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Get dressed with Gok
Most of us will never shed our clothes on How To Look Good Naked or strut down the catwalk for Gok Wan's Fashion Fix. So what do we do if we want a little one-on-one time with the stylist extraordinaire?
Check out Gok's new book, How To Dress, for your very own personal styling session.
Wardrobe guru Gok dishes out advice for everyday occasions that might usually flummox us on the fashion front – from nights out to boardroom basics.
Gok appeal
Former stylist to the stars, TV presenter and now author, Gok has built his career around clothes and women of every age and shape fall at his feet for some style salvation.
But why do fashionista wannabes relate so much to a 6ft 1in guy who has a love affair with black clothing?
"I think I'm accessible and honest – I try to keep it as real as possible," says Gok, admitting that he's puzzled by his fame.
"I'm dead normal. I'm a working stylist primarily, not a TV presenter."
The master of makeovers says his secret is knowing what suits an individual.
"Several trends are out every season but they're not going to suit everyone," he warns.
"Understand your body and what works to create your own personal style. But get creative."
How To Dress: Your Complete Style Guide For Every Occasion by Gok Wan is published by HarperCollins, priced 18.99.
Style basics
Before you tackle the trends – Gok warns folklore, heritage and gothic are all tricky styles to pull off this season – it's time to nail the all-important basics.
"The whole point of basics is that they work like a wardrobe undercoat," Gok says.
"They are the things that enable you to update your look every season without buying a whole new set of clothes.
"The average woman has a wardrobe made up of four main areas: jeans, jersey, outerwear and knitwear. Sounds simple, right? Wrong!" says Gok.
Luckily he's here to guide us through the potential "Wardrobe Warzone".
Layering
Having difficulties moving from summer to winter? Layering up with basics is your key to transition dressing.
"Layering is one of the best ways to breathe new life into your wardrobe," Gok says, "there are just a few simple rules to stick to". Follow these tips for style success:
Keep base layers in a thin fabric so that they don't overheat: it's tricky to remove the underneath layer once you're out and about.
Keep top layers low cut and short sleeved, so you can see the layer underneath, to make a confident style statement.
If you're mixing pattern with plain colours, then keep the pattern on top so it doesn't get lost."
Jersey and knits
We all need a wardrobe full of snug jerseys and knits to fall back on in the autumn/winter season. But how do we wear them?
"The key to jersey basics is to embrace the fabric itself," Gok says.
"It's a great, heavy, slinky fabric that skims rather than clings, and can look super-sexy or dressed-down casual depending on how you wear it."
Put off by big granny knits? Think again, says Gok.
"By breaking those old rules and mixing chunky knits and summer dresses, or winter warmers and skinny knits, you can add texture to your outfit and personality to your look," he explains.
"You can still show off a dress by belting a 'cardi-coat' open, and revealing just a column of what's underneath makes your silhouette appear super-slim."
Overcoats
"From a classic bomber jacket to a woollen winter coat, these pieces are good to invest in," Gok advises.
LEATHER BIKER JACKET: "Can give a tough urban edge to your sexy Saturday night dress, without covering it up," he suggests.
CLASSIC TRENCH: "Belt it across your slimmest part to keep you looking super-toned, or keep it open and cinched at the back to reveal what's underneath."
SMART BLAZER: "Will instantly give slim jeans and simple flat pumps a 'grown-up' European look," Gok says.
"Roll up those sleeves for an even more confident look."
Jeans
if you can't find the perfect pair despite hoarding denim in every cut and colour imaginable, you're not alone.
"Top of most women's list of shopping nightmares is buying jeans," Gok says.
BOOT CUT: "A cut like this works best in darker denim, and a little faded wear on the thighs will draw the eye in and make those pins seem super-skinny," Gok says.
WIDE-LEGGED: "Super-flattering with heels or flats," Gok advises.
"Make sure the waistband is just tight enough, so that the back is snug around your gorgeous bum."
SKINNY: "Wear with flat footwear like ballet pumps for a casual, sexy finish," Gok suggests.
"A crazy, retro pattern top will distract from any midriff issues."
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Weather for Leeds
Thursday 24 May 2012
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