When you see people who look good, they will always be wearing accessories, you look next time!

But which accessories? What size, shape, style? Can you carry off large earrings and belts or would prettier, neater ones be good on you? Can you do an ethnic look or would you be better with classic pearls? Look at your height, neck length and proportions when choosing accessories, it’s just as important as when trying on clothes. If you have a shorter neck, sit your scarf at the base. If you have no waist try a 'low slung' belt, yes, everyone can wear one! A larger frame can take bigger jewellery of course, but if you are petite try smaller scale accessories.

A client with young teenagers once told me she found that even they were more obedient, when she wore belt, earrings, lipstick and sometimes a scarf with her daily 'uniform' of jeans and tee shirt. She was sceptical but experimented to confirm the effect!

So, get the scarves out of the drawer, the belt from the back of the cupboard, search through the jewellery box and put your lippy on next time you get dressed. You'll be amazed at how much better you'll be treated, and just what giving yourself that little bit of extra time, care and attention, will do for your self confidence!

Contact a Consultant to book an Image Day and learn the art accessorising.

Most of us however just want to accessorise a simple outfit to make it individual to us, and more interesting.

But do you realise what your accessories are saying? Subconsciously we are still giving out messages similar to those of our ancestors. When you wear a scarf tied close to the neck you are 'protecting your jugular', very useful if you meet someone who may have a go at it!

Historically ammunition would be taken into battle in an 'ammunition belt' so if you don’t wear one you are metaphorically firing blanks when you meet someone. Earrings brooches and bracelets are 'badges of office' and give you a subtle authority. Good shoes and handbag show 'quality' and give the impression that you are too!

Some don't need to take this too seriously; if you are in business beware if you don't. You won’t be promoted as quickly as someone who has taken the time and made an effort. When we do that with our appearance, the message we give is that we will do it in our job. If you are not working outside the home it is still important for your own self esteem to be well groomed.

Our forefathers painted themselves with wode; some African Tribes wear lavish decorations. Ever wondered why some wear bones through their noses and stretch their necks with bands of metal? It's all to do with hierarchy and wealth. They show others in their society who is the head honcho, and who should be feared.

When we decorate ourselves, we are showing the outside world how we feel about ourselves. Nowadays some people flaunt their wealth by wearing expensive labels and the latest 'must have' designer bag, think wealthy Americans and footballers' wives!