Michelle Keegan Just Told Me How to Curate an Expensive-Looking Wardrobe

British actress and style favourite Michelle Keegan continues to build her fashion presence, having recently launched another collection with British fashion retailer Very. Keegan has clearly been flexing her outfit instincts, culminating in a collection full of smart, versatile designs that both stand up on their own and build together for a powerful capsule collection.

Hot off the collection's debut, Keegan took some time out 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 pass on. Of course, she's able to inject her wardrobe with designer investments, but she also 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.

1. HOW TO PICK WARDROBE STAPLES 

"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 gorgeous pieces from the collection. The Sweetheart Seam Detail Long Sleeve Knit Top (£28) and Knitted Cut Out Skater Midi Dress (£50) are perfect for layering."

2. HOW TO CURATE A HARD-WORKING WARDROBE

Curating a hard-working wardrobe full of outfits you adore is all about perfecting those core pieces, and Keegan has some great advice. "I always make sure I have pieces which can be layered or elevated, 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," she explains. Some wardrobe non-negotiables include a trusty pair of wide-leg trousers, which can be styled for basically any 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," she says. "The pieces are easy to mix and match so will make great updates for a capsule wardrobe." 

3. HOW TO STYLE THE QUIET-LUXURY TREND

"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 and elevating the look with a chic coat."

4. WHEN TO STAY AWAY FROM A TREND AND WHEN TO INVEST

"[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 Keegan, 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."

5. HOW TO GET MINIMALISM RIGHT

"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." For Keegan, 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." 

SHOP MICHELLE KEEGAN'S LOOK:

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