MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

Years ago when I changed careers, I needed to transition my wardrobe from (largely) corporate clothes, to clothes than reflected my new lifestyle. When I set about doing that, the key things for me were to have less pieces, of better quality, but still with plenty of outfit combinations. I wanted to simplify my wardrobe and be ruthless with what earned a place in it and when I added anything new, I was strict about making sure it worked with what I already had.

If you look at these three photos, you’ll see the pieces all work together.  (Same blazer and same black pants throughout.)   You’ll also note that the pieces can also be worn in different ways, for different occasions.  This is important to me.  I want my clothes to be versatile.  For example, these black pants could be worn dressed up to a fancy event, if need be, or dressed down, for meeting a friend at a cafe for coffee.

In 2019 make conscious additions to your wardrobe. Don’t just buy something because it’s on sale or you saw one of your friends (or someone you follow on Instagram) wearing it. Build a wardrobe of pieces that complement each other.

If you need help identifying what could be added to your wardrobe (or removing for that matter) – and perhaps help finding them, details of my styling services can be found here

For details on my styling services, click here.

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When you decide you want to update your style and your wardrobe, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to buy lots of new clothes. Not everyone is in the position to do that.

It might mean reinventing some of the pieces you already have or being creative and coming up with new outfits, that feel fresh and different.

Last week I worked with a lady (reviewing her wardrobe) who had a beautiful dress in a fabric and color she adored, but the shape of it was no longer working for her. Rather than getting rid of it I suggested she have it made into a skirt. She loved the idea. I do it myself with my clothes, when I get bored with something. I might change a sleeve, adjust a length, dye it or in the case of this blazer….swap over the buttons.

You can read what styling services I offer here

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Chinos.

An alternative to jeans.

Wear them casually with sneakers or dressed up a bit with heels.

In summer with a t-shirt or winter with a knit.

Just like jeans, not all chinos are the same.

They can be slim, wide leg, high-waisted, relaxed, etc, etc.

Tip 1. – Try different sizes.  I have some that I wear quite firm and others I wear looser.  (ie I’ve bought them in two different sizes)  *Nowadays I prefer them slightly slouchy.

Tip 2. – Show some ankle!

If you’d like some help shopping for a pair of chinos (or another alternative to your jeans if chinos are not your thing) you can contact me to enquire or book in here 

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Sometimes making a few tweaks, can make a big difference.

By slightly changing how you wear something, you can make one item of clothing work for difference occasions.

Take this shirt for example.

It could be worn with a pencil skirt for work or with a full length skirt to an event, but in this case it’s worn casually with a pair of chinos.  It’s been styled with the idea of a look in mind.   (Maybe “subtly sexy, smart casual”)

– the collar has been popped up (Framing the face)
– the hair’s been put up to highlight the popped collar and lengthen the neck
– the shirt’s been buttoned to expose skin (or a hint of lace bra or camisole)
– the sleeves have been folded so that the cuffs poke out the top (Exposing some skin, highlighting the waist and lengthening the legs)
– the shirt has been half tucked into the pants