​From tips on creating an emergency wardrobe for last-minute party invitations to advice on what to buy in the sales, Hull style guru Tina G will make sure you look fantastic in 2010 . . .

Tina G picks out some versatile little black dresses at Zara in St Stephens, Hull

As soon as we get Christmas and New Year out of the way, we look forward to spring and summer and the stylish and colourful new season fashions. Choosing new clothes is always fun, even if parting with the cash isn’t. We asked Tina G, style consultant and personal shopper at St Stephens in Hull, for her tips on looking great this year.

And for those who’ve spent too much before Christmas, you really don’t have to spend a lot to update your wardrobe, says Tina. “If you invested in sparkle this winter, don’t despair – it’s staying with us right through to summer,” she says. “Dress down your beaded skirt, top, or dress with a pair of flat sandals and a straw hat, or just show a little glitz around your neck or on your handbag.

“Jumpsuits are staying, too. Try to get your hands on a strapless one or a one-shouldered number because the eighties vibe will stay with us.”

Tina has been in retailing since she left school and did everything from choreographing and organising fashion shows to area management before training as a style and image consultant. She’s now in demand at St Stephens, where she hosts style parties and individual personal shopping sessions by appointment.

“Romance is well and truly in the air for spring and summer 2010 and the catwalk collections showed clever use of fabric, in particular lightweight and sheer fabrics and chiffon. Beautiful cuts, knotted fabric and layers of ruffles carry through to next season.” Also continuing are nude tones, with ice-cream shades adding to the softness of next season and allowing more of an emphasis on deconstructured cuts and drapes as a statement, rather than the bold colour seen in the autumn.

“Touches of lace and underwear contribute to the romantic look, with underwear worn as outerwear for the more daring,” adds Tina.

Prints are also strong; for spring, they are futuristic led but more subtle than last season, with some vintage prints coming through.

White is always in for summer and for 2010 it can be tailored, ruffled, bleached, sheer, masculine or feminine. When it comes to white, anything goes.

Silver and statement jewellery, studded dresses and shoulder pads will all continue to be popular, says Tina.

“If you are wearing a more sheer fabric, wear a knitted cardi over the top to dress it down,” she says. “Not only is it ‘on trend’ but it’s also a way of getting maximum flexibility out of an item of clothing.

“We are seeing variations on what was in for the last season so you can adapt it and bring it up to date. Layering is the key.”

And one thing you should be sure to do is take advantage of the sales to snap up some investment pieces, she says.

Tina advises buying a really good quality handbag in a colour that isn’t going to date (definitely no leopard print) and keep your eyes open for a classic cashmere sweater, a quality trench coat and a smart pair of flannel or really well-cut trousers.

“These are timeless classics that don’t date and become a very good investment in the sales,” she says.

Tina is available for style parties when she will talk about everything from image and good underwear to updating outfits you already have. Individual style consultation and personal shopping sessions, with outfits pre-selected by Tina, are also available. To book a style party with Tina, visit the management suite at St Stephens. For a style consultation and personal shopping session, call 07538 675780 or email tina@tinagstyleme.co.uk