IN the Closet – Lesley Clough
Presenter, mature model, public speaker and accidental reality TV star Lesley Clough first showcased to the wider Australia audience her exquisite personal style on MKR and since then has shared her fashion mind and finds with our readers as our Fashion Editor. This issue we get the inside scoop on what really lies withIN The Closet of this Noosa fashion icon.
How would you describe your style?
My style has evolved over the years and my motto is: ‘tweak, tweak, tweak’ to stay current and relevant. I love employing fashion-forward pieces but rendering them less confronting by combining them with softer tried-and-true favourites in a very personal way.
I insist on a perfect fit, tailoring even thrifty garments for a made-to-measure look and I love experimenting with extreme silhouettes that are arresting on the eye.
What is your style inspiration?
My go-to signature style is sharp, figure-hugging tailoring with a rock and roll vintage and an ethereal European twist. Think Kate Moss meets Jane Birkin with a bit of Betty Catroux thrown in.
I sometimes shock my ever-tolerant husband with my witty ensembles! Secretly, I think he loves seeing what I’ll come out in – although he did draw the line at the workman’s rigid Japanese denim jean with a built-in tool belt, no I’m not kidding!
What are your fashion buying habits?
Although I love luxury, I am no clothes snob and love to mix thrift shop finds with high designer pieces and local labels for that individual look.
For example, the beautiful snakeskin heels from Oscar de la Renta that I wore on my wedding day were bought at St Vinnies Pitt St Sydney for $35 and I absolutely adore them.
Five Summer Wardrobe Essentials
- The lightweight long-sleeved shirt. Perhaps unusual for summer you say? Far from it. A fine shirt can be worn multiple ways from a beach cover up to dinner out with jeans or a slim skirt and a heel, or for that midday business meeting with a slick trouser. Look for special details like an oversized collar, beautiful buttons or super volumous sleeves and an elegant longer cuff. White is always a winner.
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Scour op shops for gems such as these Oscar de la Renta heels that I wore on my wedding day.
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A cream woven or straw hat that works for sunning, boating and being out and about. I recommend a neat sharp little Panama, albeit with a slightly wider brim to shade the face and add a little mystique.
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A maxi dress in a natural fabric that works for brunch, luncheon, drinks with the girls or a summer wedding! The most beautiful maxis are cut using a lot of fabric for that lush look, extra points for tiers or a large frill at the bottom.
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Light dainty jewellery – go light, classic and clean and you’ll be the star of the summer fashion show!
