tessmontgomery on LTK

Wearing vs Styling, no added pieces.

Same outfit. 5 small tweaks.

This look felt messy and overwhelming on my 5’5 frame. Now it actually fits me and looks put together.

We don’t need all new when we can just style what we own better.

Which tweak made the biggest difference for you?
Save this for next time your outfit feels off.

#tessmontgomery #slowfashion #sustainableoutfit #petitefashion #howtostyle

Wearing vs Styling, no added pieces. Same outfit. 5 small tweaks. This look felt messy and overwhelming on my 5’5 frame. Now it actually fits me and looks put together. We don’t need all new when we can just style what we own better. Which tweak made the biggest difference for you? Save this for next time your outfit feels off. tessmontgomery slowfashion sustainableoutfit petitefashion howtostyle

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Mid-Century Pattern Silk Scarf | Nordstrom

Worsted Wool Ankle Length Women Pants | GOELIA

Romy 85 Leather Pumps | Harrods

Romy 85 Leather Pump (Women) | Nordstrom

White Good Cotton Menswear Shirt | Theory | Theory UK

Mid-Century Pattern Silk Scarf | LilySilk

The Hazel | Linen Blazer White | Sinead Keary

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Minimalist Silk Crêpe Pant | LILYSILK

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3 elegant black hero outfits I know I can always count on.

If I really run out of ideas, I know I can always come back to these.

As much as I love playing with my wardrobe, at times I either don’t have the time or the creativity to come up with something new.

That’s when it’s good to have a few looks that work for most occasions in my outfit library on my phone.

It removes all thinking and I can just grab the look and go.

Do you prefer look 1, 2, or 3?

#tessmontgomery #slowfashion #capsulewardrobe

My #OneItemAMonth for June - item number 89.
And it is….

… this amazing preloved dress by Ralph Lauren that I found on Vinted for £30.

This is what I mean when I say anyone can have an amazing wardrobe.

This dress turned out so much better than what I imagined. It’s perfect for some of the events I have coming up this summer and is a great timeless addition to my wardrobe that will be used a lot.

The rest of my budget I will be able to roll over to a more expensive item another month.

What do you think?
Also, what is your One Item a Month in June?

#tessmontgomery #slowfashion #prelovedfashion

#LTKsummer #LTKstyletip #LTKunboxing

I had an orphan in my closet… and I’m pretty sure you have some too.

A wardrobe orphan is an item that is really pretty great. You love it, it fits you well and suits your lifestyle.

However, any time you bring it out to wear, you just can’t make it work. Somehow the outfit won’t come together.

This is the problem with orphaned pieces, they don’t have a family to integrate with. So they are all alone.

This is why I have the rule that I must be able to style any item I bring home in at least 3 outfits before I decide to keep it.

…and if you already have orphans and want to make them work? It’s one of the over 40 rules, frameworks and truths I share in The Framework. (Check my bio for more information).

Do you have any orphans in your closet?

#tessmontgomery #slowfashion #sustainablewardrobe

#LTKsummer #LTKstyletip #LTKpetite

Some colour combinations just look extra elegant together.

These are 3 I wear often.

My preference is to stick to two different colours if they are contrasting, however if they are tonal, I don’t mind adding more shades.

A good mix of colours should give interest to a look, but without making the outfit loud or disorganised.

Are any of these colours you like to wear together?

#tessmontgomery #slowfashion

1 base - 5 very different looks (and the last one is definitely a love or hate outfit.)

Sometimes all you need are a few good base outfits that you can add different pieces to and they will feel completely new and different.

As an equestrian, I love the last look. But I know the baggy trousers in the high boots is not everyone’s cup of tea ☕️ What do you think?

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #tryonparty

Faffing at home - outfit

#LTKuk #LTKsummer #LTKeurope

You can’t wear the same white blazer every day for a week…

Unless you have some fun with the styling and make it feel like new every day.

This is what our hero pieces do for us. They deliver, over and over again. Versatility is king.

Do you prefer look 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5?

Details in first comment. 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #wardrobeexpert #whiteblazer

Bring your fanciest hat and dress and come with us to Derby day at @epsomdownsracecourse 🐎

As a Swede, I’m absolutely fascinated with the English races. I LOVE that I get a reason to not only wear a really nice dress, but also an actual hat!

No matter how many times I go, I don’t ever think I could get over the excitement.

We were invited to a box with @thejockeyclub and @greenroomvip and lucky that, because the wind was strong and my hat kept flying off (it did and covered someone in champagne, but that’s a story for another time).

The wonderful @thehousebuild had a great story and a tip on which horse was going to win the derby. An old buried time capsule with a prediction of a Christmas themed horse to win.

So we all decided to bet on the same horse - and let’s just say from now on I’m never betting on a horse without asking Becks first - Christmas Day only went and won!

You can imagine the cheers in our box. It was so fun!

Safe to say it was one of the best days we have had in a long time and I can’t wait to go again next year!

Details in my first comment 🤍

*pr event

#tessmontgomery #racedayoutfit #epsomdownsracecourse #raceday

#LTKsummer #LTKstyletip #LTKdresses

Whenever I show my personal clients the difference between these two pieces, something just clicks.

Our wardrobes are built up of only 2 categories of items - Our glue piece and our personal style pieces.

Glue pieces - are there to build harmony and coherence. They match easily with almost everything and blends in with the rest nicely.

Most people have fairly similar glue pieces in their wardrobes.

You don’t really think about them much when you own them, but you would really miss them if you lost them.

The personal style pieces - the items that makes an outfit look like you.

Instead of blending in they stand out. These items are the focal point of any outfit, and the more you have on the more you will stand out.

Basically, the glue pieces are there to glue together the personal style pieces and create harmony.

A look of only personal style pieces can look a bit crazy and an outfit of only glue piece will be slightly dull.

Our styles and wardrobes will need different ratios of these two categories.

And if you can figure out what is what in your wardrobe and the balance you prefer, you will get a much better idea of your own personal style and how to make your wardrobe work better for you.

Do you have more personal style pieces or more glue pieces in your wardrobe?

Details in pinned comment 🤍

#tesmontgomery #wardrobeexpert #capsulewardrobe #clevershopperframework

#LTKstyletip #LTKsummer #LTKeurope

3 elegant outfits with shorts

Shorts don’t have to be casual. They can look put together if you pick the right cut and style them well.

Most of the time it’s not that we choose the wrong item, it’s that we get the wrong version of that item.

Details pinned in the comments.

#tessmontgomery #wardrobeexpert #clevershopperframework #capsulewardrobe

This is a fairly common problematic pattern for many of us when we build our wardrobes.

We ended up buying something aspirational that we love the look of, but it actually doesn’t fit our lifestyle and doesn’t get used.

A lot of my private clients at @montgomeryatelier struggle with exactly this. The mismatch of what they want to spend money on and what they really should be getting instead.

As I have been there myself, I understand this problem intimately. And it’s actually easier to fix than you might believe.

Do you recognise yourself in my story?

Details in pinned comment 🤍

#tessmontgomery #wardrobeexpert #shopaholic #clevershopperframework

#LTKspring

#LTKtravel #LTKsummer

UK summer outfit moments ✨

When it doesn’t rain the UK, summers can be absolutely glorious! It’s only May, but we have had 30C and brilliant sunshine recently.

We have been spending our days wading in rivers, reading on well manicured lawns and drinking Pimms in overgrown fields.

Not really what you expect from this otherwise pretty rainy island. But when UK shows its best side, it’s hard to beat.

Details pinned in the first comment. 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #oldmoneystyle #oldmoneysummer

Outfit of the day - Montgomery Atelier client consultation

#LTKspring #LTKluxury #LTKsummer

You can’t wear the same pair of jeans for a week…

…unless you style them completely differently. Then no one will notice!

To be honest, we can wear most items in our wardrobes for a week without it getting weird. It only takes a little bit of time and creativity to match the different looks.

As I always say, we don’t need a lot of clothes, just the right ones 🙌🏻

What item should I style for a week next?

Details in pinned comment

#tessmontgomery #wardrobeexpert #capsulewardrobe #perfectjeans

Going to watch my son play cricket - outfit

#LTKsummer #LTKspring #LTKdatenight

Get ready with us for spritzes and sushi dinner in London. 🍣 🍸

I’m wearing my favourite dress that just seems to work for every occasion at the moment. Warren is wearing a new suit he had made to measure by @raiboss.phuket in Thailand.

I had a bad sushi experiences while ago and needed to get back in the proverbial sushi saddle again.
And there is no better place to do it than at @unirestaurantlondon

@pomellespritz treated us to some amazing cocktails upstairs. Beats aperol every time! I always keep at least one bottle at home.

And yes, my trust in sushi is definitely restored.

Outfit details in first comment 🤍

*pr event

#tessmontgomery #wardrobeexpert

These 3 items are tuning your wardrobe and you should get rid of them -

1. The dupe - The almost the thing we wanted but not quite. It will never feel right and always feel like we settled. Get the actual item or wait until you can. But until then, throw out the dupe.

2. The item that doesn’t fit your body right now. Unless you are pregnant, keeping items that don’t fit you is not inspirational or smart, it’s daily shame hanging in your wardrobe. You deserve better, get rid of it and buy things that suits your body now.

3. The old return - you were meant to send it back but didn’t get to it in time. So it’s hanging there in your wardrobe taking up valuable space and reminding you of your mistake every time you see it. Just sell it on!

Save this post to remind you of what to throw out when you do your next clear out.

Find all information in comment 1

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #wardrobewisdom

#LTKspring #LTKstyletip #LTKworkwear

A little story about a very special bag…

If you have followed me for a while, you will recognise this bag. But you might not know the story of why it’s so very special to me.

It’s a story about timeless design, amazing quality, and a mother’s love. How a piece like this, full of history and meaning carry more value than any Birkin bag in the world. 🤍

Do you have a special item like this? I would love to hear your story.

#tessmontgomery

#LTKuk #LTKeurope #LTKluxury

Zimmermann on sale at The Outnet 🤍

#LTKwedding #LTKdatenight #LTKspring

Can you wear the same white shirt for 5 days in a row?
I’m saying yes — yes you can. (I’m not saying don’t wash it in between… 😅)
But if this isn’t proof that a white shirt is one of the most versatile pieces you can own, I don’t know what is.
Anything else you’d like to see styled for a week? 🤍
All info in comment 1
#tessmontgomery #whiteshirt #capsulewardrobe #elegantstyle

Summer Favourites on sale

#LTKspring #LTKsummer #LTKsale

The biggest mistake we make when we go shopping is to get items for a lifestyle we don’t have.

I’m all for inspirational motivation in life. However our wardrobe is not the place for it.

It doesn’t make sense to get things that we won’t use straight away.
Most of us have too many holes to fill in our wardrobes to be able to have nice things to only keep for “later”.

Because the truth is - we don’t even know when later comes or if it does at all. And even if it does, we probably rather get the things we like then instead.

So get items for you now, your body, your budget and your lifestyle as it is today.

…and let future you focus on her when she is ready.

Find all details below.

#capsulewardrobe #wardrobeexpert #slowfashion

#LTKuk #LTKspring #LTKeurope

I’ve never told this properly before.

I’ve been modelling since I was a baby. Full time from 18.

34 years inside the fashion industry, and I was still a shopaholic with a wardrobe full of clothes I never wore.
It was always someone else’s job to dress me, so I never learnt what I actually loved.

It took having my son, and the whirlwind suddenly going quiet, to finally figure out what I actually wanted.

8 years on, I share everything I’ve learned. The frameworks, the tools, the thinking that changed how I approach getting dressed entirely.

If you’re new here - this is where it started. 🤍

🤍I popped all the info in comment 1 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #wardrobeexpert #shopaholic #slowfashion

#LTKuk #LTKspring #LTKsummer

Item 88 - My One Item a Month choice for May is…

…a shorts and blazer set! I know it’s technically two, but I tend to let sets slide as they kind of need each other.

This set is perfect for my lifestyle. I can wear it to brunches, events, dinners and running errands in town depending on how I style it.

I will of course pair it with my April item 🙌🏻

What is your one item this month?

🤍I popped all the info in comment 1 🤍

#tessmontgomery #oneitemamonth #wardrobeexpert #capsulewardrobe #elegantstyle

#LTKuk #LTKsummer #LTKstyletip

Your wardrobe should be like a puzzle where all the pieces fit with each other, the only difference is that you should be able to seamlessly move the pieces around and the picture would still work.

This is part 1 of my series of “3 timeless accessories - 5 looks” where I want to highlight that you don’t need a lot of items, you just need the right ones.

Save this for when you need wardrobe inspiration, follow for part 2.

Reply OUTFIT for all 5 looks and the pieces 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #quietluxury #slowfashion

What I wore to…

…some of the most fun-to-dress-for event in the last year.

Which one do you like more?

I adore a dress. I’m such a princess at heart. I never feel as good than when I’m wearing a dress I truly love.

If I could have a wardrobe full of cocktail and evening dresses, I probably would.
…But I have to be realistic and to cap myself to as many dresses that are needed for my lifestyle. Luckily I still need a few…

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

#tessmontgomery #galadresses #oldmoneylifestyle #eveningdresses capsulewardrobe do

All of these on a budget of £350/month.

Which one of the 6 do you think is my best purchase?

It’s worth remembering that I have been doing the #OneItemAMonth challenge for over 7 years now. So I don’t have much of a regular wishlist based on what is missing in my wardrobe anymore.

Instead I’m starting to tick off dream items and pieces that really represents my personal style.

When you just start you will have most likely need to focus more on basics and items that is missing to make your wardrobe work harder for you.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

If you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and want clarity on your personal style, do the 7 Day Wardrobe Reset - I will show you step by step how to clear out, help you understand what you actually like, identify what’s missing, and figure out what to buy next.

Just comment “reset” and use the code “FIRST40” for 40% off.

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #clevershopper #clevershopping

White jeans - the eternal summer staple in my capsule wardrobe.

Do you prefer look 1, 2 or 3?

Very elegant, not too hard to style but definitely needs to be paired with a sense of daring 🍷 ☕️ 🫟

I love this high waisted wide legged style as it’s a lot more forgiving than some of the other versions of white jeans.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

If you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and want clarity on your personal style, do the 7 Day Wardrobe Reset - I will show you step by step how to clear out, help you understand what you actually like, identify what’s missing, and figure out what to buy next.

Just comment “reset” and use the code “FIRST40” for 40% off.

#tessmontgomery #summerwardrobe #wardrobeexpert #whitejeans

#LTKjeans #LTKspring #LTKstyletip

1 easy jeans and vest top base - 3 very different looks.

Do you prefer look 1, 2 or 3?

You really don’t need a lot of clothes, just the right ones. Often you look and feel better wearing some of your favourite basics on repeat and just style them differently.

Send this post to that friend who loves jeans and a white tee or vest. 🤍

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

If you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and want clarity on your personal style, do the 7 Day Wardrobe Reset - I will show you step by step how to clear out, help you understand what you actually like, identify what’s missing, and figure out what to buy next.

Just comment “reset” and use the code “FIRST40” for 40% off.

#tessmontgomery #wardeobeexpert #capsulewardrobe #jeansandtop #stylinginspo

#LTKgrwm #LTKOver40 #LTKSeasonal

5 ways to tuck away tops without bulk 🤍

Sheer skirts like this one in silk can’t really handle too much fabrics tucked in wirhout looking weird and bulky.

That’s when these 5 styling hacks are brilliant to have saved. I find that amongst them, there is always one that works perfectly for every occasion.

So make sure to save this post for when you need them!

Btw I haven’t heard this song in so long and it’s one of my all time favourites. So beautiful 🤍

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

If you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and want clarity on your personal style, do the 7 Day Wardrobe Reset - I will show you step by step how to clear out, help you understand what you actually like, identify what’s missing, and figure out what to buy next.

Just comment “reset” and use the code “FIRST40” for 40% off.

#tessmontgomery #stylinghacks #fashionhacks #wardeobeexpert #capsulewardrobe

I adore this striped cashmere top - but I really don’t use it enough.

Instead of just letting it sit there and gather dust, I’m going to do something about it and style it in 3 new ways.

This is the absolute best way to shop your own wardrobe and find a new love for an item that has gone a little stale.

It will inspire me to reach for this top more often. And in the end I take photos of each look and add them to my outfit library.

3 great new looks for my outfit rotation and an item that feels exciting again - winning! 💪🏻

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

If you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and want clarity on your personal style, do the 7 Day Wardrobe Reset - I will show you step by step how to clear out, help you understand what you actually like, identify what’s missing, and figure out what to buy next.

Just comment “reset” and use the code “FIRST40” for 40% off.

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #wardrobeexpert #oneitem3ways #sustainablewardrobe

#LTKSeasonal #LTKgrwm #LTKOver40

My 5 favourite summer shoes in my capsule wardrobe 🤍

Between these 5, I genuinely don’t feel like I need anything else for summer.

I styled all of them with the same dress so you can clearly see how much the shoe alone changes the feel of the outfit.

1. Fabric trainers - comfortable, slightly playful, and easy to wear. Perfect for something like a picnic or a bike ride.

2. Nude barely there sandals - subtle, but they add a bit of polish. Still very wearable, even with an 8.5 cm heel.

3. Ballet flats - soft and feminine. Ideal for a coffee date or a walk into town.

4. Statement sandals - these naturally become the focal point. They carry the outfit on their own.

5. Luxe sandals - comfortable but still put together. Think Italian holiday or shopping in St Tropez.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

If you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and want clarity on your personal style, do the 7 Day Wardrobe Reset - I will show you step by step how to clear out, help you understand what you actually like, identify what’s missing, and figure out what to buy next.

Just comment “reset” and use the code “FIRST40” for 40% off.

#tessmontgomery #wardrobeexpert #summerwardrobe #summershoes #capsulewardrobe

#LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40 #LTKgrwm

The eternal question - what to wear to the airport? ✈️

Are you more of a 1, 2 or 3?

It’s definitely a head scratcher.

You want to be comfortable, but still look smart. Dressed for the weather going to the airport, the plane and the climate at the destination… Not too hot, cold, casual or uncomfortable.

My go-to is always layers. So I can pop them on and off as needed. And I always have a scarf and some woolly socks in my carryon luggage.

I want soft, non-creasing items that are comfortable to sit in for a long time. But they still need to look nice and put together. I’m definitely not a trackie bottom kind of person.

What do you wear when you fly?

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

If you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and want clarity on your personal style, do the 7 Day Wardrobe Reset - I will show you step by step how to clear out, help you understand what you actually like, identify what’s missing, and figure out what to buy next.

Just comment “reset” and use the code “FIRST40” for 40% off.

#tessmontgomery #airportoutfit #airportlook #airportfashion #traveloutfit

3 shopping rules old money families use to keep their wardrobes aligned and their style consistent.

1. No trends - Clothes are your way of introducing yourself in the room before you even open your mouth. So it makes sense to stay consistent and let what you wear mirror you, not what’s “in” at the moment.

2. No logomania - We are not dressing to show how much money we have, we dress to show who we are. There is no reason to be a designer brands billboard, it only comes across as insecure.

3. Buy cheap - buy twice. Get what you want in great quality the first time or you will have to buy it over and over again. It sounds more expensive but it works out the opposite. To have trusted items that will last for many years also helps keep our style consistent.

Do you have any shopping rules to add?

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

If you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and want clarity on your personal style, do the 7 Day Wardrobe Reset - I will show you step by step how to clear out, help you understand what you actually like, identify what’s missing, and figure out what to buy next.
Because you deserve a wardrobe that works for you.

Just comment “reset” and use the code “FIRST40” for 40% off.

#tessmontgomery #clevershopper #oldmoneystyle #oldmoneyfamily #oldmoney

#LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40 #LTKgrwm

I have an amazing wardrobe because I’m a really clever shopper!

8 years ago I was a shopaholic, I was fast fashion addicted and chasing trends that never felt like me. I hated my wardrobe even though I was spending a lot of money on clothes every month.

It took a pregnancy for me to wake up and decide to figure out a better way. I wanted my wardrobe to actually work for me and my life.

So I went on a mission, and now 8 years later I have over 50 clever tools that has helped me build my own high quality luxury wardrobe, without being rich.

I share all that I have learned, so you can do the same. So if you are not already following me, I suggest you do. I can save you a lot of money.

What is your biggest problem when it comes to buying clothes?

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

If you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and want clarity on your personal style, do the 7 Day Wardrobe Reset - I will show you step by step how to clear out, help you understand what you actually like, identify what’s missing, and figure out what to buy next.

Just comment “reset” and use the code “FIRST40” for 40% off.

#tessmontgomery #clevershopper #wardrobeexpert #capaulewardrobe #slowfashionstyle

#LTKOver40 #LTKgrwm #LTKstorytime