Aprés ski, or after-ski, is the golden phrase encompassing all social activity and relaxation after hitting the slopes. We’re talking cocoa, cocktails, sharing stories by the fireplace and enjoying the mountain view in your warm knits and skiboots. Master ski style and after-ski style with men’s and women’s skiwear that is as slope-friendly as it is cozy! Read all about our favorite skiwear trends like the one piece ski suit, and shop our curated list of men’s and women’s ski resort pieces!

Traveling this winter or spring of 2024? Meg Gallagher can create your very own capsule wardrobe that accommodates packability, weather and easy of day to day styling. If you’ve ever wanted a professionally curated wardrobe with every essential piece covered, wardrobe styling services by Meg Gallagher, Personal Stylist Los Angeles can be found here!
Scroll to the end to shop our “stylist’s pick” list of men’s and women’s skiwear!

For more men’s and women’s skiwear inspo, check out our Pinterest Board for
Men’s and Women’s Ski Outfit Ideas here:

What to Wear When Skiing

The biggest rule for 2024? Note the Color.
We like to think of what to pack for a ski trip the same way we think of swimwear and eventwear, like dresses and statement suits. There are some important factors to consider, which come in the form of three questions: Is it flattering? Do I feel confident in this? Can I wear it again? 
Wearing black, white or neutral pieces can serve as an easy wear that won’t feel stale after one use. While this may sound too safe or boring to some, you could opt to make a neutral color outfit still feel fabulous by selecting pieces with subtle accents or unique details, like a fur trimmed hood or textural rib knits.

Trending Aprés Ski Outfit Ideas For Women

-Texturizing with fur, cashmere, rib knits and shearling or puffer jackets against a neutral color palette.
-Fair Isle Sweaters.
-Cozy oversized “college kid” club memorabilia sweaters.
-Incorporating ponchos into your layering. (shop the trends at the end of the article!)

Trending Aprés Ski Outfit Ideas For Men

-Sleek puffer jacket two piece outfits.
-Fair Isle Sweaters.
-Minimalist softshell jackets with clean lines.
-Shearling Jackets and Textural Layering (shop the trends at the end of the article!)

How to Dress for Skiing

A Rise in the One Piece Ski Suit, 2024’s Default Snow Outfit…

There are a lot of reasons why you might want to default to this classic ski look. One piece suits are both stylish, and incredibly practical (in more ways than one!). Here’s what wins this popular skiwear piece as the title of “Most Practical”:

–There are no gaps. Unlike your separates, a one piece blocks any and all air that would otherwise come through your two piece looks. If you were to ever take a tumble on the slopes, there’s no chance during your fall that any snow will get inbetween your clothes, altogether avoiding the potential of exposing your skin to the cold.
–You’ll have less pieces to pack. All the guesswork is taken out of what top pairs with what bottom!

How do you go about choosing a ski suit?
There are a few main components to choosing a great onepiece.
First, identify how your body is highlighted by the suit. While a snow suit may initially seem unforgiving, there are some differences in cut, color and pattern that can change the game between pieces. 

How to Dress for Skiing

For Men, Utilize Shapes and Color Blocking.
Want to take attention away from your middle? Use color, belting and patterns to draw the eye where you want it to go. Try a look like this color block snow suit, which brings the eye up to your shoulders and face. 

For Women, Note The Waist.
To Deemphasize the Waist & Leg Lengthening:
Use color to emphasize long lines and leg lengthening, which helps to skim over your midsection!  This can work great for anyone who wants to look taller, deemphasize their midriff, or create more balance with their bodytype.
V-shape midriffs can also break up the midsection, creating a flattering illusion that cinches the waist and brings curve to the hips.

To Highlight the waist, utilize belts to cinch your shape:
A lot of snow suits feature a belt in the middle, which cinches the waist and gives the piece some shape! Pay close attention to how high or low this cinched section is. If you’re a pear shape or hourglass, you’ll especially want a suit that belts at the smallest part of your waist! 

Want to go full on bold?
A ski suit in one bright, flatting color could serve as a thematic look for your trip! Much like the yellow rain coats expected at every rainfall, or a superhero’s iconic costume worn on every adventure – you’ll look back fondly at photos of the fabulous ski suit you donned in winter of 2024, excitedly preparing for the next ski trip in which you’ll pull it out again and again.

Take it a step further with patterned ski suits! First, make sure to match your ski boots back to the pattern by identifying base colors and highlight colors in the pattern. For suit longevity, we love timeless patterns like animal print, houndstooth or stripes.

Men’s Aprés Ski and Skiwear Essentials

Here it is… The Coolest stuff in Mens Skiwear! Explore expertly curated picks from Holden, Fulsap, Mackage and more that update the image of aprés ski speaking equally to sport, comfort and trend. Say goodbye to awkward, chunky snow apparel and look at our selection of layers with flattering cuts and captivating colors that get the job done in style.

Women’s Aprés Ski and Ski Trip Essentials

We’re living for the 2024 approach to women’s aprés ski! Our picks showcase trending women’s skiwear and layers from the coziest thermals to the chicest jackets and sweaters.

Check back for weekly updates from Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher and her styling team for ideas on how to wear the latest trends, 2024’s hottest date night outfit ideas, emerging designers, officewear outfit ideas and MORE! Subscribing to Madison-to-Melrose gets you an exclusive style guide gift from Meg Gallagher straight to your email. Meg is also active on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram – offering countless inspirations through mood boards, helpful tips, and outfits from her very own closet! Don’t miss out on free, unlimited access to a Los Angeles stylist’s best fashion advice – Subscribe to Madison to Melrose today!

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Blazers, Lady Jackets, Crops and Trenches – The Fall Layer for Every Outfit

As the colder season approaches, transition and update your autumn wardrobe with our favorite trending easy-to-layer lightweight overcoats and jackets for Fall 2023! We’re diving into top layers we’ve seen on the runway and on influencers alike to bring you the ultimate layering edit. Want to skip straight to our must-shop list? Scroll to the bottom of the article.

Prepare your wardrobe for Fall/Winter 23 with the help of Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher! A list of Meg’s wardrobe styling services can be found here.

Layering on the East Coast

Layering looks different on opposite ends of the country! Average temperatures in NYC are already 64°(high)/50°(low) by October, compared to the much warmer 79°(high)/60°(low) average in Los Angeles. To combat cooler temperatures on the East Coast, Pair light to mid-weight coats, oversized blazers and trenches with sweaters and turtlenecks.

Layering on the West Coast

Thin, light layers for cool mornings and evenings out over your tanks, tees and slip dresses are perfect for autumn in Los Angeles! Expect oversized blazers, lightweight trenches, denim jackets and Moto jackets to be popularized this season.

Khaite Leads the Way With Fashion Forward Layering Silhouettes

Khaite’s Fall jacket styling perfectly encapsulates the trends we’re seeing for Fall 2023. Moto jackets, lady jackets, denim, crops and trenches are styled in classic chic neutral colors, opting for embellishments in python print, fringe or rocker-chic silver studs. We’ve picked out our favorites of Khaite’s directional styling images to inspire your wardrobe.

Shop Fall Jackets Here

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Business Casual: What To Wear As You Head Back to the Office

We’re entering 2023 with borrowed rules from both our relaxed days indoors and the structured outfits from years prior. As more businesses are transitioning to hybrid work models, some are summoning their employees back to the office full-time, or for even  ~1-2 days a week. Whether going back to the office for you is considered a cross between virtual meetings and business casual style (workleisure), or a full (9-5) at the office, it’s important to revisit your work wardrobe to adapt to an ever-shifting office culture.

Corporate office environments that have traditionally been ruled by strict dress codes are introducing business casual workwear and hybrid workwear options! We’re seeing long-term trends like pants with elastic waistbands, oversized silhouettes, and relaxed silk blouses in powerful colors that translate for virtual meetings and days in the office.

If you are ready to make a change and bring a bit more comfort and style into your business attire, consider my Return to Office Package for purchase (only available for a limited time) or shop the following casual work outfits and recommendations for men and women. Further, view my personal styling services to work with me one-on-one (or as a couple) so that you can fall back in love with your closet and come out of the pandemic as someone you really want to be in your career and in life.

The Working Wardrobe for Women and Men

The New Blazer: Collarless Jackets and Chore Jackets

We are loving these new jacket options over the traditional blazer! The new blazers for men and women are generally a lightweight and less structured option. They’re used as a layer to create texture in the outfit and yet, still finishes the look. The shoulder on a jacket is always good for an in-person or zoom meeting and offers authority. One collarless women’s jacket that we’re coveting right now is this luxe tweed collarless jacket.

Oversized Silhouettes and Unstructured Tops 

The oversized silhouette works for many! You can easily pair an oversized piece with a fitted contrast top or bottom. These relaxed shapes provide movement, while silently expressing ease. When shopping for an oversized top, be thoughtful about necklines so that you choose one that flatters your frame.

Stretchy Pants With Elastic Waistbands & Wide-Legged Pants

Instead of wearing overly restrictive tailored trousers, many are opting to wear loose-fitting pants with elastic waistbands back to work. The men’s carrot pant is a great example of this relaxed pant silhouette that shows a step in the right direction and a move away from sweatpants. When it comes to the perfect combo of an elastic waistband and wide-legged pants for women, we are loving these trousers at the moment.

Comfortable Work Dresses

A dress is an easy workwear staple, as it’s one piece head to toe! Right now, the softer flowier dresses speak to more business casual over a tailored sheath dress. To keep this look more relaxed, try pairing it with a tall boot or leather sneakers. Be thoughtful of necklines and sheerness – which can always be resolved with a topper or skin-colored slip.

Still Struggling With What to Workwear Outfits?

As a Personal Stylist, my job is to help you with transition—to consider new ways to breathe life into your wardrobe whether that be with business attire or not. Whatever the case may be, together, we can redefine your wardrobe and determine what works best for YOU as you navigate your return to the office. For more information and to see how my process works, contact me!

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It’s that time of the year again, where we all pull out our winter’s coziest coats from storage! If you’ve ever pulled out your coats, only to realize you have no idea how to freshen them up for the new season, look no further! This is your 101 guide on coast to coast essential coats, washing winter coats and how to take care of them.

How do you buy the perfect coat? To build a successful coat wardrobe, you have to start with the why. Why do you need a coat? For that chilled-to-the-bone winter air of NYC? For the mild winter mornings in LA? For business trips across the country? For that special night out so you don’t freeze in your dress? The reality is that you can’t solve every situation with one coat.
If you’re in NYC, chances are you need a coat that can withstand layering. And if you’re in sunny Los Angeles, you’re going to need something notably lighter. Not only is weather a factor, but your needs can change based on the occasion as well!

We’re going to show you a few of our favorite basic coat styles that cover the most common needs from coast to coast, and how to wash winter coats, maintain their quality and keep them clean.

Want travel ready outfits for work, vacation outfits or an update to your winter wardrobe basics? Wardrobe styling services by Meg Gallagher, Personal Stylist Los Angeles can be found here!

The All-Purpose Oversized Wool Coat

A true essential, this oversized wool coat is perfect for a commuter’s NYC layers with it’s wide armholes and chic design. We recommend purchasing this piece in basic colors to extend the wearability. Stick to black, camel, navy, maroon, olive or cream before venturing into check patterns or statement colors.

How to Care For a Wool Jacket

-Use a lint roller to clean a coat after daily wear before hanging the piece in your closet.

-When there’s a spill on your jacket, blot the spot and do not rub it! The idea is to soak up the spill and not spread it further.

-Always hang your coat on a sturdy hanger with ample space to keep the weight of the coat from stretching the shoulder areas. If packed too tightly with other items, your coat could become crumpled.

-Make sure to dry clean winter coat at the end of the season and hang in a garment bag to prevent insects from infesting the wool.

The Belted Trench & Wrap Coat

Best serving the fall and spring climate of San Francisco and New York, these trending coat styles create a flattering shape like no other! We love duster-trench hybrids for Los Angeles that provide all the style without the rainy disposition. The wrap coat is a chic go-to for NYC and LA evenings out, desk-to-dinners, alfresco date nights and any other occasion you need a cozy-yet-elegant top layer. 

How to Care For Waterproof Trench Coats

-Although care for a trench largely depends on what the piece is made out of, most trenches (Unless they are leather) are much more machine-wash friendly than other coat alternatives. Even still, it is best to dry-clean and spot clean when possible. 

-If you need to clean your waterproof jacket as well as reproofing, try this product. 

How to Care for Leather Trench Coats

-Never leave your jacket folded for a long period of time, as this can encourage creases and cracks in the leather. 

-Keep your jacket away from heat sources like sunlight, ironing and steam to avoid the material becoming brittle.

-Keep your jacket DRY! No Rain! If your coat does get wet, leave it out on a hanger to dry.

-Condition your leather to prolong it’s lifespan and prevent cracking.

How to Care for Faux Leather (Vegan Leather, Pleather) Trench Coats

-While there are different forms of faux leather, there are a few general rules of thumb to keep the material from cracking and distorting.
-Avoid machine washing to maintain the integrity of your coat. Mix liquid dish detergent with warm water, and use a soft bristle brush to hand-scrub your garment and then rinse with cold water. Hang garment to dry to avoid distortion of the coat.
-Just need to freshen up your coat without washing it? Freshen between washes by spritzing with The Laundress Delicate Spray – a versatile formula for cleaning your faux leather that has antibacterial properties, which adds scent while removing odor.

The Cozy Puffer Coat

This is a great coat for travel that accounts for rain, snow, and proper coziness. For NYC, invest in a down puffer jacket. For Los Angeles, opt for a lightweight alternative. 

How to Care For a Down Jacket

-Aim to wash this piece 1-2 times a year and spot treat when needed. Excessive washing can cause wear and tear!

-Avoid compressing your jacket by squishing it in a backpack or travel suitcase. If too compressed, give it a low-heat tumble in the dryer and hang it up as soon as possible. 

-Keep this piece from getting soaked, as it takes a LOT of time to dry!

-Feathers sticking out of your jacket? Don’t pull them out – push them back in! See these patching instructions by rei.com.

The Going Out Coat

These are the coats that are fashion forward with the sole purpose of adding a fabulous top layer to your ensemble. Great for events, nights out and statement outfits!

The post How to Clean and Make Your Winter Coats Look Fabulous appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

For those who are looking to expand their wardrobe past the same ol’ shorts and tee, we’ve gathered a list of our favorite shorts alternatives for the hottest days of summer!

Breezy lightweight bottoms in gauze, linen, poplin and terry cloth are all seasonally appropriate alternatives that give just a little extra coverage and are especially great for flattering common problem areas like thighs, a tummy-pooch or knees. We love the ease of palazzo pants, culotte pants, linen or gauze beach pants, sarongs and maxi skirts! Try pairing these pieces with a ribbed tank, cropped tee, oversized lightweight button-up or silk cami and summer sandals.

Shorts Alternative

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Change up your at-home routine with our favorite feel-good addition to a spring wardrobe: the kimono! In a time where many of us are confined to an indoor wardrobe, this piece can add an element of artistic prowess and sensuality to otherwise simplistic loungewear. Here are three inventive ways to wear kimonos for undemanding flair in your everyday outfits!

Changing Up the Classic Denim + Tee

Wear your kimono casual-style with a simple tee and denim skirt, shorts or jeans! Pair with sneakers, sandals, slides, or comfy mules for Zoom meetings, online dinner parties with friends, or essential errands and for around the house!

Wear it For Date Night

Wear a kimono over a slip dress for an effortless date night indoors or over webcam!

Pair it With PJs

Movie nights and lazy Sundays get their upgrade when you mix PJs with a cozy kimono. We love how this simple addition to your ensemble can change a feeling of idleness to purposeful sophistication!

For more inspiration on how to wear kimonos, check out our Pinterest board!

Women’s kimonos We Love:

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These women’s antibacterial travel gloves are the new stylish alternative to latex gloves that we’ve been looking for. Have your most functional gloves be turned into your outfit’s best accessory with Randers luxury hand-wear! Classic glove silhouettes are modernized with Micro-Fresh® technology, an antibacterial treatment that is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and prevents up to 99.99% of pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms. Randers’ gloves are engineered to maintain anti-bacterial properties beyond 50 washes.

Innovative yet true to their roots, Randers holds a 200-year strong reputation as a trusted purveyor of leather goods to royal families. The French Queen Marie Antoinette allegedly requested gloves from Randers for both the distinguished aroma of their products and the way they made her hands feel soft and smooth. Marvel at the timeless designs of these ingenious antibacterial fashion gloves for men and women.

Shop Antibacterial Travel Gloves for Men and Women:

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Vans has re-introduced their familiar slip-on shoe with affordable custom designs which net proceeds will directly support small businesses in need. This is a shoe for EVERYONE! The classic slip-on sneakers transcend both age and gender with the ability to hyper-customize its design, material, and color right down to the sole.

Suitable for both indoors and outdoors, you can enjoy your custom sneaks around the house or slide them on with ease for day-to-day errands. For women, it can be styled with anything from a day dress to jeans and a tee. For men, up your street style sneaker game and pair them with a cool hoodie or jean jacket! With the purpose of continuing to enable creative expression, please join us as we lend a helping hand to FOOT the BILL!

Check out our how-to-style Pinterest boards below:

Shop Foot The Bill:

Supporting The Give-Back Initiative

Here are three more companies who are donating a proportion of their proceeds towards relief funds and food banks, and redirecting their production towards personal protective equipment for healthcare workers!

• Crocs have pledged to donate 10,000 pairs of shoes per day to healthcare workers.
• Everlane is donating all of the proceeds from their 100% Human Collection to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
• Hugo Boss has dedicated its clothing production site to the manufacturing of face masks, which will be donated to public facilities. 20% of HUGO BOSS’ (US) sales will be donated to the American Red Cross due aid with COVID-19 relief until April 5, 2020.
  

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In this challenging and unusual time, many of us finally have a moment to look beyond our daily work and errands to more closely observe the state of our homes. While most of us are stuck inside, this is a unique opportunity to reflect on our living spaces, and specifically learn how to edit our closets, assessing ways to improve it.

In Meg’s process – when it comes to wardrobe reflection – she always starts with a closet edit. In order to make the process feel more achievable, we want to share some of my best tips and tricks on how to go about editing your closet. We believe that a successful closet edit gives not only a feeling of accomplishment but also provides a sense of structure in uncertain times.

How to Organize Your Closet

Want ideas on how to repurpose your pieces? Consider attending a swap meet, resale, or donating your clothes.

*Meg advises that all tailoring should be collected and taken to the tailor all in one go. Go ahead and get it DONE! Unworn clothes are wasted money and wasted space!

Shop products to help with organization & closet edit

The post How To Edit Your Closet In 6 Steps appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

We’re taking to Zoom for conference calls, getting in touch with family, convening for book club, and even hanging out with our friends. It feels great to see others and be seen! However, it’s no secret that without putting in any effort, web cameras are a recipe for unflattery. Indoor lighting and unforgiving camera angles are enough to kill the air of professionalism, as well as amplify shadows. We’re here to guide you on work from home/play from home outfits that will combat the perils of less-than-great lighting and help you express yourself while putting your best foot forward!

Tips and Tricks to Make a Brighter Presence on Any Video Platform:

Better in Bold

Brighten up dark days by wearing patterns, whites, brights, and shine!
Black reads harsh on camera, so try breaking up dark hues with bold statement jewelry.

Waist-Up Mentality

Let sweat pants be your secret weapon with these cozy-chic outfit ideas on dressing for your next virtual meeting.

Upkeep-ing the ‘Do

What goes on up top can make or break your look, too. Can’t get to your hairstylist? Try these easy-care hair tools and products.

Check out our Work From Home Outfit Pinterest board below!

WFH Outfit Ideas:

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