Fashion consultant and Chapel Hill resident Debbie Suchoff has one rule for women when it comes to style: Throw out all the rules you've read in fashion magazines.Suchoff demonstrates how a basic black dress can be transformed with the right accessories.

"The only rule I have is: Be true to yourself and your style," she says.

Suchoff spoke this morning at Dina Porter in University Mall to a group of women on the topic of "Discovering Your Personal Style." She works at Dina Porter and runs her own business, Fashion Savvy, which takes her into the closets of her clients, sorting through what to keep and what to toss. Items that are weeded out are donated to Dress for Success, a nonprofit that gives clothes to low-income women so that they have something appropriate to wear to job interviews.

This morning, Suchoff encouraged her audience of a dozen or so women to think about an outfit in their closet that makes them feel confident when they wear it. That outfit probably best represents their personal style.

Women should also ensure that their closets represent who they are right now. Update your wardrobe to reflect any career or lifestyle changes.

Each morning, Suchoff says, ask yourself not "What do I want to wear today?" but "How do I want to feel today?" Comfortable? Classic? Elegant? Artistic? This question will help you put together the right outfit for your mood.

And finally, Suchoff says, feel free to have fun because "it's not rocket science."

Suchoff's interest in fashion began at a young age. Her father was a furrier, and her mother was a milliner. She has designed jewelry for the past 22 years. To contact her about her consulting services, e-mail debbiesuchoff@yahoo.com.

Her next presentation at Dina Porter will be Aug. 25 at 5:30pm and Aug. 26 at 11:30am. The topic will be "Building Your Core Wardrobe." Those planning to attend the free event should e-mail DinaPorter@aol.com.