If you hate your clothes—too last year, too colorless, too same-old-thing—here's help from fashion fix-it man Mark Gill. This Chicago-based designer and image consultant zaps bad old shopping habits and builds great new wardrobes. Get his advice on your fashion dilemmas! (Get the details on all of the clothes pictured in this feature. Use this Shop Guide.

• Stuck in a black-clothes rut and hoping to liven things up? Mark swears you can look terrific in color at any age; it's a matter of strategy. Find out what hues suit you best!
• Don't look dated after one season—find clothes that will actually last ! Get Mark's top ten classics.
• It's the little things that pull an outfit together, so don't skimp on the accessories. Mark has the scoop on the embellishments!
• Shape? Check. Length? Perfect. But if the material's wrong for your body—too stiff or clingy—the skirt won't work. Fabrics matter-find out which ones flatter your figure!

Color for the Ages
Loud mixes may not be right for everyone, but one or two bold pieces work all the time. Move your mouse over the models to find out what you should be wearing and when! (Get the details on all of the clothes pictured in this feature. Use this Shop Guide. Shop Guide
Where to find the clothes featured in our Wardrobe Rescue guide .

Wardrobe Rescue
Left to right

• Max & Co. jacket, $385; Gap camisole, $20; Calvin Klein skirt, $135; David Yurman necklace, $950; Manolo Blahnik shoes, $525.
• Lacoste hoodie, $175; Theory blazer, $360; Banana Republic pants, $108; Robert Lighton New York watch, $6,450; Oscar de la Renta shoes, $345.

Color for the Ages
Left to right

• Megan Park print top, $285; Gap jacket, $88; Rafe shoes, $315.
• Cole Haan bag, $265; Christian Louboutin shoes, $2,800.
• TSE turtleneck, $395; Jimmy Choo shoes, $520.
• Agnès B jacket, $560; Valentino bag, $940; Brian Atwood shoes, $525.

It's a Classic!
Clockwise from top left

• White + Warren cardigan, $330
• Charles Tyrwhitt white shirt, $85; MICHAEL Michael Kors striped shirt, $89; Brooks Brothers blue shirt, $65.
• Talbots skirt, $108.
• Burberry London jacket, $690.
• Banana Republic coat, $198.
• J. Crew plaid trousers, $138; Dockers khakis, $46; Levi's 509 jeans, $40.
• Petit Bateau T-shirts, $40 each.
• Banana Republic dress, $128.
• Banana Republic blazer, $198.
• Salvatore Ferragamo scarf, $220.

Materials Matter
Clockwise from top left

• Cynthia Steffe tweed pencil skirt, $205.
• Chico's turtleneck, $52.
• Michael Kors shoes, $330.

It's a Classic!
No more impulse shopping for you! Invest in timeless pieces—which, Mark says, means mostly neutral colors; fabrics like lightweight wool, silk and denim; and ungimmicky, versatile styles. Move your mouse over the garments to find out why and how to wear these classics. (Get the details on all of the clothes pictured in this feature. Use this Shop Guide. ) Never Skimp On...
You've got the basics—now add the accessories to complete the outfit!

Trench coats: Your outer layer is often what others see first. A removable lining makes it usable year-round.

Shoes and handbags: Stiff leather and junky hardware cheapen your style; quality goods lift it. Mark says, "Your accessories speak louder than anything else."

Lingerie: Without exquisite, invisible support, clothes won't sit right.

Color: Neutrals are safe in inexpensive versions, but you can't fake deeper, more complex shades. Material Matters
A-line or pencil, mini or mid-length—regardless of the style, a skirt won't look good unless the fabric flatters. Here's what counts when you're considering skirts. (Get the details on all of the clothes pictured in this feature. Use this Shop Guide. )

Wide hips or thighs?
Substantial but unbulky fabrics are most slimming: For tailored cuts, pick firmly woven cotton, linen or denim; for drapey skirts, try lightweight wool or rayon.

Boyish build?
Fluid materials make more of your lower half; same goes for tailored styles in weightier, textured fabrics (tweed, corduroy, heavier wool).