In the U.K. you might have seen Trinny & Susannah's "What Not to Wear"; Gok Wan's "How to Look Good Naked" and Nicky Hambleton-Jones's "Ten Years Younger". So you might think Image Consultants are a fairly scary bunch or you need to feel pretty low in order to approach one. That's simply not true.

On the whole Image consultants are dedicated to helping you find your style, increase your self esteem and understand your colouring and body shape. They do this to help you pick the best fashion for you. Colour Me Beautiful, Europe's largest Image Consultancy says "It's helping people create their own look that works for them not about dictating style".

All sorts of people go to see Image Consultants. They are often people who recognise that, whatever their profession, image counts, first impressions matter and they see a consultation as an investment in themselves. Or they may feel confused by current fashions or colours and find themselves stuck in a comfort rut but want a more updated style. They may have gone through a major change in their lives - divorce, bereavement, illness - and be looking to boost their self esteem. Or they may be just ordinary people who would like to know how to make the best of themselves and not just wear safe black all the time!

Many people think that it is hugely expensive to visit an image consultant. Well, first of all look in your wardrobe and do a quick calculation of the cost of all the clothes you rarely wear, have never worn or don't feel good in. Then consider that a colour consultation starts from around £75 and you'll see that it is not only affordable but could actually save you money.

A typical full image consultation will advise you the best colours for your colouring, teach you how to mix and match them, analyse your body shape, give you clothing shape rules and for the ladies teach you how to apply a fresh, modern make up look. There will also be advice on hair, accessories and appropriate dress for your lifestyle. In some cases there may be a personal shopping trip included which ensures you can put all that information into practice and stops you picking up the same old styles when left on your own. So who wouldn't want to spend the day indulging themselves and learning some valuable stuff into the bargain?

So next time you see an immaculately turned out person reflected in a shop window, it could be you!