My personal stylist, Lisa McLatchie, is back for another critique of my closet! Two summers ago, she came to the house for a wardrobe makeover, and last year she took a look at photos of all of my coats and gave me her feedback.
This time around, she’s tackling my dress collection! Here are the photos I sent to Lisa (the photographer was eight, so cut her some slack). As you can probably tell, I was working on my hands-on-hips-and-one-foot-forward red carpet pose. Which I will totally need. Someday.
Below, Lisa has provided her professional (and honest, as always) feedback, complete with recommendations for accessories.
Dress 1 – I would get in on the black and white trend for Spring 2014 and update this dress with some funky and feminine black and white shoes and accessories.
Dress 2 – I would get creative and do some mixing of prints/textures by adding a playful scarf in an opposing print or texture (but picking up a colour in the dress). I love this lace one because it does just that, and of course, lace is still super hot right now! As for footwear, I would stick to a nude when you are already mixing the prints/textures of the dress with the scarf. Mesh is a big trend for Spring 2014 though, so I picked these nude heels that include that trend.
Dress 3 – I LOVE this dress on you – the colour, the shape, and the belt details! The only thing I would add is a pair of super cute black ankle booties. I picked some open toe ones for Spring and to add a little extra edge. If you’re nervous about doing that though, stick to a closed toe ankle bootie with tights.
Dress 4 – I don’t mind the shape for you, but the style and print is a bit dated looking. I would ditch it.
Dress 5 – I feel the same about this dress.
Dress 6 – I like this dress. It’s simple and pretty, so you can play with it a bit. I would add a pastel scarf and some playful wedges in a fun colour to go with the scarf. Not too “matchy matchy”, but it should still go together well.
Dress 7 – WOWZA! You won’t get lost in the crowd in this dress, but I like it. I would add a simple jean jacket to bring it down a notch, but still keep it fun with your accessories and footwear. I picked an iridescent clutch (VERY Spring 2014) and edgy sandals to juxtapose the overly feminine (yellow/fuller skirt/lace) style of the dress.
Dress 8 – Very classic print and cut, so I would just update with a trendy belt (I went for the mesh trend again), and some metallic heels. It could probably also be shortened about an inch.
Dress 9 – Super cute style! I would pair the metallic heels with this, a little denim jacket, and a coordinating statement necklace (picking up the grey/silver and blue).
Dress 10 – Another dated print – I would get rid of it.
Dress 11 – I can’t tell from the pic, but it looks like it is a little drawstring waistband? I would play up your waist more and put a thicker belt over the drawstring, and in a funky or edgy style – to again, juxtapose the classic shirt dress style. Add on a statement cuff bracelet and those nude mesh heels, and you’re stylin’!
The ones she suggested I pitch are already in the pile for donation…and now it looks like I need to do some accessories shopping!
If you’re as impressed with Lisa’s work as I am, you might want to check out her Ready Set Style program. It’s an online program that can teach you how to develop your own personal style, figure out your best colours, dress for your shape, shop like a stylist and makeover your wardrobe…pretty much everything you need to know to get a handle on this style thing once and for all!
Plus, when you sign up, you become part of the private Ready Set Style Facebook group where you get support from Lisa herself, as well as former and current RSS participants! The next session starts on May 5th. Registration is open and spaces are limited, so check it out!
By the way, there are a few dresses that I didn’t even show her, because they are either brand new and I would be pained to learn that they don’t work for me, or I still love them even though they may be a couple of seasons old (I’m realizing I have gone through a bit of a stripes phase!):
My thanks to Lisa McLatchie, for once again sharing her valuable expertise with me! Be sure to check out her Ready, Set, Style program!
You've got an amazing sense of style 🙂 I love every piece – and for the record, every piece looks amazing on you 🙂
Thanks, Soozle! I try to get good deals on all of my clothing and accessories – I tend to only splurge on designer handbags!
Loved the comments from Lisa, she is sharp!
Having a consult from her might end up on a to-do list one day. It would be fun to have a bunch of girls get together, each with a few outfits and have Lisa's feedback. However that could turn into a bit of a hen-pecking party too, and that wouldn't be good!
And yes, you do have some great dresses, so many of them! I don't own a single every-day dress (and by this I mean something professional I could wear to work). It makes me motivated to find one.