Shift from frumpy to foxy

? Caught in a fashion rut? You’re not the only one.

Even Hollywood royalty with stylists on speed dial suffer from rumpled, bloated and unkempt days, according to fashion insiders Elycia Rubin, a co-founder of the Style Network, and Rita Mauceri, an exec with Home and Garden Television. To combat this widespread affliction that they call “the frumps,” the two gals have come out with a nifty self-help manual called “Frumpy to Foxy in 15 Minutes Flat” (Fair Winds Press, $49).

Not only does the pretty pink paperback provide tips on getting your act together in key situations – job interview, first date, casual Fridays – it also includes a beauty kit by Oprah’s fave makeup company, Bourjois Paris, with five essentials – mega-mascara, pearl shadow, brush bronzer, kohl liner and 3-D lip gloss – to get the job done, stat.

“Being foxy may sound like something that takes years, beaucoup bucks, or a jackpot gene pool to achieve,” they write. “But the truth is, regardless of your shapely size, or the size of your pocketbook, all it takes is a few proven tricks.” Here are five:

Bottoms up

“If admirers can’t tell whether you’re wearing shorts or bikini bottoms, then those things are too itsy bitsy,” say the authors, who recommend maintaining a stash of today’s tailored mid-thigh or to-the-knee linen or cotton shorts – flat front with some flare in the leg.

Careful now; oversized pleated Bermuda shorts with cuffed bottoms often blur the line between dowdy and dandy. You’ll have to try on a few pairs before you see a pair that suits you. When you do, seize them in colors like melon, powder blue, white, khaki and black.

Shirt the issue

You only need a few good tops to see you through until Labor Day: a gauzy keyhole blouse, colorful silk tunic, a cotton tank or hip-length cap sleeve tee in summery pinks, greens and dusty light blues, they say.

Besides color, shape is important. “We love tank tops, but make sure they fit snugly, especially around the arms,” they advise. “Let’s hope they aren’t gaping and giving the world a glimpse of the saggy beige bra you’re sporting.” Come to think of it, they add, better invest in a good racerback or clear strap bra so you can wear all that tiny, cute stuff with confidence.

Speaking of confidence, it’d be a smart idea to glance down at the ab zone before you even think about a shirt that exposes your belly, Rita and Elycia plead. “Few gals can walk around with their midriffs fully exposed, no matter how tan and tight they may be.”

Love skirts

“If shorts aren’t your style, or you’re feeling a bit uneasy about your pasty thighs,” E and R recommend a standby like an above-the-knee denim skirt, paired with a cotton camisole and hip-length button down shirt worn loose and open. Really want to take the shortcut out? Nothing could be easier than tossing on a delicate halter-neck sundress with flip-flops.

“The halter flatters your shapely shoulders and draws attention away from your arms and up to your face.” One question always arises with halters, though: What about the bra? The answer: Though some foxettes can go without, try a strapless or convertible style if you don’t fall into that category.

Hot times, summer in the city

The mercury’s rising out there, so go easy on yourself. All you’ll need is a couple of pairs of flip-flops (see Fashion RX), wooden heel mules, ankle strap espadrilles and white sneakers. Bags are also a no-brainer, they say. Keep them casual, light and playful. “We love a medium straw tote or short handled canvas bag that slips over the shoulder.”

Custom made

“All foxettes have their favorite item of clothing,” the duo writes, as sooner or later something will speak to you and work its way into your brand of style. A few ways to help figure out a signature style:

¢ Scents: Make your own or mix store-bought ones.

¢ Vintage: Pick out one-of-a-kind pieces no one has seen.

¢ Sunglasses: Go all out, picking up oversized, wrap or cat-eyes.

¢ Watches: If yours is dainty, try out an oversized men’s style and vice-versa.

¢ Scarves: Tie them around your head, neck or waist.