Fishnet stockings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. I understand the resistance. They can look awful if the holes of “the net” are large and the net itself is loosely woven and lumpy. Those are the versions to bypass.

What you’re after is micro fishnets. The holes are small and tightly woven, and the nylon is fine and pretty. You can barely see that you’re wearing fishnets and the overall effect on your legs is more of a textured sheen. The look is sophisticated and a little unexpected. I’ll go so far as to say that a classy pair of fishnets works with everything and on anyone. Totally flop proof.

Fishnets tend to be a smarter look, but they can be dressed down pretty effectively. They are ideal with a denim skirt, flat casual knee-high boots and basic knitwear. I also like to pair them with my 20 eyelet Docs. Don’t think that you need to stick to black either. Brown, grey and nude fishnets are just as great.

My favourite brand of micro fishnets are by Oroblu. They’re expensive at $19 a pair, but they last and they look sensational. DKNY has just brought out a great micro fishnet option this season. Packaged in a flat gold box (the luxury collection), you’ll find them in most department stores. They cost $17 and offer the same Oroblu effect. If you live in the UK and have a Marks & Spencer close by, be sure to head for their hosiery department. They sell fabulous plain micro fishnets and versions with polka dots. So fun!

Give them a try. They kick all sorts of outfits up a notch and make an affordable and stylish little Christmas present.

I haven’t tried these Wolfords, but they look like a great pair of micro fishnets. At $40 they are quite pricey.

Coming up with gift ideas gets tougher each year, especially when budgets are tight. If you’re stuck, think of it as an opportunity to help someone increase their style quotient. It’s an ideal time to nudge people in the right direction.

• Replace neglected wardrobe items: Socks, underwear, loungewear, sleepwear, workout wear and camisoles are items we use regularly but aren’t fun to purchase. It’s hard to spend a limited budget on items that aren’t always visible to the public eye. Solve the problem by having Santa pick up the tab for these basics.
• Introduce a new beauty product: Items like mascara, nail polish, lipstick, gloss, crème blush, eye-brow kit and moisturizer are inexpensive and can make a huge difference. Jojoba oil is my new skincare jackpot and I highly recommend it for dry facial skin ($7 for 4 oz).
• Evangelize the power of accessories: Hats, scarves, belts, bags, specs, watches, umbrellas, gloves, wallets, hosiery and jewelry make for effective statement pieces. It’s wise to invest in these while sales are going strong.
• Recommend a professional bra fitting: Style starts with the best bra. Suggest a fitting to a friend or family member if you suspect that their size and style isn’t correct. Make it a date over lunch and contribute to the purchase of a fabulous bra. (This one’s a little more personal but I’m sure you’ll use your discretion).
• Treat a loved one to a haircut: A good haircut is therapeutic and often a quick, effective style fix.
• Offer to clean out a closet: Set someone free of their wardrobe shackles by helping to edit their closet. Make it a fun event with lots of dress-up as they go down memory lane.
• Propose a great pair of jeans and contribute to its purchase: There is loads of information on our forum about the best jeans for different body types. Help someone find killer jeans and pave the way to flop proof smart casual dressing.
• Share the secrets to happy feet: Introduce the inexpensive joys of foot comfort through insoles, shoe stretching and moleskin.
• Stock up on style books: “The Pocket Stylist” by Kendal Farr is still my top recommendation.
• Create a boot care kit: Rescue boots from sad wardrobe situations one Christmas present at a time.

Of course, style is a very personal matter and some of the options above are quite intimate. Most of them imply that there is room for improvement. This is sensitive territory so make sure you have the right relationship to give the gift of style.

I’m sure we could all  use a creative boost in this department and I’d love to hear more about your gift giving plan.  Let the brainstorm begin.

Top handbag designers like Gucci, Longchamp, Etro and Louis Vuitton have brought back the miniature dressy backpack as the new “it” handbag. You know what that means. Give it a season and we’ll start to see the look filtering down to mainstream retail.

I remember when dressy backpacks were all the rage in the 90’s. The much coveted black nylon Prada mini backpack was copied and available everywhere. They were advertised as being “comfortable and practical”, but for me they were neither. I didn’t enjoy being strapped into the backpack and found it annoyingly inconvenient to retrieve its contents.

But horses for courses. If you enjoyed the style of a dressy backpack in the 90’s, you’re in for a treat. Watch as they filter back into fashion.

Remember these backpacks from way back when? I wonder which other 90’s trends we should expect to make a comeback.

I love the look of a lass in a fabulous hat, but you might need to persevere if you aren’t one of those people who looks naturally good in headgear. The shape of a hat alters the size of your head and face in relation to the rest of your body, which can make it tricky. It’s a question of trying on several styles to see which works. Berets, newsboys, cabbies, cloches, buckets, caps, fedoras and beanies, there’s a look for everyone if the proportions, fabrication, style and colour are spot on.

I like it best when there is hair peaking though from underneath the hat. Lasses with long hair wear hats particularly well and I think it’s because the abundance of hair adds balance, softness and interest to the look. I look awful in most hats because I have a small head and very short hair. Hats seem to overwhelm my facial features. But this does not prevent me from wearing one when it’s freezing cold. Hats, like scarves and gloves, keep you wonderfully warm. I’ll happily forego a little aesthetic for extra warmth.

I hope you’re wearing hats if you look great in headgear. They make a superb statement and can become part of your signature look. It doesn’t need to be freezing in order to wear them either. Often in Europe, people gravitate towards hats and scarves before a Winter coat.

A few of my favourite hat styles: beret, knitted cap, slouchy cabbie, fitted cabbie, newsboy and cloche. Hats are such a fun accessory. If I looked good in a hat (and my hair behaved after wearing one), I’d be all over the look.