No matter what the latest fashion is, ignore it until you determine what basic lines and colours suit you. If you can't tell by spending some time in front of a mirror, ask a friend for an honest opinion.
Experiment with colour. Hold fabric swatches next to your face to see which colours are most flattering. Don't be a slave to fashion - if this year's colours don't look good on you, don't wear them.
To play it safe, choose classic styles for expensive items such as coats; go trendy with less costly separates and sportswear.
An alternative to making a big commitment to this year's styles is to follow the fashions only with accessories: shoes, belt, bags and jewellery. Scarves in particular can give clothes a fashionable lift. You can make them out of any lightweight fabric, new or old, and tie them at your neck or waist, or use them as headbands or shawls.
For a budget fashion accessory, make a fringed scarf from a length of fabric. Loosen a thread at the edge of the fabric and pull it away along the scarfs end. For a longer fringe, remove more threads in the same way.
Petite clothes
