British actress and style favourite Michelle Keegan continues to build her fashion presence, recently launching another collection with British fashion brand, Very. Keegan’s outfit instincts have just been flexed, culminating in a collection rife with smart, versatile designs that both stand up on their own and build off each-other for a powerful capsule collection.
Hot off the collaboration, Keegan took some time to tell us how she makes her closet work for her, including her non-negotiable clothing essentials, how to build a hard-working wardrobe and how to choose which trends to invest in and which to watch pass us by. Of course, Keegan can inject her wardrobe with designer investments, but she knows precisely how to shop the high street for affordable-yet-elevated items that can square up to more expensive pieces.
With an outfit back catalogue seeped in minimalism and elegance, read on to discover Keegan’s fashion words of wisdom.
“I love to have pieces in my wardrobe that I can mix and match” says Keegan, who has woven this ideal into the fabric of her recent Very collection. “Whether that be a date night, a walk with the dogs or just a pub lunch, a few of my wardrobe staples include the gorgeous pieces from the collection such as Sweetheart Seam Detail Long Sleeve Knit Top and Knitted Cut Out Skater Midi Dress are perfect for layering.”
Curating a hard-working wardrobe full of outfits you adore is all about perfecting those core pieces. “I always make sure I have pieces which can be layered or elevated” explains Keegan, “As I like to have a variety of different looks available depending on whether I’m heading out with the girls or off to a meeting.” Some wardrobe non-negotiables include a trusty pair of wide leg trousers, which can be styled for either occasion, and an oversized bomber jacket—perfect for throwing over a casual outfit for a cool-edge. “This is something I have carefully considered when creating my latest Very collection” explains Michelle “The pieces are easy to mix and match so will make great updates for a capsule wardrobe.”
“If I’m going for a quiet luxury look—which I am loving at the moment—I’ll select some really simple and timeless pieces and not overcomplicate the styling,” says Keegan. “For example wearing a simple outfit such as a jumper dress,”—an apt choice for winter styling—”and elevating the look with a chic coat.”
“[I tend to stay away from] the quick trends that I know aren’t going to stay in fashion for long, like low-rise trousers and jeans that were quite big in the early noughties. I don’t feel comfortable in them and I just know they’re not going to be around for a long time,” says Michelle, who places as much importance on comfort as she does on style when shopping new trends. “I’m interested in pieces with longevity, things that are going to stay in your wardrobe and be staples that you can keep coming back to time after time.”
“I feel like minimalism is a theme that I’m really channelling at the moment ,and it’s so easy to nail,” says Keegan. “I like to make sure I still have my own personal style whilst embracing the minimalist looks I put together.” So it’s not a case of being ultra-pared back beyond recognition, but introducing some simplistic pieces alongside those that make you feel like yourself. “I think everyone’s personal style evolves and changes over time. Part of your personal sense of style will of course be influenced by trends but I’ve always loved a classic, chic aesthetic and neutral tones.”
The perfect base for layering a winter-ready outfit.
Knit dresses are an enduring winter trend that we’ll be shopping year after year.
Wrap up in cashmere as the weather continues to cool.
Leather is trending hard this autumn.
A bouclé jacket is the easiest way to dress up a casual look.
Style with the matching trousers for an elegant ensemble.
These also pair well with a simple white tee.
Layer over a frilly blouse or smart button-up.
Winter calls for a classic pair of Chelsea boots.
This cosy coat will keep you warm all winter long.
