It takes just seven seconds to make a first impression.

And it is Chun Field’s job to make sure that it sends out the right messages. “It is well-known that non-verbal cues have more than four times the impact upon others, as what you actually say,” explains the personal stylist and image consultant, who works with women and men to influence their professional and personal lives.

“Personal image is so important, not just in terms of appearance, but your voice when using the phone – from the receptionist to the chief executive. You should always project the ‘brand’ values.”

With image, while it is vital in some professions to achieve a certain look, it is important, says Chun, that people are comfortable with their own style.

“Even in a corporate environment where you have to project the brand image, you are still an individual,” she says.

Fabric, colour and texture make up the key ingredients for style. “This is something that not many people are aware of,” says Chun, “Your face shape will advise on which style suits you, and where to move within a colour band. People are amazed by how colour can make a difference.”

It is common, she says, for people to try to copy celebrities but, she says, this is not a good idea. “Look at Marilyn Monroe – the fabric of her dresses is fluid, soft, and curvaceous, whereas with Audrey Hepburn, the fabric is thicker and hangs straight.

“If you swapped their dresses, you would need to go up to a massive size for Audrey Hepburn’s dress to fit Marilyn Monroe’s curves, and Marilyn’s dress would have nothing there to fill it. That is why you should never try to copy an icon, a celebrity, or take notice of whatever your mother said to you.”

When people arrive at Chun’s Ilkley studio they are asked to describe how they have arrived at their present image. “I discover what led them to come to me,” she says. “That gives me a starting point – I can then get to the very essence of the person.”

Personality has a great bearing on image, she adds, as does an individual’s figure and the ability to understand how colour works. “It is important for people to understand colour harmony and how it links to their natural colouring.

“People know how important this is as they make an effort for interviews or weddings, but they don’t realise how much impact it can make on a day-to-day basis. If you are choosing the right colours in the first place, all your garments will complement each other.”

Chun warns against immediately rushing out to buy different colours. “Little tweaks here and there are better at first.”

She refers to one women who likes – but does not suit – very bright colours such as neons, which are said to be popular this year. “I said that she could get away with those colours, but to keep them away from her face – her soft colouring means that bright colours drown her.

“I suggested that maybe she could feature the brighter colour as a border on a dress or as an accessory like a bag, and have other colours that suit her, near her face.”

From styling tips to a complete image makeover, Chun uses a three-step programme – insight, inspiration and impact – to show people how to identify their own style.

“Some people will never before have understood what works for them and why, and how powerful your own signature style can be.”

She adds: “It is like building a house. If you use the right materials it will be fine and similarly with clothing and make-up. So even on a day off you can still grab something, get ready quickly and know that it is going to work.

A member of professional bodies including the Association of Image Consultants International, Chun also offers ‘wardrobe workouts’ – “many people have a wardrobe full of clothes, but can’t find anything to wear” – personal shopping and dressmaking.

She attended courses at London College of Fashion, mastering bespoke pattern cutting and professional sewing techniques. “I’ve been sewing since I could hold a needle,” she says.

She may discuss shopping habits with clients and might ask them to bring an item from their wardrobe that they have never worn. “It might be totally wrong, or they may have overlooked it. It could be that the hemline needs adjusting or it needs to be teamed up with a scarf or necklace, or a different jacket.”

The majority of Chun’s clients are women, but men also sign up for an image overhaul.

Although the core of her business is one-to-one consultations, she also addresses groups of employees at companies across Yorkshire.

She cites an example of a university lecturer in fashion who needed to appeal to students and fit into a young environment. “She wanted to be approachable yet still retain authority and we worked to achieve that.”

“Some people have lost their way. It is almost as if they knew it all but needed the confidence and the affirmation that, yes – these are the colours and the style to go for. Fashion is an art form. When you know what you looks best in you should use it to your advantage rather than be a slave to it. You should be able to have fun with it.”

She stresses the need to be up-to-date. “If you don’t you could get overlooked at work. It is about satisfying your need to be current but in a way that suits your personality.”

The best way to stay ahead is, she says, to have your best neutral colours in your wardrobe along with accessories. “Within a budget or time frame it is often easier to change accessories to create a fresh look.”

Chun describes her own signature style as “elegant chic”. Her favourite colour is red. “It gives me energy.”

“There is a psychology to colour – darker colours make people look more authoritative,” she explains, “Primary colours are more vibrant and suggest more fun, while neutral colours make people seem more approachable.”

When someone contacts an image consultant they have come to realise that image really does matter, says Chun, “I help each of them on a journey of self-discovery which raises their self-esteem and makes them happy.”

For more information, visit studiochun.com, or call (01943) 863113.