MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

Instead of always buckling up your trench coat, try just wrapping it around you (like you would your dressing gown) and tying it in a knot.

Tying it can take it from business-y and formal to cool and casual.

If you went to Scouts or Girl Guides, you might be able to come up with some clever ways to knot it – but it’s fine, if you’re like me and didn’t, to knot it any old way.

You can see in some of the photos the knot is placed right on the stomach and in others it’s to the side. I tend to wear mine to the side because I like it to look flat across my tummy.  You’ll be able to work out for yourself (in your full-length mirror) where it looks best on you.

While tying a trench is one way to wear it, it certainly isn’t the only way.  I often wear mine open with the belt hanging at the sides.  It’s much more relaxed but still smart.   It really depends what look and feel you’re wanting to achieve.

*Just because tying a trench might not work for your body shape, it doesn’t mean you should give up on wearing one. Keep in mind also that trench coats come in many different styles and fabrics, and a classic, heavy version might not be your best option.

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If you’ve got a pair of white jeans sitting in your wardrobe, that you only ever wear in summer, pull them out and see if you can make them work for you this winter.

Sometimes when we feel bored with our clothes or like we have nothing to wear (despite a wardrobe full of clothes), it’s because we’re not using what we have in different ways. We have this idea in our head that, that top only goes with that skirt, or that dress is only for weddings or christenings or those pants can only be worn with those shoes.

Try and expand that thinking a little bit. Maybe the lovely silky shirt you bought when it was hot could be worn under a sweater now that it’s cooled down. Perhaps you could layer pieces over that strappy little dress you love but hardly wear, with tights, a jumper, a jacket, and boots. And maybe those white jeans can be worn in winter with knits, coats, boots, pumps, loafers, or sneakers.

Contrary to popular belief, white jeans can be worn by all of us. (Here’s my Mum wearing her white jeans) Like all jeans, it’s just a matter of finding a pair that works for your shape and getting a pair that have the right fabric and the right fit. (i.e. not too thin or too tight)

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When I changed careers several years ago, my clothes needed to change too.

I was working at an Investment Bank so most of my wardrobe was made up of suits, crisp shirts, blazers, and heels, but when I started my Personal Styling business, my needs were different. My style was still classic, but it needed to transition from corporate classic into a more casual, fashionable classic.

Before I invested in new clothes I made the conscious decision to simplify my wardrobe, and how I dressed and also decided that I would build a wardrobe around a color palette, of black, white, grey, and navy.
Having these colors as my primary base means that everything works together, and therefore dressing is easy.

Over time, for variety, I would add bits and pieces in other colors – red, orange, cobalt blue, fuchsia – that would complement the neutral basics.

I’m now ready to introduce a new neutral. One that I know will work well with all the others, as well as some of my colored pieces. This autumn, I’m keen to incorporate some khaki into the mix.

What are the primary basic colors you’ve built your wardrobe around?  (For you it could be beige, charcoal, cream, white, etc) If you haven’t (and your wardrobe is only made up of lots of colors and patterns) it could be one of the reasons you find putting outfits together difficult and you feel like you have nothing to wear.

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“Tell me about this floral (pink, yellow, green, orange, red, blue) top”, I ask my client during her Wardrobe Overhaul, “Do you love it?”

“No”.  She responds. “I bought it because I thought I should add more color to my wardrobe.” “I hate it!”

There’s a misconception, I’ve discovered since doing this job, that to look interesting, you need to wear lots of color and pattern – but it’s simply not true.

In fact, stylish and sophisticated looks can be achieved by simply wearing black and white.

My tips to make sure your black and white outfit looks chic, rather than bland, are to:

• Keep the black, very black, and the white, very white 
• Make sure the fit is (really) good. (Because black and white is so clean, an ill-fitting silhouette will be highlighted)
• Keep the cuts and styles modern (Rather than outdated)
• Put plenty of thought into how you decorate your black and white pieces (Don’t let down an otherwise great outfit with a daggy, sensible shoe or scruffy handbag)

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