STYLE WARRIORS

1 What are the three basic accessories that are safe yet stylish for men?

While more men have taken a shine to jewellery, they still prefer simple and understated designs.

Besides cuff links and tie pins, try rings and bracelets with clean lines and subtle embellishments. We like Lee Hwa Jewellery's Ezio white gold rings (from $838, from Lee Hwa Jewellery, 01-110 The Centrepoint), which feature contrasting matte and polished finishes.

To avoid looking effeminate, make sure the designs are distinctly wider or chunkier than a similar women's design.

The safest accessory is still a wrist watch. Opt for sportier designs with metallic touches as they are more versatile and fun. The larger the size of the watch face, the more macho it is.

Check out American sports label Nixon's Murf design ($635, from Level 3 Tangs Orchard) - a stainless steel watch with a large square face.

2 Wearing the colour black makes me look sallow. What other colours would work for me if I want a formal look?

A neutral colour, black should complement most skin types. However, you might look sallow in it if your natural colour contrast is low, meaning that your skin and hair colours are of similar tones.

For example, you are of a low natural colour contrast when you have fair skin and light coloured hair or tanned skin and dark coloured hair. The colour black might thus overwhelm you and cause you to look sickly.

A safer option is grey, which is not as harsh or overpowering.

Go for an outfit in any shade of grey that comes with a sheen to up the glam factor.

Or go back to black and spruce up with neck accessories in pearl, gold or silver. The sheen will draw attention to your face and brighten up your complexion.

3 How can I wear tinted glasses without looking like an extra in a Taiwanese soap opera?

You are probably referring to lenses in colours other than brown, which is the tint most commonly used in sunglasses. Such glasses certainly looked cool on the likes of John Lennon and Kate Hudson's character in the film Almost Famous about rock 'n' roll in the 1970s. In other words, they are passe.

These days, they are more commonly used for functional reasons. Glasses with a yellow tint, for example, enhance depth perception in poorly-lit environments and are good for night driving.

If you insist on wearing other tints besides brown, opt for trendier frames. Plastic frames, for example, look more modern than metal ones.

4 What are some failproof colour combinations that will jazz up my look?

The basic rule in matching colours is that they should have the same undertones. Colours such as lime green, orange and mustard yellow, for example, have yellow undertones and are considered warm colours. Shades like pink, purple and blue have blue undertones and are considered cool colours.

So this season's hot orange would go well with colours such as brown and golden yellow. Another It shade this season is lemon yellow, which is a cool colour because of its blue undertones and goes better with colours such as aqua and pink.

You can also take a leaf from nature's book - the mixture of colours on flowers, for example, always work. Alternatively, opt for different shades of the same colour. Pair a lavender blouse with a darker purple bottom, for example. The result is easy on the eye and yet exciting.

5 I am an Asian with tanned skin. How can I wear short, clingy dresses without looking like a Sarong Party Girl?

All you need is balance. Since you are showing so much leg, cover up on top with longer sleeves or a more modest collar such as the crew neck or a high boatneck that reveals only the collar bone. You can also throw on a pair of tights - the idea is not to expose too much skin.

The type of footwear you choose is important too. Make sure your heels are not too high because the longer your legs look, the shorter your dress will appear. Avoid anything higher than three inches.

Make sure your dress is of a good make - nothing screams tarty and tacky more than cheap Lycra. Instead, opt for more luxurious fabrics such as cashmere or silk.

A good short, clingy dress to own is French designer Herve Leger's mini bandage dress (from $1,496, from Pois, 02-47 Paragon)

Its knitted finish, light sheen and fine workmanship make this mini number look more sleek than sleazy.

For a chic option that is easier on the pocket, we like this silk number with a colourful print (above) from British high-street label Miss Selfridge's ($99, 02-31 Raffles City).

6 I am in my 40s and hitting a club for the first time in years. How can I be trendy without looking like mutton dressed as lamb?

Dark coloured jeans are a good casual-chic option. Instead of the skinny style, opt for a bootleg cut with a mid-rise that starts at the waist if you are of a fuller figure. The cut is modest without being mumsy and flatters most body types. Check out Levis' Red Tab Bootcut Jeans (right, $139.90, from Levi's, 01-32 Raffles City).

Pair this with a statement top such as a coloured silk blouse or a tank top embellished with jewels and strappy heels for a fun yet age-appropriate look. You could also pair a brightly coloured wrap dress, which has a silhouette that is more forgiving of fuller figures, with kitten heels.

7 What is one basic scarf that a woman should own and how should she wear it?

You cannot go wrong with a square silk scarf large enough to be rolled up and worn as a belt or head scarf. Check out the designs from French luxury label Hermes ($610 for the Carre Hermes in silk twill) which are known for their silkscreened prints and buttery soft texture.

For cheaper options, trawl accessory stores in places like Far East Plaza and Lucky Plaza where prices start from $5.

Loop the scarf around your neck once for some Hollywood glam, tie it into a floppy bow for a fun look or wear it as a halter top.

Or try this simple way: Fold the scarf in half and tie it as you would a piece of string, leaving one end flapping in front and the other end behind.

For a funkier treatment, twist the scarf - as if wringing a towel - lightly to create some texture before knotting it.

8 If I had money for only one good leather bag, what should I invest in?

What you need is a classic bag that will stand the test of time. A hobo bag is roomy, work- appropriate yet casual enough for use on weekends.

We like this Pedder Red hobo (right, $280, from 03-04 Takashimaya Shopping Centre) for its quality and rocker studs. There is also a plain black version ($345).

If you need to lug a laptop around, consider a sturdy tote bag, such as Louis Vuitton's Neverfull ($1,020 to $1,140, from 01-20 Takashimaya Shopping Centre). If you are willing to pay a bit more, we guarantee that a woven Cabat tote from Bottega Veneta (from $6,140, from 01-43 Paragon) will never go out of style.

Pick a bag in treated textured leather so scratches and stains won't show so easily.

If you are feeling more adventurous, consider a metallic tote from Coach ($829) as metallic shades work wonders at jazzing up even the plainest outfits.

9 How much is too much when it comes to accessorising?

For jewellery, divide your pieces into three categories according to body parts - ears, neck and arm. In general, bling on two of areas is enough.

The bigger and more head-turning a piece is, the smaller the other piece should be. So don't wear big hoop earrings with a chunky necklace.

When other accessories come into play, don't overcrowd one area of your body. For example, if you wear a scarf on your head, don't pair it with large earrings. A pair of ear studs, a stack of chunky bangles and a belt will work well with a scarf as you are spreading your accessories around.

10 How can I dress for a flight and make sure I'm both chic and comfy?

It is always smart to layer with cardigans and scarves so you can take them on or off, depending on the temperature. Wear long pants or leggings as it can getchilly on the plane.

Business travellers can take a cue from jetsetter Jo Yong, 48, brand general manager for Estee Lauder. She banks on a simple body-hugging, crease-free knit top and pants for a chic look that takes her from the plane to a business meeting.

Wear wrinkle-resistant knits or light wool fabrics. Choose dark colours, so that any stains will not be visible, but avoid black as it shows up lint and dandruff. Wear flat shoes as these are comfortable and can be slipped on and off in a jiffy.

11 How can I pull off a mini-skirt without looking trashy?

Mini-skirts can be tricky because it is easy to cross into streetwalker territory. Tone down the tartiness by ensuring that your other items of clothing are more modest. Avoid tops that show too much skin, such as camisoles. Avoid animal prints too.

Instead, wear looser tops that do not cling to your body or wear leggings. If you must wear heels, keep it to a low two inches.

A simple rule is to keep the skirt's length to no more than five inches above your knee.

12 I like white heels but white shoes seem to have a bad rep. What can I pair them with to avoid looking uncool?

People have come to associate white shoes with three unfashionable styles: bridal shoes, school shoes and a-go-go boots.

Steer clear of these styles and you will realise white is a great neutral colour. We like these wedges from Charles & Keith (right, $49.90).

White espadrilles or strappy wedges are fab, casual styles that will give you a fun, summer look.

Wear them with cropped pants, skinny jeans or even a bright summer dress for effortless style.

White strappy heels work too, but try off-white if you find pure white too glaring.

Avoid solid white shoes such as pumps as they make your feet look bigger. They also "chop up" your legs and make you look shorter as the colour draws the eyes to your feet.

Panel of experts

• Cecellia Telkes, 39, associate consultant of local corporate image consulting and training firm Imageworks Asia
• Audrey Quek, 34, principal image consultant of Audrey Quek Image Consultancy
• Ben Chan, 39, assistant manager of optical chain The Lens Men
• Albert Kwong, 30s, regional marketing manager of Sunglass Hut
• Madeleine Ho, 30s, marketing director of Hermes Singapore
• Kean Ng, 37, assistant business director of Lee Hwa Jewellery
• Gary Goh, 29, assistant brand manager of Goldheart Jewelry
• Lynette Chiam, 26, merchandising executive of Tangs
• Niki Chen, early 30s, merchandise manager of Pedder Red
• Nicole Liu, early 30s, footwear buyer of On Pedder
• Vernon Sim, 41, fashion stylist
• Lau Tse Ling, 28, group marketing and communications manager of Charles & Keith

CHEAT TIPS

13 How can I fake a cleavage when my outfit doesn't allow me to wear a bra?

What you need is a silicone adhesive bra that does not have straps or side extensions. Known as "chicken fillets", these bras resemble two jelly cups.

Tai tais here swear by NuBra, which you can get from a pushcart outside Mango, 01-157 Suntec City Tower 1 (prices range from $79 to $159).

These bras, which are made from a sticky silicone material, will stick fast to your chest. To maintain the stickiness, wash the cups with soap and warm water. Good for about 100 uses.

14 Which are the best support garments that hide tummy bulge?

A brand favoured by Hollywood stylists and celebrities is Spanx. Get yours from www.hipundies.com, which ships here. Prices start from US$22 (S$33.50).

Triumph also has girdles of varying strengths. Its new Modern Shapes Girdle ($132) is made of a lightweight fabric for maximum comfort.

15 Where should the hems of my pants end?

For men, the hem should reach the mid-point of your heel. At this length, you can sit without your pants riding high enough to show your ankles.

For women, the length depends on the style of the pants as well as the type of shoes you wear.

Pants with tapered or skinny legs can end at the ankle so you can show off your shoes. Pants with a straight or flared leg should be longer.

If you are wearking flats, the hem should reach the mid-point of the heel. With heels, the pants should be as long as the halfway mark of the heels.

16 Must the colour of my shoes and bag match?

Not unless you want to look like you are trying too hard. Instead, focus on coordinating your accessories to your outfit. Match the colour of either your shoes or bag to your outfit by picking one colour in your attire. For example, carry a red bag to bring out a red print pattern on your dress.

The shoes should be in a neutral colour such as tan, black or white to keep your look from being too busy.

For guys, it is also not necessary to match the colour of the belt to the shoes, but they should belong to the same colour family.

Also, your belt should be darker than your shoes or you will draw attention to your mid-section.

17 What tops should I wear to hide my narrow, sloping shoulders?

Wear tops that will draw the eye from one side to the other to create the illusion of width. This means tops with a boat neckline or horizontal stripes.

Also try shirts with puffy sleeves or shoulder details to add height to the shoulders.

Avoid halter tops, which make your frame look narrower.

Structured jackets or blazers with shoulder pads are also options. Try this blazer from Topshop (right, $159, from 02-109 Marina Square).

Panel of experts

• Sharel Ho, 35, managing director of Jewels DeFred
• Mae Mak, 34, fashion buyer for Robinsons
• Vernon Sim, 41, fashion stylist
• Lorna Tio, 44, vice-president of marketing, Triumph Singapore

PERFECT FIT

18 I have big boobs. What styles complement my assets without looking vulgar?

Wear darker colours on top as they have a slimming effect. Stick to clean necklines such as scoop necks. If you prefer something dressier, go for sweetheart necklines.

Ultimately, how much you dare to bare is up to you, but when you notice people leering or looking away when you approach, it is probably time to cover up.

You will also need undergarments that give good support. When shopping for bras, ask the sales consultant for a bra made for well-endowed women.

Triumph's Butterfly bra ($89.90, from department stores including Robinsons and Tangs) has a deep-front cut as well as wider side panels for all-round support.

19 Jumpsuits are the rage - which style is the most flattering?

In general, a jumpsuit with a straight leg would flatter most women because this cut streamlines your silhouette.

If you have narrow hips, look for designs that can be cinched at the waist to give you a curvier shape.

Avoid belted designs if you want to deflect attention from wide hips.

Petite women should avoid wide-legged designs and go for cropped or tapered pants.

20 What is the best way to prevent foot blisters?

First things first: Get your sizing and fit right. For shoes that cause you grief, try Scholl's Heel Leather Liners ($5, from Guardian and Watsons stores), which cover the inner heel of your shoe and reduce friction.

There is also Foot Glide Anti-Blister Foot Formula ($13.80, from Guardian outlets), an ingenious lubricant you rub on blister-prone areas before putting on your shoes.

You can also try anti-blister socks ($24.90 to $26.90, from Arch Angel, 01-07 Delfi Orchard).

21 If I must wear heels, what style would cause me the least pain and discomfort?

Let it be known that podiatrists do not advocate wearing high heels as they are one of the major causes of foot pain and problems.

If you insist, heels with a wider base, such as platforms and wedges, would be the least damaging to your feet.

The higher your heel, the more pressure you will place on your feet, so your heels should be no more than an inch high.

One way to reduce the pain is to wear heels only when you have to.

22 What is the rule when it comes to wearing belts? Should the width be proportionate to your build?

Generally, the bigger your frame, the narrower your belt should be.

If you have wide hips and don't want to draw attention to them, don't wear anything at hip level. You could wear your belt at the waist instead.

You can wear a tunic top that ends below your hips and cinch your waist with a belt about two inches thick. This will give your outfit shape, while disguising your hips.

Of course, this works only if your waist is proportionately smaller compared to your hips.

Women with boyish hips can wear low-slung belts on their hips to create the illusion of curves.

Panel of experts

• Mae Mak
• Vernon Sim
• Lorna Tio
• Tye Lee Tze, 39, podiatrist at The Podiatry Centre, 02-05 Tanglin Place
• Matthew Herd, 26, podiatrist at Osteopathy & Podiatry, 05-19 Tanglin Shopping Centre

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT

23 How can I get rid of red wine stains on a white shirt?

Sprinkle some talcum powder on the shirt to absorb the stain. When the spot disappears, use a bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently dust off the powder.

If the material is not delicate, boil some water and place the affected area into it. The stain should disappear after a while.

You should take immediate action though. Your chances of removing the stain completely are down to 75 per cent if you leave it for a day. Any longer and you may have to live with the patch.

24 My pen leaked and left an awful stain on my leather bag. How can I get rid of it?

Ink stains are generally hard to remove. The only DIY solution is to use specialised ink stain removers, such as Leather Master Inkaway ($22.45, from Home-Fix, 02-248 Marina Square). Alcohol and nail polish remover might damage the leather.

Dip a cotton bud into the ink stain remover and roll it over the stain gently - rubbing might cause the stain to smudge and spread.

Attend to the stain as soon as possible or the ink might get absorbed into the leather, making it even more difficult to remove.

If that fails, turn to the specialists. Bag and shoe laundry Le Shine at 02-75 Far East Plaza, for example, uses a special technique to extract the ink.

The treatment is different if it is your shirt that is stained. Dab water onto the ink stain and use a clean cloth to blot it out. Next, apply some liquid detergent and wash it in warm water for about three minutes. The stain should lift completely.

You can also try dabbing on some alcohol, nail polish remover or a solution of baking soda and water, then rinse thoroughly. These methods are not recommended for delicate fabrics such as silk and satin, which may erode under the strong chemicals. Turn to professional launderers such as Presto Drycleaners (04-00 Takashimaya Shopping Centre).

25 I got caught in the rain and my leather shoes and bag are now wrinkled and smelly. How can I salvage them?

Use cloth napkins to dab both the inside and outside of the shoes and bags gently to soak up as much moisture as possible.

Scrunch up paper - the kind that clothing retailers use when packing clothes - and stuff it into your shoes and bags to keep their shape.

Instead of exposing the leather goods to direct heat, say, from a hairdryer, which can cause the material to shrink or crack, let the items dry naturally.

When completely dry - any leftover moisture will give off a smell - treat the items with a leather oil or conditioner such as Leather Master Rapid S Cleaner ($26.50, from Home-Fix) and Dicon Mink Oil ($8.10, from Home-Fix) which removes stains and helps to soften the material and revive its colour.

Prevent damage by applying a leather protector, such as Scotchguard's Leather Protector ($17.15, from Home-Fix).

26 Is there any other way of cleaning clothes marked with a "dry clean only" label?

Delicate fabrics such as silk and satin that risk being damaged when exposed to large amounts of water or detergent usually require dry cleaning.

The process involves washing clothes in a special industrial washing machine with organic solvent, typically the dry cleaning fluid known as perchloroethylene or "perc" for short.

The chemical is classified as a carcinogen by the United States' Consumer Product Safety Commission, but laundry experts here say it will not affect customers as any residue is rinsed off using a small amount of water.

Certain silk and satin items can be handwashed but the colours may fade and you risk leaving water marks.

Most woollen winterwear should be dry cleaned because the fabric fibres risk shrinking or losing their colour and softness when washed.

27 My jeans tend to expand after every wash. How often should I wash them to keep the fit and colour?

The way to keep your jeans looking brand new is to soak them in a mixture of one part vinegar to 20 parts water or a salt solution for about three hours before wearing them. This is said to help preserve the jeans' original colour.

When washing them use a mild, bleach-free detergent and wash and air inside out to reduce colour loss.

Contrary to what denim junkies think, it is fine to wash your jeans as often as once after three days of wear.

The expansion problem is harder to lick as ithas more to do with the type of fabric than laundry technique.

Jeans that contain polyester, for example, are more prone to shrinking than those made of 100 per cent cotton.

To prevent your skinnies from turning baggy, avoid using hot water to wash them as this could affect the fabric's ability to regain its elasticity.

28 How can I prevent the colours on my clothes from fading in the wash?

Read the care instructions carefully - washing items that say "cold wash only" in hot water tends to cause fading.

To prevent colours from washing out, soak your new clothes for six to eight hours in a mixture of equal parts salt and water or vinegar and water.

This should keep the colours intact for a good long while.

Drying your clothes under direct sunlight is a main reason the colours fade. Instead, set up your drying rack in a well-ventilated and shaded area.

29 My coloured top got stained when it was washed together with my black outfit. How can I get rid of the stains?

Colour transfer stains are some of the toughest to remove. Many turn to bleach, but while it works wonders on whites, it risks removing the original colour pigments of fabric along with the stain.

To clean such stains, soak the affected area in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and lemon juice, then run it through the wash as per normal.

If that fails, use specialised stain removers such as Colour Safe Colour Run Remover from Dylon ($5.60, from Home-Fix).

30 How can I keep my white tops from yellowing and how do I turn them white again after they have changed colour?

The yellow stains are usually caused by mildew, which tends to grow in places with high levels of moisture or humidity. To prevent mildew stains, make sure your wardrobe is well- ventilated. Place a mini dehumidifier, such as the Reusable Dehumifier by lifestyle company Olee ($9.90, from Home-Fix, 02- 248 Marina Square) in your wardrobe.

If you don't wear an item often, store it in a plastic bag.

To remove stains, apply hand soap onto the affected area and brush the suds off. If the stains refuse to budge, try soaking in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and lemon juice.

You can also consider chemical help, such as Dylon's Fabric Whitener And Stain Remover ($7.50, from Home-Fix).

Panel of experts

• Lyne Ong, 39, spokesman for local DIY chain Home-Fix
• R. Vijayan, 41, operations manager of local laundry chain Central Laundry
• Tina Lim, 47, owner of vintage bag business Strange But Cool
• Katharine Foo, 34, product manager of Levi's Singapore
• Kanny Chan, 26, regional manager of leather laundry service Le Shine

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.