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 more relaxed – possibly even more modern.  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.

For all the details of my Personal Styling Services, click here

Subscribe to my Substack Newsletter, ‘Notes on Style’ here

Follow me on Instagram here

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.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here

Don’t let anyone tell you you “should” or “need” to wear more color. It’s perfectly fine (and in fact chic) to only wear grey, black, white, camel, beige, cream or navy.

Always wear what makes you feel authentic and confident.

Don’t ever feel pressured to wear anything that isn’t you…and your style.

Just make sure you keep it interesting and stylish with textures, shapes, fit and decoration.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here

When I’m working with a client at her home,  helping her overhaul her wardrobe, our aim is to be left with only clothes that work.  Pieces she loves, pieces that are flattering and pieces that represent her style and the image she wants to portray.

If together we decide something is a keeper my next challenge to my client is that she comes up with at least 5 ways to wear it.

(What often happens when people get bored with their clothes, is that they go out and buy new ones. When in actual fact what they could be doing is playing around with the clothes they have and coming up with new outfits)

Check out these images of French magazine editor, Virginie Mouzat and take some inspiration from what she’s doing with her clothes.   *She may not have the same style as you, but you can still be inspired by how she’s using her clothes.

In all five of the photos Virginie is wearing the same pair of khaki cargo pants BUT not once is she wearing them the same way.

You don’t need to have lots and lots and lots of clothes.  You just need to learn how to wear what you have in several varying combinations.

So next time you reach for that red skirt, blue dress or patterned pants, come up with a way to wear them differently to how you wore it last time.

Challenge yourself to wear each piece you have hanging in your wardrobe at least 5 different ways.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here