MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

When I posted about white shoes a few days ago, I got a couple of questions and comments about 1. The practicality of them (keeping them clean mostly), and 2. Whether I thought it was a good idea to buy into the trend now. (Whether I thought they’d be around for a while.)

So…

1. As you can see I have a pair of cream boots and I haven’t had any trouble keeping them clean. I’ve had the odd mark and I’ve just used this (below) and so far it’s worked great. FYI – I don’t drive in them.

2. I have no idea how long the trend will last – remember skinny jeans were a trend and they were fashionable for decades. The thing to think about is, will they work for your style, with the clothes you have and do you love the idea of them? It doesn’t really matter if the trend disappears, if you buy a fairly classic style, you’ll be fine. It’s just a color. (I’d like a white sling back kitten heel for spring/summer)

I think it’s very smart to shop thoughtfully – I (try to) do it & I encourage my clients to do it. But, I also remind myself that fashion and dressing is supposed to be enjoyable and fun. It’s a way for us to express who we are. I bought these boots about 5 years ago. I didn’t want to invest too heavily in the trend at the time. (They’re just from Zara) I’ve loved wearing them. If I’d been too sensible, I would never have bought them. (Or my flares)

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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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Whether you’re petite, curvy, lean, or over sixty-five, there’s an ideal pair of jeans for you.

Great jeans will make you feel stylish and confident. They will fit in all the right places and be comfortable. 

They’re one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. You’ll be able to wear them to work with a blazer and boots, on the weekend with a t-shirt and casual sneakers, and to a party with heels and a blouse.

However, finding a pair of jeans that are flattering and stylish can be frustrating and overwhelming; after all, there are literally hundreds of different brands, styles, washes, and fits to navigate your way through.

Here are a few things to consider next time you decide you need to update your denim.

• Unless you’re shopping with the view to sample lots of different styles, have a clear picture of what you’re looking for. (e.g. mid-rise dark denim straight with some stretch)
• If you don’t know what you’re looking for, be open-minded to trying on different styles.
• Always try jeans with shoes. If you think you’ll wear them with a heel, try them with a heel. If you think you’ll wear them with a boot, try them with a boot. (You don’t want to get them home to discover the boots you have, don’t work with the jeans you’ve bought)
• Know your body shape and understand the best denim styles that suit your particular shape – the best rise (crotch to waist), the best color, and the best leg width.
• Try a pair of jeans that theoretically shouldn’t work for your body shape. What’s the worse thing that could happen? They just might work, and they might look great.
• Think of buying jeans as you would buying pants/trousers/a skirt. To find the perfect fit for you, you may need to have them altered.
• In the change room, once you have the jeans on, bend over, sit down, do some squats, and lift your knees up (like you’re marching)  to see how much they stretch and move with your body and to ensure they fit properly.
• Take more than one size into the changeroom. Just because the pair you have at home is a size 12, doesn’t mean you will be that size in all jeans. Try on a size smaller and a size larger than you normally would.
• Unless they are boyfriend or girlfriend style, jeans shouldn’t sag around your bottom; pull across the tops of your legs or bag at the front of your thighs. They should fit firmly at the waist and not dig into your stomach or hips.
• Take notice of the size of the back pockets and where they sit on your butt. Are they doing what you want them to do? (ie giving your bottom a nice shape)

Read about shopping for jeans with me, here

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If you’re having your jeans cropped and not sure where to tell the alterations person to take them up to – show them this.

*Just above the ankle bone.

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