The manager of Dotti in City Mall, Barrett makes it look easy to take off-the-rack chain-store clothes and put together a creative look that seems to have more to do with individual style than seasonal fashion fads.

Fashion is meant to be fun, she says, so people should play with it."You don't need to spend a lot of money to look great," she says. "Fashion is another form of creative expression so use it to your advantage play, don't be shy, work with your shape, get excited."

Barrett's outfit is almost entirely from Dotti, a label she says has changed a lot in recent years."Dotti has come a long way. It used to be targeted at teenagers, but that has been blown out the door. I think there are pieces in here for all sorts of ages now. But you have got to get things off the rack and onto the body."

Barrett has mixed up Dotti pieces from the main winter season with others that are in store now for an interesting, creative look head to toe. The high-waisted denim pencil skirt is form-fitting and feminine, and perfect with a sheer blouse in turquoise over a lacy, stretchy layering piece. There is little point in wearing high-waisted pieces without having your top tucked in to show it off, she says.

"The skirt is quite sophisticated and very shapely it's nice to accentuate a woman's beautiful curves."The little blouse is fun and feminine with its little puffed sleeves and ruffles, but it's not too girlie-girl. I love the colour; it's one of my favourites, and I can wear a contrasting top under it, like this one, or something the same colour, or even floral."

The leopard-print tights, also from Dotti, are a quirky addition for a bit of interest between the skirt hem and the lace-topped socks she is wearing under her blue boots. Plain tights or bare legs would be a different look and probably a bit lacking in theatricality for Barrett, who says her background in performance does spill over into her wardrobe.

Her boots, bought at Embrace Shoes, a favourite shoe stop in South City, have a certain Robin Hood style with their elasticised lacing-up and loose top."These are my favourite boots. I wear them practically every day, and blue is a good colour it stands out."Barrett describes her style as a bit "tree-hugging hippy" and at home and on weekends that is probably more evident.

She likes long skirts and cardigans, velvet pants, hats and lots of layering and interesting, complementary colour combinations.She is not particularly into jeans, but does have a favourite high-waisted pair from Dotti. Many of her clothing purchases are made in second-hand stores, but she is also a fan of the cheaper chain stores.

"You just need to experiment and get out of your comfort zone and try things on you can always pull back if a look is too much for you. I completely respect that some people don't have a good eye for colour, and it's easy to stick with black or neutral shades I like them, too but I also think a lot of people just don't allow themselves to express their creativity. If you want to make a change, make it worthwhile."

Barrett has finished her outfit with a longline maroon cardigan from Supre, a myriad of silver bracelets and turquoise and greenstone necklaces. Her knitted hat is from Dotti, as is the clip-on flower she has added."I do love hats. I probably wear a hat every day my mother tells me I'll go bald because of it. Hats are beautiful. I always get comments on them, and the oldies love them."

Barrett says fashion is a kind of therapy, because when people feel good about what they are wearing, they feel great, and when they feel great, they look great.DRESS SENSE-What is your favourite colour? "Turquoise and maroon."

What do you have most of in your wardrobe? "I have got most of everything!"What is your favourite item? "Before all these long-line cardigans came in, I was wearing a handknitted opshop cardigan that I'm sure a grandma must have knitted. It's really long with a great shape. I bought it in Dunedin in about 2002."

What do you like about current fashions? "I love the feminine touch at the the moment. It's beautiful to feel like a woman."Who is your favourite designer: "I really love Annah Stretton. I used to work at Annah S. I think she is fantastically creative. She has fun, she plays with textures and colours and mixes it all up. I have still got heaps of pieces from Annah S and people always say they look amazing."