Whether you find yourself in a fashion rut or think you are always well-dressed, getting to know your personal style will help you shop smarter. Take this quiz to work out who you are style-wise and then follow the expert advice to make sure you always look your best.
1. When you open your wardrobe, what are the dominant colours you find?
a) Mostly neutral tones such as creams, browns, greys and blacks.
b) A vibrant palette of bright, strong colours like reds and blues.
c) Your wardrobe is a sea of soft pastels, largely shades of pinks and peach.
2. How much time on average do you spend on your makeupevery morning?
a) Around ten minutes, following a precise, practised routine to create a low-key look.
b) It depends, as you like experimenting with different looks to go with what you're wearing that day; it could take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
c) You love getting ready, and you usually spend about 20 minutes on makeup every morning achieving a feminine look - and regularly reapply throughout the day.
3. When attending a party with friends, how would you spend your evening?
a) You would stick to your own group of friends throughout.
b) You enjoy being the life and soul of the party, so you'd actively mingle and circulate.
c) As soon as you walk in, you do a quick survey of the most interesting looking people in the room - and cute guys, if you're single - then make an effort to chat and socialise with them. You thrive on compliments and a little flirtation.
4. When was the last time you changed your hairstyle?
a) You've had the same style for over five years - a classic, low-maintenance look that works well for all occasions.
b) You like to try out the latest trends, changing your hairstyle every season and often experiment with unusual cuts and colours.
c) You always stick to styles that are feminine, and like to have a haircut that can be styled in different ways.
5. How much jewellery do you wear on a normal weekday?
a) Your standard look is understated, consisting of a few investment pieces that are minimalist and elegant.
b) You like wearing a lot of jewellery (mostly costume jewellery) together in different colours, sizes and shapes - the bolder the better.
c) You prefer jewellery that is delicate and intricate, and you always coordinate its colour with your clothes.
6. What does your handbag collection look like?
a) You generally have no more than five bags in functional colours such as black or brown. They're all expensive and of very good quality.
b) You have a large collection of different bags for all occasions - mostly on trend and often embellished - and like to change your bag frequently to go with your mood and outfit.
c) Handbags are your main wardrobe staple. You have at least one in each colour, in the latest shapes and you always match your bag with your outfit.
7. Tipping over the contents of your bag, what would you generally find?
a) The key functional items such as mobile, wallet, keys and makeup pouch, all neatly organised.
b) Your bag is invariably cluttered, full of random things, from year-old receipts to the lipstick you forgot you had!
c) The inside of your bag is as pristine as the outside, with a well-stocked makeup pouch.
8. On a casual weekend, what do you find yourself wearingmost often?
a) Your weekend wardrobe is more relaxed and less structured than your weekday look. You always end up in worn-in jeans or shorts with a T-shirt and wear little or no makeup.
b) You don't look that much different on weekends, as you dress according to your mood on most days. Typically, you will be dressed in skinny jeans, a T-shirt, ballet flats and accessories.
c) You like wearing pretty skirts and dresses in fun, flirty fabrics such as chiffon with floral prints.
9. How would you describe your shoe wardrobe?
a) You have a select set of shoes in basic colours for each of your lifestyle needs. You prefer natural materials and classic shapes.
b) You spend more than the average person on footwear, with a collection of statement shoes from sky high stilletos to gladiator flats and everything in between.
c) Most of your shoes are high-heeled - anything that will give you a feminine posture and sway. Comfortis not a priority, as long as they are pretty.
10. You are going away for a mini-break. How do you pack your suitcase?
a) Your case contains a cleverly edited capsule wardrobe that will cover all your needs, with separate storage compartments housing toiletries.
b) Your expandable bag is bursting at the seams, as you inevitably over-pack and carry a full range of accessories.
c) The maximum space in your colour-coordinated luggage set is taken up by shoes and bags, while your clothes are mostly planned to mix and match.
With inputs from Marissa Woods from image and style consultancy firm Image Factor. www.imagefactoruae.com; 04-3618129.
