Bobbi Brown: five things I know about style

1) Take inspiration from your friends. When I was a teen, we didn't have that many celebrity magazines to follow the latest fashions, so I'd look at my girlfriends. There was one who wore a perfect combat jacket, sending me on a mission to find myself the same one. 2) At 5ft tall, I look better in clothes that are cut for my body, and I'm always going for the unexpected. I'd rather pair a stack of sparkly bracelets with jeans than a dress because the contrast is what makes it interesting. 3) Pay attention to your shape and who you are. If skinny jeans don't suit you, that's OK – there's another trend around the corner that does. Look at what others are wearing on the street. 4) I believe true beauty is simple and achievable. Make-up is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident. Focus on what you like about yourself. 5) Wear things that make you feel good. A few years ago I received a pair of pink pearl earrings for my birthday. I instantly fell in love with them. Now whenever I feel under the weather, I reach for my pearls. Bobbi Brown's Beauty Rules is out now, £17.99 ( bobbibrown.co.uk ) Visit theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/fashion for more style advice