What do I wear...on New Year's Eve

The following looks can then be created:

1) Outside date: A pair of tall flat boots with a short dress. Wearing a mini-dress can display confidence as well as your stylish boots. Make sure you keep warm by wearing thick tights and a colourful scarf to add an injection of colour to your outfit.

2) Outside date: Opt for a pair of form-fitting jeans. Cigarette-cut and straight-leg jeans can be tucked inside tall flat boots, whilst worn with a simple polo-neck, coloured scarf and a short fur coat.

3) Inside date: Add formality by wearing big high heels and long earrings to go with your dress. Together this look is very striking, making the earrings the statement piece of your outfit.

Dating Style Tips

Personal style is not about designer labels, the latest celebrity trend or must-have accessories; it's simply about having the confidence and self awareness to make the very most of what you've got. So here are a few tips:

STYLE TIPS FOR WOMEN
Men are more receptive to style and image than they are often given credit for:

*Appearance - looking too casual is a bad idea but equally looking too trendy can be a problem too - you don't want to send him running for the hills.If choosing a dress, then it is crucial both the colour and shape are flattering, with a feminine edge...

*Heels - instantly make you look taller and slimmer. Go for as high as you can walk easily in.

*Jewellery - avoid masses of gold, as it's unlikely he will understand the fashion irony of the St Tropez chic look. Instead, carefully choose some pieces that will make you stand out.

*Underwear - create a clean, smooth and toned silhouette with control underwear.

*Scent - finish off your look with a 'light scent' of perfume. Nothing is more off putting than smelling like a perfume department.


STYLE TIPS FOR MEN
Like dressing for work, dating women can be equally competitive:

*Personal grooming - she will notice and don't kid yourself otherwise..Showering and a good scent will take you far, as will polished shoes, fresh breath and clean hair and nails.

*Sexy Shirt - selecting an interesting shirt with some sort of texture or pattern is a good conversation starter. The pattern can be as subtle as a tone-on-tone stripe or go bold with a colorful pinstripe. However, stay on the distinguished side of wild and wacky.

*Jeans - men often select jeans that do not fit them. So pay careful attention to fit around your waist, rear end and legs. Be careful, as jeans can either age you by 10 years or make you look way too young and getting the right pair is an absolute essential - you would be amazed.

*Shoes - invest in at least one cool pair of “going out shoes” that are modern. Avoid rubber soles, square or rounded tip toes - these can make you look out of touch.

*Accessories - finish off your dating look with a quality leather belt, a smart leather wallet, and a sporty chronograph watch.

*Smart occasion - always go for a snappy dark suit with a crumple free shirt. If a more casual occasion go for dark coloured jeans with a jumper and crisp shirt - a winning combination on any modern man.

Why bother dressing right?

Things have drastically moved along a lot since the Sunday best culture and parameters for dressing have certainly changed. And in some ways - thank goodness life has moved on. Particularly when i take a look at some of my own old smart outfits.. Scary stuff I can tell you!

Nowadays, dressing formally does not necessarily equal getting it right! In fact, the opposite can be the case...All very confusing from the good old days where it was much easier to know what and when you were expected to wear....However, today there are still occasions like the theatre or going out for dinner when it is nice to have a sense of occasion and wear those lovely outfits you love to wear!

Even dressing for work can be tricky today, we all know the rules have changed these days. Unless you are in a formal profession (...lawyer or accountant), then dressing smart is still an expected part of that being in that role, as a way of fitting in. Lucky them, with pretty much a set formula to follow.

Alternatively, most other job roles allow some flexibility, some allowing a great deal of creativity – although not be translated as an opportunity to dress sloppily or badly. However, this is where most blunders are made. Separating the well dressed from the poorly dressed - a clear divider! If you are returning to work from maternity leave then, turning up in your slummy mummy clothes into work, will take that identity with you, which isn’t necessarily the message you want to convey! Well lets hope not anyway.

Having a flexible wardrobe helps busy people to have the right outfit for various occasions. This is where compartmentalising work clothes works wonders! In fact, clothes focus the mind on the role you are playing at any one time. I am a great believer in performance clothes, where clothes have to earn their place in your wardrobe. So your wardrobe works for your life now not you 5 years ago….

And finally, Coco Chanel, who certainly knew a thing or two about dressing the part wisely said: "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they remember the woman."

Bye for now and remember fashion should bring fun and colour into your life.
Katie