For here's what we call the Ten Style Commandments - follow these and you should never go wrong:

1. DON'T OVER OR UNDER-DRESS

There is a time and place for everything - you should assess the situation and dress accordingly. A cocktail dress does not belong at a picnic, jeans don't belong at a wedding, heels don't belong at the beach and so on. Make sure you're never the one in the room that's overly done up or extremely done down. If you're not sure about a certain invitation, glam up a pair of jeans with heels and a classy top and leave it at that. For day events and night parties take the lighting, the weather and the company into account. Your partner's boss should not be subjected to your pumped up cleavage and going out clubbing in sneakers is just so wrong.

2. BE REALISTIC

Ok, so the in thing right now is teeny weeny little short shorts. Does that mean that everyone should own a pair? No. Dress for your size. Dress for your shape. When looking in the mirror, don't ignore the not-so-nice bits. Understand your body and work out what you need to show off and what you need to hide. Following trends can be to your disadvantage if you don't have the right figure for the look. Be realistic when choosing garments and understand that not all clothes are made for all types of people. Everyone is different and although you want to be hip, you also don't want to be a laughing stock. If a new look emerges onto the market suddenly, the best thing to do is try it on and work out if it's you or not.  Be comfortable in your skin and know what is not for you.

3. DON'T CLASH

Unless you're a true outfit matching professional, don't attempt to put paisley with stripes. Patterns are all the rage right now, but learn how much is too much. When in doubt, make your bottom garment a plain colour and your top garment a patterned one.  Stripes, polka dots, florals and leopard prints are all extremely funky, but matched up with the wrong thing, they can look absolutely awful. Don't fall into the trap of mis-matching without knowing what you're doing.

4. PICK THE PERFECT PALLETTE

Choosing colours that compliment your skin tones and your shape is just as important as choosing the perfect fit. If you're blonde, light colours are perfect for daywear. Purples, pinks, limes, greens and blues. For evening wear, instead of sticking to the always-winning black, try a maroon, red, yellow or hot pink. If you're a brunette, go with whites, tans and browns for daywear and spruce up your night parties with some deep purple, forest greens and blood reds. A great evening colour is also grey or charcoal. Colour doesn't just stop there. We all know that black is slimming and figure forming, but it can also seem glum and boring. Try to glam up your black by adding silver and gold where possible. White is a lovely pure colour, but it doesn't suit every shape. White usually adds a little onto everyone, so be very careful when wearing it.  Always remember that your personality and your moods come through in how you choose to present yourself. With this in mind, put colours together accordingly.

5. DON'T BE A CATWALK COPYCAT

International and local designers know very well that what works on the catwalk will never work out on the street - you should too! Just because Gisele comes out onto the runway wearing a hundred and fifty different patterns, styles and garments all entangled together, don't run out looking for that exact look to imitate. It just doesn't work. A runway show is designed to be just that: a show. It is entertainment and a chance for designers to show off their talents at designing and over-styling. Garments displayed on a catwalk should be taken into account as separate pieces. Also, let's not forget that supermodels are not like the rest of us and before you mail order that tight nipple showing top off the internet, think about your own shape first.

6. LESS IS MORE

We can't stress this fact enough. If you're a jewel nut and can't help but grab every piece of jewellery on sale, then this rule is for you. Jingling all the way may suit some cultures but in the fashion world it's a huge no-no. Keep the bare minimums on and avoid overdoing the accessories. One necklace and one bracelet is sufficient enough, overlapping is not the way to go. If unsure of how much is too much, follow this quote from our favourite fashion icon, Coco Chanel: "before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off".

7. DON'T FLASH THAT CASH

Just won lotto? Just hooked into a millionaire? Fashion doesn't care. We understand that certain designers come with a certain amount of stature, but there's more to style than a name and if you're not convinced, just read through commandments 1 - 6. It doesn't matter that you're wearing an entire outfit hand made by Armani himself, if the fit is wrong, the colours are off and you have over accessorised, then you still look like the local hobo - designer or not. You don't need to over bling and show off just how much something cost. Some of the world's most fashionable people are garbed in no name labels and look better for it. Diamonds are beautiful, but maybe one an outfit will do. Cashmere is lovely, but just a scarf is plenty to show you can afford it. It's about style - not the Benjamins.

8. STAY TIMELESS

Trends are coming and going as fast as ever these days. Can't keep up? Try staying with the timeless classic pieces. Beautiful v-neck tee shirts, straight cut jeans, pencil skirts, wrap dresses and turtle neck fitted tops. These items seem to be recycled every season by designers and if you want to stay on top of the game, be safe. Know your shape and invent a staple regime of clothing that will stay ageless and will suit you. Don't worry too much about the ongoing changes that are happening around you - these will fly past before you can say 'jeans tucked into boots'. Keep it simple.

9. BE AN INDIVIDUAL

Shopping for the right clothes is just the first step to being fashionable. You also need to know how to wear them and wear them right. The winning formula for this is easier than you think: be yourself. Add your own flavour to any outfit. Just because they put grey and red together in the shop, it doesn't mean you have to do the same. Experiment (without going too far) with colours, layering, textures and patterns. If you're feeling bold and sexy, let people see this in your outfit. If you're feeling intelligent and classic, dress accordingly. Always give your own twist to a look and you'll find you'll get it right every time. Clothes are a way for us to express ourselves, so do just that.

10. IT'S NOT GOSPEL

This will be one of many do's and don'ts that you will read when it comes to fashion. The best thing to do is always take it with a grain of salt. You are the only one who is in charge of how you look. Choose carefully, wear it well and be confident. These are the main rules of being stylish. As we mentioned before, trends come and go and the best way to maintain your look is by knowing yourself and feeling comfortable. It's also much better to be a trend setter than a follower so always remember - fashion is what you make it.

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