Now that winter's chill has well and truly set in, it's time to bring out those jackets, pants and all things warming. But have you thought about which colour would be best suited to enhance your style?

That's the question posed by Holley Banks. The bubbly personal stylist has been offering complimentary styling sessions at Bayfair Shopping Centre for shoppers curious to know what shades suit them best and what body shape they are, to get maximal results from their fashion choices.

Personal stylist Holley Banks takes SunLive's Laura Weaser through a one-on-one styling session.

'So many woman come by and they're really interested,” Auckland-based Holley says of the sessions.

'I think many feel elated and empowered afterwards. Fashion is one of those industries that can be a bit mean and I don't want to be anything like that – for me, styling is about making people feel good about themselves. I'm all about working with what you've got.”

The daughter of a dressmaker, Holley's passion for fashion started from a young age and has travelled the world finding inspiration and developing her ability to help choose stylish and timeless pieces to complement women – and men's – wardrobes.

'I had a few guys yesterday, and I shop with several men in Auckland,” she says. 'I recently worked with the CFO of a financial company. He was trying to cover a tummy and had previously been wearing big checks that made him look bigger, so we got him into some white shirts, as well as blue and navy suits, and he looked awesome! He was chuffed!”

Colour my world

This SunLive reporter was put in the hot seat for the occasion, getting the full Holley treatment. She sits me down, places a white bib across my shoulders and proceeds to hold up different coloured material samples underneath my chin.

'What I'm looking for is the shadows on your face. Some of the colours will make your complexion look beautiful and clear, and your blue eyes stand out. Others will make you look a little tired and just not your best.”

As someone who would describe myself as 'fashionably challenged”, Holley was full of compliments and extremely helpful. She was delighted to tell me that I am best suited to summer shades with silver jewellery.

'Every colour in the summer swatch looks beautiful – you should go for grey and navy over black near your face, as it makes your eyes pop and your complexion clear.”

As for my body shape, Holley says I'm blessed with an hourglass figure – shoulders and hips in similar proportion with a tiny waist. Styles best suited include V-neck lines, peplum tops, and A-line skirts. Items to avoid include baggy clothing, turtlenecks and wide belts.”

'I want to give people an idea of what makes them look their best,” Holley says. 'I'm not going to tell someone they can't wear something, but I think it's good for people to have some idea.”

For more about Holley, or to download her handy Colour Swatch app for your smartphone, visit www.holleybanks.co.nz