THE FAIRY GOK-MOTHER SOLVES YOUR FASHION DILEMMAS

Ladies

Welcome to my essential guide to getting gorgeous. I'm going to let you into a little secret. You know all those amazingly-turned-out celebs you yearn to look like – the ones with the impeccable style and to-die-for wardrobes? Well, they're just as clueless about fashion as you. I kid you not. Because behind every immaculately groomed A-lister, there's a team of stylists like me taking the hard work out of looking fabulous.

But the truth is, you don't need megabucks to look like a megastar. Hell, you don't even need a team of professionals. That's because your fairy Gok-mother is going to give you all the inside info you need to put together a stunning wardrobe that would have Posh herself clamouring to take a sneaky peek at your labels.

You see, if there's one thing I love, it's shopping. Girlfriend, it makes me giddy just thinking about all the rails of clothes out there waiting to work their magic on your gorgeous curves.

But before we get carried away with ourselves, let's start with the basics. In the next seven pages, I'm going to show you exactly what staples you need to wave goodbye to those ‘nothing-to-wear' days forever.

Next week, I'll tell you how to add the finishing fashion touches to achieve that perfect look for any occasion. Three words: Prepare. To. Dazzle!

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BASIC INSTINCTS

They’re the foundation of a capsule wardrobe. Yes, jersey and knitwear are about to become your new best friends

Every killer wardrobe is made up of four key staples – jeans, jersey, knitwear and outerwear. Think of them as the foundations for looking amazing. Get these right, and the rest will easily follow. So let's start with your top half.

Jersey and knitwear are your ultimate wardrobe buddies. Jersey, because it's a slinky fabric that skims rather than clings, and can look super-sexy or dressed-down casual depending on how you wear it. And knitwear, because as every fashionista knows, chunky and skinny knits add texture and personality to your look.

Get ready to get gorgeous…

Jersey
Scarf, Jaeger
Earrings, Accessorize
Top, Reiss
Trousers, Simply Be
Shoes, H&M
Clutch bag, Accessorize

Knitwear
Cream hat, stylist’s own
Floral dress, River Island
Navy cardi, Phase Eight
Bag, Warehouse
Belt, Sara Berman
Tights, H&M
Shoes, River Island

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IT'S ALL IN THE JEANS

Find the right cut for your fabulous figure and you’ll never look drab in denim

Top of every woman’s list of shopping nightmares is buying jeans. The high street is brimming with so many washes, cuts and fabrics, it’s a style minefield. Well, not any more, ladies! Because you have your own personal stylist on hand – moi – to show you the three key jeans shapes so we can find the perfect pair for you.

Bootcut
Pink scarf, Topshop
Striped vest, Jasper Conran @ Debenhams
Jeans, 7 For All Mankind @ John Lewis
Shoes, Jones the Bootmakers

Wide-legged
Cream vest, Topshop
Jeans, Topshop
Shoes, Russell &Bromley

Skinny
Spotty vest, Joules
Jeans, Razor Office
Shoes, Ted Baker

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COVER-UPS YOU'LL WANT TO KEEP ON

Jackets are great investment pieces. They’ll take you through nights out, a few weddings, a handful of day trips and a weekend away! Here are the key looks you need . . .

Biker babe

Leather is hot this season, and a biker jacket is a design classic you’ll have for years. Team it with a funky dress for a tough urban edge.

Classic trench

Is there anything hotter than a curvy woman in a classic trench coat? Belt it across your slimmest part to keep you looking super-slinky.

Biker babe
Grey dress, Phase Eight
Leather jacket, Topshop
Clutch bag, Topshop
Tights, Falke
Yellow shoes, Russell & Bromley

Classic trench
Cream coat, Principles
Scarf, stylist’s own
Bag, Warehouse
Boots, Kew

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Smart casual

A smart blazer will instantly give you a grown-up, European look. Go for shorter, narrower cuts to accentuate your waist for a really fabulous shape.

Short and sexy

A cropped jacket works perfectly with high-waisted trousers, giving the illusion of supermodel legs.

Smart casual
Sunglasses, Banana Republic
Scarf, stylist’s own
White shirt, Jasper Conran
Blazer jacket, Kate Moss @ Topshop
Clutch purse, Warehouse
White trousers, Gap
Shoes, Topshop

Short and sexy
Headscarf, stylist’s own
Sunglasses, Carrera by Safilo
Leather jacket, Tommy Hilfiger
Bangle, Accessorize
Trousers, Gap
Bag, Tommy Hilfiger
Shoes, River Island

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IT'S TIME TO ACCESSORISE

DRESSING UP AN OUTIFT IS EASY WITH THE KEY STAPLES

Accessories are the icing on the fashion cake (and honey, everyone is going to want a slice of you). Wherever you’re off out for the night, I want to see you dressed up to the nines. And these pieces will show everyone that you know how to party. My tip is to let your desk drawer double as a dressing-up box. Keep a supply of accessories like evening tights, a clutch bag and a classic pair of stilettos there. Just don't forget these commandments:

* H Plain, polished accessories work perfectly with busy prints.

* Retro accessories turn a simple dress into a real look – so pop on some beads!

* A simple ensemble will let oversized jewellery shine.

Credits

Belt, Jaeger
Brooch, stylist’s own
Capelet, vintage
Tassel bag, Jaeger
Scarf, stylist’s own
Gold bag, Monsoon
Burgundy shoes, Carvela

Hair accessory, Freedom @ Topshop
Flapper dress, River Island
Silver purse, Oasis
Shoes, Stuart Weitzman

 

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ROGER CHARITY, ADAM LAWRENCE EXTRACTED FROM ³HOW TO DRESS² BY GOK WAN TO BE PUBLISHED BY HARPERCOLLINS ON 1ST OCTOBER 2008 PRICE £18.99 © GOK WAN 2008