Dressing for any occasion is about putting your best foot forward. Do some homework in advance to ensure an extra dose of glamour. So where do we begin?

Let’s start with five simple steps:

• The Size: Discussing sizes and how you have shrunk or expanded can be any woman’s ultimate nightmare or pride – depending on which side of the fence you find yourself on…But now that the Size Zero debate has been fashionably debunked, let’s talk real. It’s now time to take pride in the shape you are – slim or voluptuous. Remember you are not alone, there are many out there like you. And this precisely why all leading fashion houses now stock their creations in various sizes.

•  The Cut: “Oh, this dress was made just for you” – Most of us have received compliments like this at some time or another. And you know that the dress was not haute couture but something from a store that you fell in love at first sight. So what’s the secret? Yes, it’s the cut – the way the dress has been shaped, flattering your assets and hiding those areas that you aren’t really proud of. If the next time you hear about a garment ‘cut on the bias’, fret not. Pay attention, you might just pick up clues on whether the dress will suit you without even trying it on!

•  The Fabric: Knowing your fabric helps. Get a realistic assessment of your body type and stick to fabrics that accentuate your personality. For example, dressing up in satin in the sweltering tropics might be a bad idea, but a lovely satin gown on a chilly winter evening in Europe might add just the dash of allure you need when you begin dating. Mixing your fabrics is also often a strategy that works well.

•  The Style: They say ‘a classic black dress’ never goes out of fashion. Now, our aim whenever we decide to shop should be to mix ‘class’ with ‘fun’ and evolve a personal style statement. Every season ushers with it a style that is in vogue. And sometimes, the season’s style might just be what makes you look like a Greek goddess. But remember, it is unlikely that all styles will work equally well for you. Keep an eye out for the styles that have looked good on you in the past – and don’t just be a slave to the fashion trends. A style that you love often translates into confidence in the way you carry yourself. What could be a bigger style statement than that?

• The Colour: Experiment, indulge and revel…if you like bold colours, dabble bravely. But if you feel your skin glows in muted shades, then opt for pastels. You are the best judge of what colours suit you!