To avoid excessive colour fading, turn pants and jeans inside out before popping them into a machine wash. A cold wash is usually best.

Make sure you Scotchgard any suede or nubuck shoes and boots before wearing them. Once they get wet, it’s difficult to keep them in shape.

Think of accessories as essentials – not as added extras – as they can make or break an outfit. Choose good quality pieces that will pass the test of time and fashion.

To give the illusion of a long elegant neck, choose tops with V-necks and low plunging necklines. For best results, choose darker colours which highlight skin tones.

When there’s no clothes brush available to remove unwanted lint and dust, use masking tape wrapped around your hand, instead.

Lipstick stains can be removed in the wash. Dab on surgical spirit or methylated spirits first, then wash normally.

Darker colours like black, navy and chocolate brown are generally the most slimming colours. Make sure you wear the one colour from top to toe for best results.

To hide a thick waist, wear loose-fitting garments that come to the hips, and avoid tucking anything bulky into pants or skirts. If your legs are good, make a feature of them.

A classic tailored suit is a great investment but, over a period of time, may need a little updating. Search for new button shapes and colours to replace the original ones and give your suit a fresh new look.

Never wear pantyhose – no matter how sheer – with open-toed sandals. Bare feet are the only option.