Wardrobe workout: It's your call

A little black dress (not too little) is a fashion staple.

The myth that you are born with style is simply that - a myth, as Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine so often tell us. And although the makeover mavens' Sloane Ranger-style is not to everyone's taste, they're right when they say that style isn't something you inherit but something anyone can learn.

It's not just a matter of dressing to disguise your figure faults, although What Not to Wear's style-guide-mantra is an ideal place to start. Style is about developing individual flair in a way that will allow you to include a trend in your wardrobe without losing your identity.

Here are some guidelines that will help you to whip your wardrobe into shape and discover how to dress with imagination and panache.

How to achieve that classic look

The key is to choose colours that are subtle yet work well together. It's all about creating an unobtrusive look that still conveys a sense of individuality. A fabulous belt and some high-heel black boots will give a classic outfit glamour and flair. Keep it simple - frippery and frills are distracting, but strong clean lines convey sophistication and confidence.

How to wear black

Black, the perfect foil for a milky-white skin or a summer tan, is every woman's best friend and one of the most flattering colours in terms of silhouette. The key to getting black right is to choose well-cut clothing in good quality fabrics. Once you have that sorted, combine textures for interest - such as silk with wool and velvet. Then add a bit of zing to the monotone with a few well-chosen accessories that show a good eye for detail.

How to choose accessories

Think of your wardrobe basics as a cake, and your accessories as the icing. As anyone with individual style knows, accessories are essential when it comes to expressing your personality. For instance, the right belt can transform a simple pair of black trousers and top to a look that rings with confidence and sophistication. A few imaginative accessories indicate a woman who makes time for the finer things in life. Accessories don't have to be expensive, but generally you get what you pay for. A cheap imitation designer belt may fall to pieces on the very night you need it most.

How to avoid repeating mistakes

This can be a hard lesson to learn. The key to overcoming years of accumulated fashion mistakes is to come to terms with the emotional ties you have to your clothes. If you wear the same things over and over because your wardrobe is made up of many items that can't be matched then you need to take some urgent action. It's likely your wardrobe is full of pieces you fell in love with in the store but had no idea what to team with once you got them home.

How to avoid being a hoarder

Be ruthless. Throw out fashion mistakes and one-season wonders, then draw up a list at the beginning of each season of what you really need. That will make you less likely to succumb to impulse buys. And cleaning out the clutter will allow you to a more ordered view of everything you have. This could even lead of a fashion revelation - sometimes old favourites can be given a new lease of life when you spot combinations that you never imagined would look good together.

How to wear vintage

Every fashion season produces some classics that will never date. The key to wearing vintage is to train your eye to spot pieces that transcend trends. Vintage clothing has a timeless quality that makes it difficult to work out whether its from the past or present. Some secondhand stores make the job easy for you by stocking only the best of pre-loved clothing. It also pays to keep an eye out for pieces that will become collectibles in the future. Who knows if World's metallic jackets and frocks from the winter's collection will ever be back in vogue, but they are too fabulous to throw out.

How to turn daywear into evening wear

The key to creating an outfit that will take you from your office desk to a a romantic dinner is as simple as switching shoes and baring some skin. Wear a tank-top under a low-cut dress with a pair of sensible boots during the day, then whip off the vest and change the boots for some strappy stilettos in the evening.

Have a spring-clean

With spring on its way, we should all be thinking of a wardrobe clear-out.

If that's daunting then turn it into a fun event. Invite a stylish friend to help you, light an aromatic candle, order some canapes (forget the wine or you'll lose your ruthless streak), put on your favourite CD and get going.