Work Your Wardrobe: Gok's Gorgeous Guide to Style that Lasts

This casual look could be known as ‘THE MOSS’, for model Kate has made that iconic rock-‘n’-roll style her fashion calling card. But then Kate always gets the proportions right, and that’s all you have to do to make the rock-chick look hit the right note for you. The brilliant thing about skinnies is that because your bottom half has such a neatly defined shape, you can get creative with the top. For the real rock deal, wear a big vintage print T-shirt underneath any of your jackets and loop a scarf loosely round your neck. If the colours clash, all the better, gorgeous girl.

· BEATNIK BEAUTY

This timeless look is perfect for spring or autumn days. The fact that it suits all ages, too, makes it one of my all-time favourites. If you don’t like the idea of full-length super-skinnies, choose a pair that sit just above the ankle, or that have zips up the side. Pair with a stripy top, a pair of ballet flats and a classic trench coat for perfect Parisian chic. Tie a vintage silk scarf round your neck for a dash of sixties charm. Or play the casual card with a big, loose scarf. And don’t forget those giant sunnies.

Gok’s FIT TIPS

STRAIGHT JEANS

1. Straight legs are the classic jeans shape and will suit most figures and all ages.

2. Traditional jeans brands, such as Lee, Wrangler and Levi’s, design great-quality classic straights for around £60, and because you will probably wear them for years, that’s a brilliant bargain in my book.

3. If you have a beautifully boyish or petite frame, straights will give you a more defined outline.

3 straight jeans

THE STORY THAT YOUR STRAIGHT JEANS TELL, LADIES, IS COOL AND CLASSIC. More than most styles, straight legs never really date and are a good all-rounder. For my curvy girls who like the idea of skinny but don’t want to look top-heavy, the straight is perfect for you: this style of jeans will give a leaner look and, with more depth at the crotch, a dynamic derriere, too. This classic shape is also a great bet for my older girls, as it doesn’t dictate a full-on fashion look. Bring them up to date in your own natural way.

· PREP SCHOOL

In the eighties, Brooke Shields in her Calvin Kleins put designer jeans on the map. And, my darlings, regardless of your style, age or shape, in this smart-casual style, you can work a fabulous designer-denim look of your own. Just

“Straight jeans will give you a leaner look and a dynamic derriere, too, gorgeous!”

whip out a casual men’s-style shirt or a plain T-shirt from your wardrobe, along with a blazer. Tuck your top in and wear a tan leather belt. If you’re going shopping, slip on a pair of loafers (they are so in again). Or wear courts to smarten up for a lunch date. Strings of pearls and an oversized tote will give the look that all-important 21st-century spin.

· WONDERFUL WEEKENDER

Straight jeans look fabulous when paired with an oversized batwing-sleeve jumper, and I simply adore this sexy ‘I just pulled this out of the closet’ look—it’s a great style for all shapes. Just wear a plain vest underneath and leave the sweater to slope seductively off one shoulder. Run your fingers through your hair for that naturally sexy look. Simply gorgeous! Again, it’s a look that doesn’t date and will work whatever your age. Nude or natural-coloured heels are the elegant choice.

1 bootcut jeans

2 skinny jeans

3 straight jeans

4 bootcut jeans

5 skinny jeans

“Every jeans style has its own character–all the better to refect yours!”

Gok’s style glossary

My at-a-glance guide to other jeans styles

THE BOYFRIEND

THE LOOK: just-thrown-together cool. Low-slung at the waist and baggy at the legs—roll up these casual denims just above the ankle and wear with heels for a girlie boyfriend look.

WEAR WITH: a loose boyfriend shirt and platform heels, or a stripy T-shirt and plimsolls or pumps.

GOOD FIT FOR: girls with slimmer thighs and boyish frames.

NOT THE BEST FIT FOR: curvy or tall girls.

FAMOUS FOR WORKING THE LOOK: Katie Holmes.

THE HIGH-WAISTED FLARE

THE LOOK: this oh-so-seventies style is cut high above the waist with a very wide flare at the hem.

WEAR WITH: tight-fitting T-shirts and lots of long, gold necklaces. Wedge sandals will finish off the look.

GOOD FIT FOR: petites (but don’t go too wide on the flare) and boyish figures. Button-front ones are good for flattering tummies.

NOT THE BEST FIT FOR: hourglass shapes or curvy girls.

FAMOUS FOR WORKING THE LOOK: Cheryl Cole.

Gok’s denim checklist

Make sure your denims are ticking all the right boxes with a little extra style know-how.

1. JEANS GENIUS?

Please, please, ladies, when it comes to buying jeans, do not be bullied by the size on the label. Jeans will only look truly fabulous if they fit. You deserve to look amazing in your jeans, and the better the fit, the better you’ll look.

2. THE STRETCH FACTOR

Too much elastic can make your jeans stretch an inch too far, especially around the waist and bum area. My advice? Take a good look at the label: any jeans with 2 per cent elastane or under will be a good fit and keep your jeans—and you—looking red hot, honey!

3. DEDICATED FOLLOWER

When it comes to jeans, your body has to tell you what’s in—not fashion magazines and not current trends. If CHERYL COLE is doing flared jeans, then let Cheryl go off and do them: they are brilliant for her shape. You, my darlings, have to find the jeans that are brilliant for yours.

4. ON THE RISE

The balance between the waist and the crotch is known as the ‘rise’. Here’s my quick guide: low-rise waistbands sit a few inches below your belly button; medium or regular rises sit just underneath it; and high rises are cut just above.

5. POCKET POWER

Pay close attention to pockets, ladies: they can make a phenomenal difference in the derriere department. If you want to create a curvy J-Lo effect (and who wouldn’t?), look for jeans with a button-down pocket, as they will ‘lift’ your behind. Pocket seams that draw down into a point will give added definition to the buttocks and so are good for bootylicious babes. Bigger pockets are also a good butt-balancer for you.

6. WORK IT

We are so relaxed about dress codes now that it’s not unusual to wear jeans to work. But even if it’s a dress-down day, why not keep up the glam factor? Treat dress-down days as a dress-up treat—a chance to wear what you like in your own special way. They may cost a little more, but smart, tailored jeans in dark washes can look knockout in the office.