does this fit me perfectly?  Is it the most flattering size for me?  Am I buying my clothes to fit me properly?

Keep in mind if your clothes are not fitting you beautifully you can often take them along to a tailor who may be able to rework them and alter them to fit just right.

Need help determining what fits and what doesn’t, book in for a Wardrobe Overhaul or Personal Shopping with me here 

You can read what styling services I offer here

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Go back to basics.

Sometimes people who love fashion and have lots of lovely clothes, have neglected to buy basics that tie everything together – they find them boring to shop for.

When you build a stylish wardrobe think about building it up from the bottom. Start with the staples first, then when you’ve filled your wardrobe with those, you can begin to add the interesting pieces that help create your authentic personal style. .

If you’re opening your wardrobe each day, seeing rails full of clothes yet feel like you have nothing to wear, it might be that you’re missing the basics. (Flattering jeans, great t-shirts, knits, pants, etc,etc) .

I love the idea of a clutch bag.  They remind me of a couple of things – the 70’s …and Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw.  Both of which have influenced my style a lot.  (I would wear Farrah’s outfit (above) head to toe today)

Perhaps it’s because I’m petite (ie under 5ft 4), but I like the idea of not being swamped by or having to lug around, a big oversized bag, instead having something small that I can hold in my hand (like Amal did here and Meghan did here) or tuck under my arm. (Like so).

I’ve collected a few over the years.  There’s this one, a birthday gift from my family, this one I found at The Mill Market in Geelong, and this one I bought from a vintage store in Paris.

While I tend not to use them much during my day to day, the first chance I get to pull one out and use it for a night out or a day at the races, I do.

You can read what styling services I offer here

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Are you paying attention to your back view?  Are you taking the time to make sure you’re wearing appropriate undies?

I see a lot of people in the street wearing great outfits, with very bad VPL’s. I’ve come to the conclusion that there are many women who do not check their rear view when they get dressed.  Your underwear should not cut into your flesh and create dints they should sit flat against your skin and disappear under your clothes.

I think often too, people are buying clothes without considering what underwear they’ll be able to wear underneath. There’s no point in buying a hot slinky figure hugging frock, if you’re not going to be able to find a suitable pair of undies that will make the dress look smooth against your body.

The same thing happens with jeans and pants.  If your knickers are too tight they can create an indent in your hip or thigh.  It’s important you take the time to spin around in the mirror and check what the view is like from the side and back, as well as the front,  before you leave the house.

Here are some underwear tips to consider

• If you can’t find a pair of underpants that flatter a particular item of clothing, you might be best to completely ditch them
• Next time you’re in the underwear section, ask the ladies working there to recommend their favourite undies for smoothing lumps and bumps under clothes
• If you have a bit of a tummy you’re conscious of, investigate tummy flattening undies. (Try wearing undies that go over the tummy rather than sit below it)
• Think about whether you might be buying your undies too small. Just because you generally wear size 10 clothes doesn’t mean your undies will be the same.  Perhaps a size 12 would be more flattering (I tend to go up a size if I’m wearing tight fitting pants so that I don’t have a noticable dint on my hip)
• If you always wear boy leg style undies, change it up a bit and try wearing a high cut style.  Maybe they’re a better option for your shape
• Don’t underestimate the benefits of suck-it-all-in shapewear
• If you do have a dress you need to find undies to wear underneath – take the dress into the store with you and ask for guidance from the staff

Don’t ruin an otherwise great outfit by wearing unsuitable undies.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here