ROCK and punk is what I occasionally listen to, not how I dress. So while Green Day might play on my radio, ripped jeans, heavy-duty chains and fancy hats have never figured in my life.

But hey, there is always a first.

So when my editor suggested off-hand that my ultra preppy wardrobe could do with some excitement, I paid heed.

Hence, my crash course in how to dress like a rock star, never mind if I can barely strum a guitar.

My mentors? Who better than Taiwanese rock duo Y2J.

After all, the twosome - comprising Yuming Lai, the winner of popular Taiwanese reality TV contest One Million Stars 2, and fellow contestant Jane Huang - are clearly experts at projecting the moody rocker image.

They were in town for six days to promote their debut album Live For You, which was released in August and is chockful of angsty numbers.

The feel of the good pals' music is reflected in their edgy dress sense - blacks, greys, whites, boots, studs and yes, more black. Jane, 25, usually sports short shorts or mini-skirts, funky tops and boots.

Yuming, 24, favours ripped jeans and big luxuriant hair (think Bon Jovi in the 1980s).

On Wednesday, for an hour at three fashion shops (77th Street, Flesh Imp and MU at Bugis Junction), each singer chose an outfit that they thought best suited me, guided by their rocker sensibilities.

For baby-faced Yuming, it's all in the liberal use of accessories.

When we met for the makeover, he sported a simple necklace, studded wrist bands and brown boots.

Likewise, Jane also has a penchant for statement accessories - several studded bracelets encircled her slender wrist and tough black boots anchored her lean legs.

Yuming admitted that fame has altered his dressing style, as he did not bother much about his look in the past.

Now, the pair have a stylist who helps them with wardrobe choices.

Yuming said he tended to focus on accessorising his look, especially with trinkets that have a "heavy metal feel".

He told The New Paper: "I admire the style of Bon Jovi and Aerosmith. It's very simple. Our music and style have to be intertwined, otherwise it doesn't go."

On the other hand, Jane feels that her dressing has not changed drastically since releasing their album.

She said: "I'm still dressed like this even on days when I don't 'work', whereas Yuming tends to be more casual."

Playing stylist comes easy to her because she has helped pick out outfits for her friends before, and she has always been inspired by Japanese magazines that feature unique street fashion.

Two hours to get ready

Fashion is clearly serious business for Jane, who takes about two hours on average to get ready before leaving home.

While browsing at the shops, Yuming sidled up to a mannequin sporting a sexy black-and-fuchsia corset dress with lots of lace and said: "This is quite nice."

But just as alarm bells rang in my head, he told me that the dress was more a stage outfit because of its dramatic style.

To my relief, he added: "To me, girls look best when they wear something clean, nice and simple.

"Something that suits you, that's most important."

I could not agree more.

He then advised: "I think you suit colours that are very bright, just like Jane, as she is tanned like you.

"So colours like white can brighten you up."

He then picked out a white high-collar sleeveless blouse, striped black shorts and a black waistcoat.

Completing the look were, naturally, accessories - a black fedora hat and beaded necklace.

Explaining his choice, Yuming said: "The striped shorts help to lengthen your legs, while the white brightens you up. "The necklace adds interest while the hat dresses up your hair."

Beaming, he joked: "I give myself 100 marks for the look."

COMPARE AND CONTRAST: Jane went for sleek chic (top picture), while Yuming chose a more dramatic clothing combination (above).

Androgynous or sexy

Jane, on the other hand, told me that I suited a look that is "either androgynous or sexy".

She proceeded to choose a black strappy top, tie-front bermudas and a layered silver chain.

"I thought something all in black like this can look very sleek and modern. It really suits you."

However, the perfectionist gave herself a mere 50 marks for the makeover.

Jane explained: "I would like to have more accessories for you, like high heels. The look isn't quite complete like this."

After being informed that Yuming gave himself a perfect score, she said laughingly:

"He's easily satisfied, but women are fussier."

Indeed, being one who veers towards the preppy side when it comes to how I dress, I was not too comfortable with the overall dramatic look.

Besides, I felt vaguely like a magician in the black-and-white combination. All that was missing, perhaps, was a rabbit to draw out of my hat.

In comparison, Jane's ensemble for me seemed like something straight out of my wardrobe.

The good fit of each piece and the clean lines were also something I appreciated.

My verdict: I would wear each of Yuming's pieces separately, but Jane's choice was definitely more my cup of tea.

After all, what's more rock 'n' roll than being comfortable in your own skin?

This article was first published in The New Paper on Nov 14, 2008.