Secrets of a Fashion Stylist

The Secrets of a 
Fashion Stylist

By Sarah Nearis
Assistant Stylist at Amy McLaughlin Lifestyles

It's about this time of the year when us here at AML get extremely busy

 with work.Whether it be personal shopping trips, being asked

to speak at seminars for companies about how to dress well, or working

 on a project such as a magazine editorial, or styling some of

our west coast clients. I am so lucky to do what I do because

working as a fashion stylist never feels like work. I am

over-the-moon happy when I get to help my clients and

audiences with their style and fashion dilemma's, and now

I am passing on some of my best fashion tips to you!

If you ever wonder why celebs look picture perfect on

the red carpet or even in US Weekly grabbing coffee

 its because most of them have stylists that coordinate outfits

 for them way in advance. "Date night outfits, picking the kids

up from school",and the list goes on and on. Want to know

some of our secrets when working or shopping with clients? Keep on reading

and before you know it, throwing together an ensemble that leaves

you feeling confident and stylish will seem effortless.

Shop for your Size

One of the worst things you can fashionably do to
yourself is by dressing in sizes that are either too big
or too small. Taking measurements of yourself (bust,
waist, hips, etc) are key in looking sleek and put together.
No one looks good when clothing is hanging off of them
(sorry Olson twins!) or so tight you loose circulation.

Know your Body Type.

The beauty of being a woman is that we all come in
different shapes and sizes, and we have an endless amount
of clothing options to accentuate our curves and unique
features. It's important to know if you have a certain
body type, what to aim for and what to stay away from.
If you have wider hips, its always good to draw less
attention to them but accentuating your waist!
Shop Your Shape is a great website to help you discover
to body type you have and what type of clothing
looks best on you!

Find your Favorite Heels

Whether you love them or hate them, at the end
of the day, we all know that when we slip on our
favorite pair of sky high pumps or strappy heels,
you get that extra umph in your step. The key to some-what
enjoying your time when wearing them is finding the right ones
for your foot size/shape, indulging on a nicer pair that are
going to be more comfortable, and wearing them around
the house so that you can break them in properly. If you
know your going to be in them for hours, wearing inserts
like Dr. Scholls can help so much.

Don't Indulge in Trends

Ever heard the expression "one second it's in,
and the next it's out?" Welcome to the shelf life of
trends. Spending ridiculous amounts of money on 
pieces and accessories that won't be hanging around
in your wardrobe for long are not worth the big
spending that comes along with buying them. If you
like a certain trend, shop on flash-deal sites like 
Ideeli or Haute Look where you get designer pieces
for up to 80% off, or purchase small accessories of the
trend you like and incorporate them into your wardrobe.

Invest in the Best

This tip is my favorite and its the simplest.
In fashion, pieces you intend to wear and keep
forever aren't cheap, but they are the ones who
remain in your closet for years to come and will
always be in style. A classic LBD or a fabulous
pair of patent leather pumps are always a
perfect fashion investment.

Take a Risk

Never be scared to try something new
that seems fun and exciting to you. Fashion is all
about taking risks and experimenting with your
personal style.

Have fun Accessorizing

If clothes aren't good enough, thank god 
for over sized floppy hats, statement jewelry and
amazing purses. Some love to pile it on,
will others like to do it one piece at a time,
either way, have fun with it and experiment with
new pieces, because accessories can take an
ensemble from boring to beaming.

Want to learn more about us?

Check us out at

www.amymclaughlin.com