If you have a classic pencil skirt in your wardrobe, simply tuck in a T-shirt, cashmere jumper or silk blouse. To dress it up, add a pair of chandelier earrings, some classic black heels and a suit jacket draped over your shoulders.
White T-shirt, £9, by Gap; pencil skirt, £25, and shoes £59, both by Zara; jacket, £249, by Sara Berman, from Fenwick; earrings, £10, by Freedom at Topshop; cuff by Diva at Miss Selfridge; bag, £18, by Accessorize Photograph: David Newby/David Newby
To re-invent this daytime wardrobe look, unbutton the cardi as low as you dare, and add a showy necklace (ours is a cheap version of a Phillip Lim style). Heels and a spangly clutch bag add Tilda Swinton-esque sophistication.
Black cardigan, £49.99, by Uniqlo; khakis, £35, by Gap; shoes, £59, by Zara; necklace, £14, by Accessorize; bag, £20, by Miss Selfridge; earrings, £8, by Freedom at Topshop Photograph: David Newby/Guardian
Most women own these, and for this look it is better if the two don't match. A turned-up collar and pushed-up sleeves say party in a casual way and draw attention to the chandelier earrings and art deco-style clutch. Wear with sheer or lacy tights.
Jacket, £89, trousers, £29.90, shoes, £59, all by Zara; tights, £5, by Charnos, from mytights.com; cuff, £12, by Freedom at Topshop; earrings £12, by Urban Oufitters; bag, £20, by Miss Selfridge Photograph: David Newby/Guardian
Clutch bag, £15, from asos.com Photograph: Linda Nylind/Guardian
The way you wear a shirt can change your look. Undone is too office-casual; buttoning it up to the neck instantly makes it more dressy. Wear with jeans and tuck in neatly. This is about the only month in the year when a man can get away with a bow tie: when buying, aim for an I'm-in-the-Killers look.
Shirt, £29.50, by Gap; vintage bow tie, £8, and jeans, £79, by Lee, both from Urban Outfitters; belt, £9.99, by Uniqlo; shoes, £110, by Banana Republic Photograph: David Newby/Guardian
Splitting up your suit is the first rule of restyling your own wardrobe. The jacket becomes eveningwear when worn with a T-shirt and, if they tone well, chinos. Add a dapper evening scarf. Think Jude Law or Daniel Craig.
Suit jacket, £70, by Burton; white T-shirt, £10, by Giles for New Look; chinos, £39.50, and shoes, £110, both by Banana Republic; scarf, £19, by Zara Photograph: David Newby/Guardian
This cardigan is from Uniqlo, the best place on the high street for bright knits under £20. But if you only have dark knitwear, add one element of colour to make it look festive. If you you feel daft in a hat, you can always take it off.
Polo shirt, £50, by Lyle & Scott Heritage; cardigan, £19.99, by Uniqlo; suit trousers, £40, by Burton; shoes, £20, by Matalan; hat, £19.50, by Marks & Spencer Photograph: David Newby/Guardian
