When a model looks fab in an ankle length skirt, chances are high she’s almost six foot tall. Women of average height and shorter somehow look as if they have been swallowed up by the skirt. This is not a flattering look.

Skirt lengths around the knee tend to work for all body types. Visually, a hemline that cuts the legs somewhere in the middle is where your legs will look their longest and slimmest. Extra-petite women tend to look better with their hemlines raised a little shorter. If you do prefer to go longer, a structured skirt to the mid-calf with a fab pair of shoes or boots can also look great.

Ankle length is a much better look when it comes to dresses that create an unbroken line from head to toe. You’ll see ever-so-petite Eva Longoria sport a long dress on the red carpet with style. National costumes like the Indian Sari or Malaysian Sarong work on petite, small framed women because they look more like dresses than the separates that they are.

For more on this topic, join the discussion in the YLF forum.

European style is distinctive and you’ll notice its flavour as soon as you set foot on Euro soil. I’m in beautiful Barcelona, where men and women are generally well turned out, and I love it. While it’s the Parisians that lead haute couture, and the Londoners that lead prêt-a-porter; it’s arguably the Spaniards that lead fashion retail. Spain is home to Zara, one of the most successful clothing retail chains.

In true urban Euro style, the number one uniform on the streets of Barcelona across all age groups and body types is jeans or pants tucked into flat knee-high boots with either a belted knitted tunic or shorter piece of tailored knitwear. The look is finished off with coat, scarf and fab sling bag. Practical, put together and stylish. The same ensemble with flat ankle boots or fashion sneakers is the next most popular choice and to my delight there are loads of women wearing good old Converse. It’s Winter, so ballet flats are few and far between. The highest heels you’ll see on the streets are two inches, but that’s rare too. People in Barcelona commute on foot so it’s all about stylish flats and dressing in layers. The skirt-and-boots look isn’t as popular as it was in London, but streamlined knee-length puffer jackets, cropped leather biker styles and urban boots are a favourite and look great.

I chose not to bring my riding boots, but I’m right at home during the day in dark straight leg jeans, short, faux fur trimmed, belted leather jacket, a variety of fitted turtle necks and scarves, comfy cream and black Converse and black, biker sling bag. My heeled, cream patent ankle boots, dressy tops, cobalt coat and clutch come out at night. Easy!

There are celebrities whose style I admire, and then there are the rest. I am often appalled at how the following women dress and can scarcely believe that they pay professionals to help them put their ensembles together. They claim to love fashion, but I’ve seldom seen them look fabulous.

• Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were stylish kids until they grew up and started sporting the spaced out zombie look. I cannot see past their unkempt scarecrow style no matter how gothic, esoteric or funky they claim to be. I’m all for a personal style that’s out of the ordinary, but the twins look dirty and I’d love them to clean up and start over.
• Jessica Simpson wears her skirts too short, her tops too low and her skin too orange. Adding a modest element to her style would increase her style quotient.
• Paris Hilton’s glitzy and often over accessorized look is in bad taste. She somehow never looks classy in her lavish designer wear.
• Britney Spears is possibly the worst dressed celebrity around, but her problems appear to be deeper than style.

Compare these celebrities to the ladies that get it right all the time. Jennifer Aniston, Cate Blanchett and Reese Witherspoon are are ultra-stylish and have impeccable taste. They know how to be subtly alluring without looking tarty, and understand that “less is more”. It is safe to say that money does not buy you style.

There are frequently “hidden” items that we need, but that we don’t like to purchase because we’d rather spend money on items that get noticed right away. We neglect these items either because we have a limited budget, or because we’re not excited about them. Bras, undies, socks, lounge clothes, workout wear, sleepwear, bathrobes, slippers, perfume, make-up and socks often fall into this category.

For the love of your wardrobe, treat yourself (or be treated to) at least one of these everyday essentials. Treat someone else that you love to one of their hidden wardrobe needs. I am definitely treating myself to a sweet pair of pajamas for Valentine’s Day. My wardrobe deserves it.