The right outfit can make us look and feel a million dollars, whether at work or play. But no matter how great others tell you that you look, if you feel uncomfortable in an outfit - too fussy, too creased, too drab, too dated - you won't be able to relax and enjoy yourself. No wonder our clothes play such an important role in our lives!

That's why it's so important to choose clothes that reflect your personality and boost your confidence. After all, it's not what you wear, but the way you wear it, as the song goes... It's also just as important to look after your clothes properly once you've bought them and give them the care they deserve.

Taking a bit of time to discover the clothes that not only make you look fantastic but feel more attractive too is the secret. Here are a few tips to help you get it right:

  • Look after your clothes Before we even go into ideas on how to find the most suitable new items, start by looking after the ones you've already got. Why spend so much on them, just to neglect them after the first week?! A golden rule is to treat everything as if it cost four times the price and follow the label's instructions to the letter. The quickest way to ruin any garment is to just chuck it in the washer at the wrong temperature - or to spin it when it should be dried flat. Give your clothes the care they deserve and you can enjoy wearing them for longer. By using a fabric conditioner such as New Lenor In the Pink, not only will you keep your favourite clothes feeling soft, they'll also be left with the uplifting, fresh and fruity fragrance of mango and orange. And because using a fabric conditioner on your clothes helps to minimise ironing time, you'll have a little longer to enjoy getting ready - which after all, is the best part of going out!
  • Find a girlfriend you can trust Only shop with someone whose opinion you really value, and who'll be brutally honest. If you look too frumpy in that skirt you spotted in the sale, she needs to be able to tell you, with no offence taken!
  • Colour, colour, colour! The right colours can make you look like you've just come back from a fortnight's holiday. The wrong colours can make you look older, tired, or both. If you can't afford to see a colour consultant, either grab that trusted friend, or spend an hour in your bedroom going through your wardrobe holding different coloured clothes up against your face. Do this with no make-up on and you'll soon see what lifts you and what drains you. Also, check out magazines to see what colours women with similar hair colour and complexion to you are wearing - it may give you some new ideas to try out for yourself.
  • Work with your body, not against it As the abundance of TV makeovers show time and again, dressing to suit your body shape is key to looking your best and maximising your assets. The right shapes and styles can work wonders - skimming over the bits you're not so keen on and emphasising the bits you love - so pay attention and make your clothes work with you, not conspire against you!
  • Don't be a slave to fashion Every season, look at what your favourite fashion magazine is recommending and pick out just a couple of trends you love and think may be right for you. Then try them on and see how they'll integrate into your existing wardrobe. Don't ever buy anything just because it's in fashion, but see how you can adapt current trends to suit your own personal style.
  • Spend wisely Retail therapy isn't a term created lightly - it's a great boost buying a fabulous new pair of boots, or a sexy little top - not surprising then that so many of us spend as much spare cash as we can on new clothes! Just try to make sure that a key piece such as a winter coat or smart suit for work is the best quality you can afford and then you can pick up cheaper pieces such as every day tops to ring the changes each season. Don't buy something in the sale, no matter how much of a bargain, if it really doesn't suit you, or you'll have to slim into it. It will be a wasted purchase and will just end up taking up valuable wardrobe space.
  • Accessorize Of course a quick, simple and cost effective way of updating your clothes is with a few well chosen accessories, so don't be afraid to experiment and be more creative here. Maybe you have a 'signature accessory' - something you always love wearing that makes you feel more special. It can be anything from show-stopping necklaces to quirky hair accessories - make it a style statement and make it your own!

So just remember, we're not talking high fashion, hours on the high street or pots of money here - just a fresh eye for detail, enough energy to keep out of the proverbial rut, and a creative twist or two. That way you'll look your best whether you're doing the school run, shopping in Sainsbury's or going on a girls' night out!