Extreme Style Makeover

If choosing clothes is a nightmare and you don’t know what suits you, consider hiring an expert. For around $100 an hour, a personal stylist will go shopping with you and, along the way, teach you about colouring, body shape, proportions and how to make the most of what you’ve got. Many department stores already offer stylist services and designers such as Bettina Liano are also getting in on the act.

Prefer a less intense catch-up session? Stylegenies runs workshops across Australia and New Zealand.

Sometimes a knockout new look is as simple as knowing which shades flatter your own skintones. Stylist Lyn Preston offers these tips:

* Keep colour simple.

* Hold solid colours up to your face to gauge whether they suit your complexion. You’ll notice if a shade makes you look washed out or perks up your face.

* Add one bold colour to your outfit and keep the rest in neutrals: black, navy, grey, mahogany, brown or white.

* Lighter shades suit light-coloured eyes; dark eyes with lighter hair go well with dusky, muted shades.

* The test of whether a colour works for you? Count the number of compliments when you wear it.

To revamp your wardrobe from the comfort of home, ask the experts online.

For fashionistas who want to know where celebrities buy their clothes, try a shopping tour like Sydney-based Chic in The City, where a style-savvy hostess takes you to the top boutiques.