MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

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While some of the fashionistas attending the autumn/winter 2013 ready-to-wear shows are following the current trend of wearing their coats and jackets oversized, Emmanuelle Alt, Vogue Paris editor-in-chief, is true to form, doing her own thing and wearing her coats pulled in at the waist with a belt.

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We all know I do love a belt and I’m a big proponent for accentuating the waist, so the inspiration I’m taking from these photos of Emmanuelle is that I’m going to follow her lead and attempt to add new life by changing the look of some of my winter coats with different belts. I’m going to pull out all my coats, try them on with my various belts and see what works. Perhaps before winter comes around I need to add a couple of belts I can wear around my waist, to my shopping wishlist and keep an eye out for new ones to add to my collection.  (TIP: Don’t wait til winter is here. Plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to search for interesting pieces and bargains. Some of my favourite belts have been found in op-shops and vintage stores.) 

And the most inspirational thing for me, one that I always take from Emmanuelle and her style, is to do your own thing.  If you want to just wear black – wear black.  If you want to only wear pants – only wear pants.  If you want to wear flats – wear flats.  If you want to cinch in the waist of your coat when everyone else is wearing it shapeless and oversized – cinch in your waist.

Do your own thing……if it makes you feel great.

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Belts are not just designed for keeping your strides from falling down.  Although they certainly do also have that purpose,  (particularly if you’re five and you’re wearing your big brothers hand-me-downs), belts are so much more than a practical item to have in your wardrobe.

A belt can pull the whole look together. It can help smooth out the bumps where a shirt has been tucked in, accentuate or for that matter visually create a waist and even make your bum look smaller.  So I’m often surprised when I’m helping someone sort through their clothes and put outfits together when I ask, “Where are your belts?” that I am often faced with a blank expression in reply.  It seems to be that it’s an accessory many of us are not bothering with.

I know shopping for belts can be tricky.   Like everything, not all styles will suit everyone and every body shape.  There is a bit to consider when you’re searching.  Will it make your torso look short?  Your bust big?  Is it going to be comfortable? Where’s the right place for it to sit?  Should it blend in with my outfit or be a contrast and stand out?  You will need to experiment and try lots on,  just like anything when you’re searching for a “love it” item, to add to your wardrobe.

Search for belts in unexpected places.  Look in op-shops, (I picked up a great chocolate leather Country Road belt for $2 in a local St Vinnies) on Etsy,  in the men’s section or at markets. If you’re creative buy yourself some velvet ribbon from Lincraft and tie it around your waist – maybe pin on your Nana’s rhinestone brooch to really put your unique stamp on the look.

Don’t neglect the belt.  Next time you’re at the shops play around with different styles until you find something that works for you.  Don’t just think, I don’t know how to wear them, and give up.

TIP: Go through your wardrobe and see if you have any belts that came with a skirt, dress or pants that you could use with other things in your cupboard.  Don’t just assume because it accompanied a particular item that it has to be used with that piece and only that piece.

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READ: “It’s Time To Go…” here 

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

..& Instagram here