Our Stories
Inside the Wardrobe of NYC Stylist Elly McGaw
Elly McGaw is an Australian stylist and creative consultant who has called New York home for the past seven years.
Recognised for her refined aesthetic, Elly partners with brands to bring their visions and collections to life, with her work appearing in the pages of Vogue and RUSSH.
Here, Elly discusses simple ways to maximise your wardrobe and the strength in finding your personal style.
Describe your personal style—are there particular designs you are drawn to?
I am a uniform girl. Since I spend all my time styling other people, when it comes to myself I like to go back to classics—well made, elegant and easy clothes. There’s a real strength to knowing who you are and having your own distinct look, because real style doesn’t change from season to season.
My personal style is very androgynous. I love a strong silhouette, suiting and oversized styles that make me feel strong and sophisticated. I am almost always in black or neutral colours, however, I will always add a feminine touch—be that in jewellery, a brooch or a sparkle on a bag. Plus, never underestimate the importance of a nice belt.
There is something about a pinstripe suit that has always been so attractive to me. Combining a shirt with oversized pants and a blazer instantly makes you feel like you can tackle the world. In my work, as glamorous as it looks, it is also very physical—I'm always on the move. So, having strong clothing that can move with me is a bonus.
What makes a wardrobe timeless?
Trends come and go, but classics are forever. I think timelessness comes down to the quality of a garment—investing in items that are well made and you can wear for years to come. It is about pieces you feel confident in, that spark joy. For me personally, some timeless wardrobe staples are blazers, suit pants, a great button-up shirt, a trench coat and a leather coat. When it comes to colours, I tend to stick to naturals for longevity. If there are certain colour trends I want to opt into, I do it through accessories. Naturals are forever.
When it comes to tailoring and suiting, what do you look for?
I personally always go for oversized blazers—I recommend sizing up at least one to two sizes. I do the same for pants—I like a baggy suit pant, worn lorn with a nice belt.
I want clothes that I can grow old with, that tell a story. My most treasured pieces are the things I wear the most, like denim, suit pants and blazers that, as soon as I put them on, give me a sense of confidence and strength. Quality is a big thing for me. I always try to go for natural fibres—it’s much warmer in winter, better for the environment and ages much better too.
What are some ways to maximise the longevity of your pieces and curate a wardrobe that lives beyond the season?
Great question, I think it's a combination of things. Firstly, changing the mindset that we have to keep purchasing new items every season. Knowing what your style is and knowing how you want to feel in these clothes is very important. I know for some people that does not come so easily. If that’s the case, I’d recommend making a moodboard of people and styles that speak to you—that way, when you are feeling lost and unsure of what items to invest in, you can always refer back to that moodboard.
The good thing about a curated wardrobe is that it will last forever if looked after properly. You can add a flare each season so that it feels unique.
Getting your clothes dry cleaned is super important—especially suiting, coats and the like. It is not something that needs to be done regularly, but will help to preserve the silhouettes of your pieces. For in-between times, just patch clean your clothes. Hanging your items properly in your closet is also key to keeping shape—pay attention to care labels.
