ACTRESS Patricia Arquette once famously said: 'I don't necessarily get the fashion game,' a truism that many of us in the corporate jungle can relate to. In the world of fashion, everything counts, down to the colour of your socks.

Few know that even the smallest piece of accessory such as a ring or a brooch could be the difference between making a look a 'hit' or a 'miss'. Thus, in these tough times where hardly anyone can afford to hire a personal image consultant, BT attempts to demystify fashion by highlighting star style items that could brighten up anyone's wardrobe. After all, looking good never hurt anyone.

If there's one item of clothing you must add to your wardrobe, it should be a well-made blazer. 'A blazer is a classic item that can immediately dress up your look,' says stylist Martin Wong. 'Even in a pair of jeans, a racer back t-shirt, throw on a pair of heels and a blazer, push up the sleeves and you're club-worthy.' But these days, spotted on everybody who's anybody, the Blazer is no longer confined to the office and has found its way to clubs and yes, even the red carpet.

Take a page out of Gwyneth Paltrow's book - she rocked in a satin lapelled blazer over a little black Balmain dress, or Rihanna who jazzed up her red cocktail dress with a tuxedo jacket or better yet, get inspired by Kate Moss who wears the oversized blazer with aplomb matching it with little dresses or shorts in an era where menswear for women is gaining in popularity. 'Just remember that if you're going to match a blazer with a dress, the dress should be simple and not too frou frou,' says Wong. 'And for tall people, the oversized blazer is a great buy because big blazers tend to make people look a bit boxy, a look that tall people carry off well.' Here are some match-ups that might just inspire you to shake off the dust on that old blazer hanging in the closet.

This article was first published in The Business Times on Nov 29, 2008.