It's a new year, and almost all of us can do better in the style stakes that we have in the past. As I look around and speak with my clients, I am convinced that even the most stylish of you could do with a fresh start.

So at the dawn of this New Year, I have made some resolutions on behalf of all South Africans. This year we are all going to be a little more fashion forward and a bit less rough around the edges.

I will not forsake style for comfort

It is the lament heard most frequently by stylists — "I wear it because it is comfortable".

Well, people, pyjamas are comfortable but we don't go out in them! It just isn't acceptable anymore to choose a garment based purely on its comfort levels.

There are great soft and draping fabrics, loose and flowing styles, all of which are comfortable, stylish and on trend. You do not need to fall back on your shabby old chunky cardigan just because you are having a fat day, when a gorgeous tunic dress would do just as well.

Don't wear orthopaedic shoes just because heels hurt you — when you can get some wedges which are comfortable and sexy. Have a rethink and stop being lazy.

I will buy clothes to show off my shape

Everyone has something about their shape that is beautiful and worthy of a bit of attention.

This year is the year when you realise that clothing with shape and detail is a lot more flattering than clothes that hide your body. So pick something that you like and make sure your wardrobe is designed to show it off.

I will buy clothes that fit me no matter the size

Big and baggy clothing hides your shape, but items that are too small are equally unflattering. No two stores have the same size clothes, so stop trying to force yourself into a specific size, and start trying on four or five different sizes in each garment to find the one that looks best on you — no matter what the number on the label says. It is not your body that is wrong; it is the lack of consistency and standardisation among the fashion retailers that present us with this mess. Don't give in to it!

I will get great underwear

A great outfit begins with a great foundation. The best underwear will ensure you have smooth lines and coverage where you need it.

Ladies must all be fitted for the right size bra as this will give you a much better body shape (showing off a waist you never knew you had) as well as giving you appropriate support.

And don't just stop at bras. Slips and petticoats are making a comeback, cotton camisoles are absolute wardrobe essentials and comfortable underwear has never looked so pretty. Don't skimp on the foundation garments.

I will not go out in dirty or ripped clothes!

Check every garment for rips, tears, missing buttons or stains before hanging it back in your wardrobe. Make sure you have a lint roller at your front door and use it each day before you leave the house. You wouldn't go out with dirty hair or finger nails so don't let your clothing tell the world that you are a slob either.

I will accessorise every day

Accessories can make or break an outfit — they can take an average suit and turn it into a fashion statement. They can brighten up a plain, old dress and make it work for several different occasions.

So each season, make sure you have a selection of the latest in belts, hats, scarves (yes, chaps too), bags, tights and jewellery and then each day pick from amongst them to bring your outfit to life.

I will stop being sentimental

Clothing falls into two main categories — classic basics and fashion pieces. Examine each of your items of clothing to decide if it is a classic (something that has no relevance to fashion and is absolutely basic in form) or fashion (something that has a specific detailing, leg shape, fabric treatment, colour, etc that makes it identifiable as from a specific season).

Anything that falls into the latter category needs to be ruthlessly eliminated from your wardrobe when the trend has passed or you will risk looking dated and out of touch. The same goes for any item that has holes/rips/tears in it that will not be mended — pass it on to a charity that will provide these items to people who need them more than you do.

I will read fabric labels

Make sure you know what you are buying. Read the legally required fabric label on the inside of the garment before you buy it to make sure you are getting good value for money (synthetic materials are far cheaper to manufacture so make sure you are not paying over the odds for a nylon/polyester/acrylic garment).

Also, natural fabrics will breathe better and be more comfortable in the heat and the cold so you will get more wear from them. Finally, natural fibres are better looking so you will always look expensive even if your credit card is maxed out!

I will only wear clothes that suit me

No matter that cropped pants are in every store across the land, they make legs look short and therefore I will not wear them. No matter that strapless dresses are in fashion, they make my shoulders look like I play in the front row of the rugby scrum so I will not wear them. I will only wear styles that show off my body shape in the most flattering way and make me look gorgeous as often as possible. I am a smart, intelligent person and a grown up. So there!

I will stop wearing crocs

They are hideous and everyone else in the world understands this apparently, aside from South Africans. Stop it.

For more information on Robyn and photos of people who get this style thing right, go to: http://styleguidecapetown.blogspot.com