MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

Contrary to old-fashioned, outdated “fashion rules”, navy and black can be worn together – and in fact – can, if done well, look incredibly chic.

No, it more than likely won’t work when you try combining your navy suit jacket with your black suit pants.  Chance are you’ll look like you got dressed in the dark.

But it will work beautifully with a black pencil skirt and a navy silk blouse, a navy dress and a black patent leather belt or black jeans, a navy sweater and a black leather jacket.

Give it a go.  It just might give you a few more outfit combinations from the clothes you have hanging in your wardrobe. Ones that you might never have considered before.

Keep in mind, it’s all about the shade of the blue and the texture of the fabrics.

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While I think the chambray shirt is always fashionable it is particularly “in” at the moment. As we head into spring and summer in Australia you’re likely to see it everywhere. So if you have an old one lurking at the back of your wardrobe, pull it out now and start thinking about how you could wear it and what you might need to buy to wear with it.

When things are “in” it’s important, if you choose to partake in the trend,  that you put your own spin on it so that you don’t look like everyone else.

In these photos I’m showing you mostly how chambray can be worn with denim, but there are so many more possibilities.

Depending on your personal style, you can team a chambray shirt with a sequined or brocade pencil skirt or with a pair of flattering tailored shorts. You can wear it open (like a cardie) over a long striped maxi dress or with a pair of patterned cropped slim pants.

However you wear it, be sure to portray your own unique style and dare to be different.

For those wondering and so you’ll be ahead of the pack if the question ever comes up at a trivia night, the main difference between denim and chambray is in the way that the fabrics are woven.   Basically, denim is heavier and woven diagonally (producing a tougher material), while chambray is lighter and plain-woven .

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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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Some people find it an odd concept to wear a blazer any other way than as part of a suit.

They’ve worn them to work for so many years, they can’t fathom the idea of wearing one with a pair of jeans or over a dress.

If you’re one of those people, that’s fine, they’re not for everyone.  The structured, tailored nature of the jacket may feel a little too stuffy and constricted for you, especially if your style is verging on bohemian slash relaxed slash natural.  But if you’re like me and you tend to be a classic dresser, then consider giving the blazer a try.

I like it because I can wear my jeans and yet still feel stylish and sophisticated.  It’s a step up from wearing a cardie.

To make the blazer feel less stuffy and formal and look a bit more interesting, try pushing or rolling up the sleeves.  This is a particularly flattering look because it exposes  your slender wrists, which you can play up with a fabulous watch, a stack of bracelets, bright nail polish, a cocktail ring or an interesting clutch bag.

As mentioned, you can either roll the sleeves back or just push the sleeves up and if you’re lucky they’ll stay put , depending on how silky the lining is.  If you want to guarantee they stay up without you annoyingly having to keep pushing them up, keep them in place with a rubber band.  Just make sure you conceal it among the gathered fabric.   Then all you need to do is decide where you want them to sit – above, on or below the elbow.  (FYI – the elbow can be a bit restrictive, above or below is probably better)

Play around with your clothes and get the most out of them by wearing them in new and different ways.

image via The Sartorialist

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Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

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