Frances Card has been influential on the British fashion scene for the past three decades. She is an independent consultant and works with a wide client base of Brands, Retailers, Wholesalers and ecommerce companies with clients such as V&A and Matches.. Here Frances shares her 5 top tips on how to dress with confidence…

Part One – Honesty

“Clothes maketh the man” Mark Twain famously said… of course today we would add “or woman”! This statement is extremely true and has been throughout history. Clothing has historically dictated wealth, status, religion, gender and so the list goes on.

The clothing industry walked away, very early, from purely functional products and has now morphed into a global business worth in excess of $180 billion dollars. The premise, however, has never changed. Clothes do make statements and often the difference between success and failure – particularly in business.

Dressing well for your shape and lifestyle is about honesty (to yourself and to others), celebrating the best of YOU and understanding who you really are – from a wardrobe stand point.

So… how easy is it to dress with confidence? Not really so difficult if you follow these initial 5 easy steps… have courage… it works!

Above final Look 1. Alexander McQueen Prince of Wales Check Jacket £1145, Alexander McQueen Etched Tiger Chiffon Scarf £285, Alexander Mcqueen Silk Crepe Top £420, Freda Devon Leather Skirt £380, Alaia Suede Shoe Boot £888.

1. Prepare – Assess your body – I know we all hate it. Stand naked in front of your bedroom mirror and genuinely assess all your good points… oh yes you will have several! Share this experience with a friend – check out each other, it may sound odd but it is hugely helpful (a glass of champagne smooth’s the embarrassment).

2. Review – Write a script of how your body looks (or pour another glass of champagne and you/ your friend can do it!) – use adjectives like curvaceous, full bodied, slim, pear-shaped – it is important YOU name how you look. This is now your shopping list you can take with you whenever and wherever you shop.

3. Investigate – visit a personal shopper – choose your favourite store or book a personal shopper. I would advocate this every season. It really helps us step out of our skins however confident we are in our personal style and dress sense. My favourites stylist and personal shopper is Fiona Huntingford : fiona@stylestruck.com. Fiona has been called the ‘Mother Theresa’ of wardrobes! She is also a personal shopper at Bicester village www.bicestervillage.com so can work to any budget. Matches fashion even have an online version at www.matchesfashion.com – the MyStylist team at Matches chose all my outfits shown here and the wonderful photography was by Owen Reynolds.

Above final Look 2. Alaia Skater Dress £1710, Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Clutch £890, Alexander McQueen Dandelion Ring £130, Alaia Ruffle Suede Lace-Up Shoes £918.

4. De-clutter your wardrobe and lose all the pieces you have that definitely don’t suit you or you shouldn’t be wearing no matter how much they cost!

5. Evaluate – your hair and make-up – Change (or at least plan too!) your hair style try out new looks on: www.instyle.com/instyle/makeover or many other sites. It is great fun and often makes you realise how fabulous your hair is now! Book hair treatments and perhaps even try the new Brazilian Blow Dry that lasts about 3 months. A perfect shape every time you wash. Visit a make-up counter that you have never used before and ask for a makeover. Many cosmetics will charge for a makeover but the cost is taken from your purchase’s. Try www.maccosmetics.co.uk Follow all of the above and take PRIDE in your honesty and the world will be your oyster!

Above final Look 3. Lanvin Drape dress £1200, Lanvin Coral and Brass Necklace £450, Lanvin Embellished Satin Clutch £455, Model’s own shoes.