Elegance: Get the expert’s advice!

Sit up straight, elbows off the table and don’t drag your feet. We all remember our nagging mothers request for us to act like a lady but somewhere along the way the manners were dropped and the ladette was born. But is this end of elegance? Do you ever dream of being as elegant as a modern day Ms Hepburn? And what are the dos and don’ts of today’s lady?

One woman in the know is Jean Broke Smith, from TV’s Ladette to Lady. She is here to offer her exclusive secrets to becoming instantly more elegant.

Top ten tips to feel instantly elegant

1. Finding a style that suits you
2. Know your own size by measuring yourself
3. Style your clothes to suit your work
4. Style your clothes to suit your lifestyle
5. Find the right hairdresser to create a style that suits you
6. Wear suitable make-up that flatters the face - subtle not clown like!
7. Perfect posture
8. Good manners, respecting others
9. Nice accessories
10. Confidence

What’s that? Still feeling more Winehouse then Monroe? Don’t panic. Jean has even more advice on everything from training your man to dressing…for you!

For a function or wedding wear an outfit suitable to YOUR figure

"For a summer wedding I would recommend something that you're comfortable in, style of outfit that is suitable to your figure. It is also dependable on the dress of the bride and groom, so should be more formal if morning suit. Also do not wear white; you must never outshine the bride. Oh and don't forget the hat!"

Stick to DARK colours and SIMPLE lines to boost your confidence

"You are not alone feeling over weight and inelegant, according to new research by Bold 2in1 Infusions Collection 8 out of 10 British women wish they were more elegant. My advice is to stick to dark colours and simple lines. Classical outfits would be advisable. Try and walk with a light glide, never cross your legs, slide the legs to the side. Use height with your hair, a shorter more flattering style may suit you better. Draw attention to the face with nice make-up."

Don’t let everything 'pop out'

"Most people do not like to see other people's underwear shown in public. It's a rather tacky fashion which is hopefully no longer in fashion! I would advise you go for the more stylish way of wearing trousers, there are plenty of fashionable trousers for your generation, and pants that hold the body in rather than let everything pop out! Perhaps you could try Bold 2in1's elegance equation on indulgewithbold.com to see how elegantly you score!"

Do not turn orange, match your skin tone

First of all make sure you are cleansing your skin properly and applying a day cream, which seals the make-up. Chose the right foundation, a more matt finish is advisable. Test you have the right colour foundation to match your facial skin tone (it is a myth to check this on your hand!). Go for more expensive foundations, which will last longer. Apply translucent face powder so you do not turn orange!

Look at pictures of make-up in magazines and re-create these looks, and chose a selection of eye shadow colours to match your outfits. Talcum powder seals eye make-up to last throughout the day, and waterproof mascara is advisable (especially if you suffer from hay fever like myself) in brownish black, not black!

Train the men in your life...

I definitely agree that men need to remember their manners too! However women should accept with politeness when offered a seat and not refuse with a feminist attitude. Train the men in your life to be more gentlemanly by waiting for them to open the car door for you.