DO you spend a fortune on clothes, but never seem to have anything to wear?

Well fashion’s fairy godfather Gok Wan is about to wave his magic wand and help you dress for success, without a major splurge on the high street.

His latest book, Work Your Wardrobe, does exactly what it says – teaches you how to make the most of what you’ve got.

In 280-plus pages, Gok leads you by the hand to take a critical look at your clothes – and sort out the good from the bad and the ugly.

“British women shell out an average of £1,000 a year on clothes, yet only a third of those fashion finds ever sees the light of day,” he says.

To stop you making fashion mistakes, Gok spells out his essential style rules, giving guidance on classic wardrobe must-haves as well as looking at which cuts flatter differing body shapes.

There’s also chapters on accessories and hair and make-up, making the book a virtual make-over bible.

As autumn begins, now is the ideal time to get back to basics and put together some looks for the season ahead.

To help you on your way, here are some of Gok’s foundations for a fashionable, yet workable and classic, wardrobe…


Classic cuts

Gok says: “Timeless trousers should be the brilliant back-up to your little black dress: a dependable, do-all closet classic that will suit you from day to night, desk to dancefloor.”

Style options: Straights, wide-leg, Capri.

Gok’s top tip: “Wide pants are a great option for my older girls – they say smart, sophisticated and just the right side of sexy.”

Buy now: Straights at Gap, French Connection; wide leg at Zara and H&M; Capri at Topshop, M&S.


White stuff

Gok says: “The white shirt is a true classic. Like your best friend, you can always depend on it. Think of Marilyn Monroe in The Misfits wearing a man’s shirt with simple jeans – she looks red hot!”

Style options: The classic, the wrapover, the pussybow and grandad.

Gok’s top tip: “Wear with a big pair of hoop earrings. So simple, so sexy!”

Buy now: Classics from TM Lewin and Jaeger; wraps from Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Zara; grandad at Topshop and Reis; pussybow at Wallis, M&S, Gap.


Jean genius

Gok says: “They may be the easiest thing in the world to pull on and forget about, but to get a while lot more wear out of them, jeans need a little fashion fix too.”

Style options: Choose from three classic styles – bootcut, skinny and straight.

Gok’s top tip: “Take a pair of heels and a favourite top with you when you go jeans shopping: it really helps to style jeans up before you buy.”

Buy now: Bootcut at Topshop, Gap, M&S; skinny at Topshop, River Island; straight at Levis.


Waist tips

Gok says: “Tops are the biggest offenders in the ‘never been worn’ pile. Be ruthless about the ones you love and the ones you loathe.”

Style options: T-shirts, cardis, waistcoats.

Gok’s top tip: “If you are having a bad tummy day, bang on a waistcoat: it will work your shape and mould itself to your body, pulling you in at the waist beautifully while flattening you out at the front.”

Buy now: T-shirts at Topshop and Oasis; cardis at ASOS, Jaeger; waistcoats at Next and Karen Millen.


Dress code

Gok says: “There’s nothing like a dress or a skirt to make you feel oh-so feminine.”

Style options: Pencil skirt, wide skirt, wrap dress, shift dress.

Gok’s top tip: “A pencil skirt is crying out to have the primness shaken out of it. Add some casual elements such as T-shirt or white shirt and a leather biker jacket. Or a knitted top with ballet flats. A stripy top will look the epitome of Parisian chic too.”

Buy now: Pencil skirts: Reiss, River Island; wide skirts French Connection, Next; wrap dress at Diane Von Furstenberg, M&S; shift dress at M&S, Oasis, Karen Millen.


Coat tales

Gok says: “The forgotten heroes of many wardrobes; not only do they keep us warm, they add a fashionable flourish to any look.”

Style options: The mac, the blazer, the military coat.

Gok’s top tip: “When buying a coat, don’t always feel you have to go for black to make it last. Neutral tones such as navy, stone and grey can really refresh your wardrobe and have lasting power too.”

Buy now: Macs at Debenhams, Next; blazers at Topshop, Zara, River Island; military coats at Oasis, Jigsaw.