THE FAIRY GOK-MOTHER SOLVES YOUR FASHION DILEMMAS

Ladies

Why is it you can max out your credit card in every high-street store and have a wardrobe that's straining at the hinges – but still have nothing to wear?

Here's why, my little fashion-sista – because shopping is an art form. Think of it like gourmet cooking. You wouldn't fill your cupboards with any old ingredients, then expect to throw together a soufflé at the drop of a chef's hat. As any gastro luvvie will tell you, the trick is to stock up on key items so you're always prepared.

Fashion is no different. Think of the perfect jeans (the ones that make your bottom look like a peach) as your olive oil, that slinky wear-anywhere top as your Parmesan, and those finishing-touch accessories as your garnish. Fill your wardrobe with all the right ingredients, and whatever the occasion, you'll be able to put together a show-stopping outfit. Read on for my recipe for fashion success, and you'll be looking positively edible in no time.

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DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Nothing says ‘promotion’ louder than a successful working wardrobe

Office wear has come a long way since Melanie Griffith sported those killer shoulder pads in Working Girl. Thankfully, looking good at work has never been easier. These are my three fave looks to go for.

No-mess dress
Sunglasses, Christian Dior by Safilo
Beads, Angie Gooderham
Red dress, Jesire
Belt, Zara
Tights, Falke
White bag, Oasis
Shoes, Aldo

Smart casual
White t-shirt, Primark
Green jacket, Banana Republic
Bag, Topshop
Trousers & belt, River Island
Scarf & bracelets, stylist’s own
Shoes, Topshop

Sassy suit
Sunglasses, Alexander McQueen by Safilo
Red vest, TSE
Grey suit, Hugo Boss
Bag, Cross @ Selfridges
Shoes, H&M

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SURGERY IS SO LAST SEASON

Smart girls splurge on undies instead!

You’ve got your outfit sorted, now for the most important bit of all – your underwear!

A smoothing, slimming pair of my favourite magic pants will make you look like you’ve had hip-shrinking lipo, while a well-fitting bra will give better results than any boob job.

See, didn’t I tell you you’re gorgeous…?

Sexy
Black bra, Shapely Figures @ Simply Be
Slimming knickers, M&S
Shoes, Aldo

Smooth
Nude bra, Simply Yours
Knickers, Spanx
Sleeveless cardi, Principles

Cheeky
Polka dot bra & knickers, Star by Julian Macdonald @ Debenhams
Shoes, Red or Dead

Natural
Beige & olive bra & knickers, Figleaves
Stockings, H&M
Shoes, LK Bennett

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OUT ON THE TOWN

There’s a look for every occasion – follow my advice and you’ll always be the belle of the ball

Whether you’re meeting the girls for drinks, going to a swanky bash or dancing into the early hours, there’s nothing like 
a night on the town to show the world how completely fabulous you are.

Girlie drinks
Earrings, Warehouse
Sequin vest, Debenhams
Silver purse, Oasis
Trousers, Uniqlo
Shoes, Topshop

Swanky do
Earrings & ring, Accessorize
Dress, Coast
Cape, Kate Moss @ Topshop
Belt, Topshop
Bag, Warehouse
Shoes, Oasis

Clubbing
Dress, TSE
Bangle, Topshop
Pink clutch bag, Topshop
Tights, Falke
Green shoes, Topshop

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A SHOE FOR EVERY DO

Black heels, Dune
Silver shoe boots, Faith Solo
Red peep-toes, Carvela
Gladiator sandals, Faith

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YOU BEAUTY!

Flawless make-up is so much easier than it looks with my sneaky secrets

Before I got into fashion, I was a make-up artist and I loved every moment! Nothing beats making a beautiful woman even more gorgeous – and with these top tips, you can do just that!

Do your groundwork

Even if you don't have time to cleanse and tone, find a good moisturiser and stick with it. Whether it's Crème De La Mer or Nivea, make-up sits better on moisturised skin.

Use slap sparingly

Never apply full foundation – always mix it with equal amounts of moisturiser for a more natural, dewy look.

Lighten up

Next use an illuminating highlighter stick on any part of your face that sticks out – your cheeks, brow bones and the length of your nose. This will give natural contours to your face.

Smile!

Next up, get some blusher on those cheeks. To look as natural as possible, smile hard and gently apply the blusher in a circular motion to the apples of your cheeks.

Socket to ‘em

When it comes to your eyes, use a flesh-toned eyeshadow over the whole lid. Then apply a darker neutral shade of beige or grey into the outer socket, and add some mascara. For a more dramatic evening look, add kohl eyeliner along your upper lashes.

Love your lips

Finish with a slick of clear lipgloss – or a deeper colour for evening – and you're good to go!

The ultimate hangover cure

Girlfriend, just because you feel like hell, doesn't mean you have to look it! Two words: tinted moisturiser. Blend it all over your face then add a touch of light-reflective concealer like YSL Touche Éclat around your nose, eyes, and chin to hide those giveaway dark spots. White eyeliner inside the bottom rim of your eyes will minimise redness and make your eyes appear brighter. Finally, sweep a touch of blusher across your cheeks. Your boss will be none the wiser!

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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