Q I've dug up some of my mother's old clothes and found some of puffy skirts which remind me of some of the catwalk looks for spring. How do I pull them off without looking like a flashback to the past?

A It's timely how you scored some of your Mum's old can-can skirts just as the trend has returned full swing, such as on Prada's catwalk for spring.

Granted there's something girlish and feminine about a big, poufy skirt, but it can also be so Olivia Newton-John - think Sandy in Grease. In other words: goody-two shoes, not happening and so dated.

These full, flouncy skirts generally look better on taller girls because they can overwhelm a petite frame and make you look like a cupcake, says stylist Joshua Cheung.

They are ideal for women with straight, boyish figures, since the fuller bottoms give the illusion of womanly curves. They also look flattering on those with hour-glass figures as the silhouette also emphasises a smaller waist.

Those with very heavy bottoms should skip the look as it can make you look even chunkier.

To update the look, Cheung recommends wearing a full skirt with a basic plain tee or ribbed tank top instead of the typical twin set and pearls, which is too mumsy.

'You want it a bit dressed down and casual, which is very in line with the 'slouchiness' that spring's all about.'

He also advises pairing it with chunky or wooden block heels and an oversized day clutch.

'Think modern glamour and fun instead of prim and prissy.'