BECAUSE fashion changes every so often and unexpectedly, it is understandably hard for guys to stay in touch with trends.

Add the common confusion with television as torch holder in the fashion stakes and be fashion paralysed!

There is none as misleading as television soapies. They look fine and trendy most of the time but while they might add substance to the character played, soapies are not necessarily a fashion ramp.

For instance, while we believe that Georgie Zamdela is the fashion disaster of all time, fact is that his is a character of colour and many hats. His wardrobe only confirms it. "Bra Georgie is a phenomenon: he is streetwise, connected and has new money, most of which is still illegal. So what better way to confirm all such traits than have him wearing all his belongings, including the rings, on all his fingers?" asks drama student Mpho Sephuma.

But then some characters are dressed to confirm stereotypes. Otherwise why is Isidingo's Rajesh so badly dressed when he owns a television channel? He has only recently shed the purple suit.

"His bad taste in clothes says Indian men are clueless when it comes to what to wear. It could also mean that money can't buy style. But did they have to use an Indian man?"

So, are guys better off taking fashion notes from safe characters such as 7de Laan's Mandla Khumalo?

"No, Mandla's character is that of a hand-to-mouth peanuts-earning journalist more interested in chasing stories than making a fashion statement . Writers are becoming surprisingly aware of the effect of their image in their fraternity and beyond," says City Press features and lifestyle editor Babalwa Shota.

And despite Kabelo's infamous speech about reporters dressing shabbily, Senzo Dhlomo and his stepmom Ntombi fare very well in the media-fashion room.

In fact, most people agree that Senzo is the most well-dressed soapie character despite his background. Their fashion taste might also be fuelled largely by Dhlomo's money. Journalists brought the G to the glam.

Remember the Drum days. Those people were spiffy. It was the struggle journalism that brought in the scruffy look. We were like foot soldiers. But we have come full circle since then.

And just to show that money can't buy style, Muvhango's Chief Azwindini's wardrobe is downright depressing. Even Khaphela of Generations does a better job.

"Azwindini is rural-urban, but more rural than urban, hence the lime shirts, purple tops and traditionally ugly cross between Madiba shirts and home made" says television scriptwriter Nobayeni Mangena .

"He is a people's leader whose interest lies in the welfare of his people. So let no royalty take fashion tips from Azwindini,"