The 20 new fashion rules

Experiment with colour

As fashion evolves, so do the rules it\'s bound by. Jennie Warner steers you through the style advice that matters.

Experiment with new colour combinations...The little black dress may be safe, but it isn\'t always best. Bright frocks were in abundance on the fashion runways for spring.

Versace, Spring/Summer 08 

Soften your look

If you insist on wearing black, which is harsh on a mature complexion, soften the severity with a bright scarf.

Scarf, £4 George at Asda

Play with trends

Acknowledge trends but don\'t pursue fads. When you venture on to the high street, invest in one gorgeous high-fashion statement item for a discerning nod towards what\'s now.

Natural fitted linen jacket, £85. Natural high waisted trousers, £50, both W. A Limited Edition collection at Wallis, www.wallis-fashion.com.

Revamp your wardrobe

Make new from old - clothes revamping is having a resurgence! Will new buttons bring that old coat up to date? JosyRose has a selection so tempting it will trigger a passion for fashion.

Buttons from a selection, www.josyrose.com

Work the fabric

Avoid textures and fabrics that are hazardous to your figure. High-shine materials add bulk to a fuller figure, starchy fabrics don\'t sit well over curves, and stretchy, clingy clothes aren\'t good for a lumpy bottom and thighs.

Anne Klein, Spring/Summer 08 

Dress up denim

Denim isn\'t only for daytime: with heels and a sparkly top it\'s sexy for evening, too. And with careful selection, smart jeans styles can even be acceptable for the office.

Denim fan: Elle Macpherson 

Clever clashes

Discover the art of the careful clash - but pick a colour theme to make the look work.

Dress, £299, 8-18; belt, £73 S-L; scarf £65; sunglasses, £75 Jaeger ; 0845 051 0063; www.jaeger.co.uk

Mix silver & gold

It\'s okay to wear silver with gold. Contemporary and sleek, rather than Bet Lynch brassy, is how to do it. Pile on a mix of bangles or rings to experiment with the look.

Marc Jacobs, Autumn/Winter 08/09 

Using statement jewellery

Never before has the statement necklace felt so current and had such appeal. Big and bold is the way to go.

Necklace, £306, Pebble; 0207 262 1775; www.pebblelondon.com

Be shopping savvy

Primark with Armani, New Look with Max Mara... Today\'s fashionable women know that mixing budget buys with investment purchases is the way to prove their credentials.

Shoes, £30, 4-8, New Look, www.newlook.co.uk

How to wear prints

Prints can be worn by anyone - contrary to fashion myth. The key is to pick the right one. Bold and vivacious or demure and floral, there\'s a pattern to suit your personality this coming summer.

Anne Klein, Spring/Summer 08 

Be an eco-fashionista

Eco-friendly fashion is as hot as a designer label. Try GH favourites www.peopletree.co.uk and www.adili.com

Coral sash dress, People Tree 

Find your inner handbag

Never under-estimate the power of a fabulous handbag. It doesn\'t have to be Hermes-Kelly-bag-pricey to have impact

Handbag, £35, Aldo; 0207 836 7692; www.aldoshoes.com

Match your accessories

The jury\'s out on this - but one school of thought says match your shoes and bag. A year ago, being too ‘matchy-matchy\' was old hat, but now for many it\'s de rigeur. That\'s fashion for you!

Oscar de la Renta, Spring/Summer 08 

Find the right footwear

Buy only footwear in which you can (elegantly) run for the bus. Wide foot or calf?

Try Duo; 0845 070 5588; www.duoboots.com

Or Selve; 0207 321 0200; www.selve.co.uk

Paul & Joe, Autumn/Winter 08/09 

Down-size your wardrobe

Take note of the adage "you wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time." Edit your wardrobe, give away cast-offs and resolve to buy classics.

Max Mara, Autumn/Winter 08/09 

Make legs look gorgeous

The trend for wonderful tights means its easy to revisit the old rule that grown-up women shouldn\'t expose bare legs. Choose opaques (yes - even in summer) in any shade but black.

Luella, Autumn/Winter 08/09 

Copy an A-list secret

Remember the fix-all of the Hollywood A-list: sunglasses hide late-night eyes and create instant glam-factor. The bigger, the better.

Sunglasses, £14.99 Foster Grant; 01782 813000; www.fostergrant.co.uk

Tips for underwear

The golden underwear rule stays the same: hide it under white by wearing a nude bra and pants. Le Mystere has a versatile range.

Seam-free bra, £49.95, 32A-38DD and pants, £18, S-L Le Mystere; www.lemystere.com