Fashion: Take your look from day to night

Winter fashion needn't be boring. If you're planning a night out after work, there are lots of outfits that can take you from desk to date.

I asked some of my favourite labels to put together outfits that required minimal changes, if any, to become as suitable for a party as they are for a meeting.

Lots of them involve tricks of layering, or substituting a jacket for a more glamorous version. Even just swapping your shoes can make a big difference, as demonstrated in the men's version.

If you're looking to brighten up your winter wardrobe, there are lots of ways to ensure your outfits are attention-grabbing as well as warm.

Many of us rely on big, black warm coats in winter but it's worth putting some time into finding something a bit different.

A bright colour over an all-black outfit is a good choice and a trench can be a really stylish alternative - just make sure the hem is longer than your dress.

There are also a lot of leather biker jackets in the shops at the moment.

Studded or not, these can look as good over jeans and a merino top at the weekend as they do with a little dress (and opaque tights).

If you must wear a big coat or drapey cardigan, see if you can cinch it in at the waist with a belt. And if it's not absolutely freezing, consider whether you can swap your jacket for a vest. Fitted vests are great for keeping warm while defining your figure.

Big scarves are really popular but if you're going to swaddle your neck in fabric, keep the rest of your outfit fairly fitted so that you don't get lost underneath it.

I am as guilty as anyone of reaching for my Ugg boots the minute the weather turns even a little bit cool. But leather boots, especially with a heel, are far more flattering, especially with skinny jeans. Thigh-high boots aren't as dominant this winter but if you have some from last year, they are great matched with a mid-thigh jersey dress.

And don't be afraid of colour - winter outfits generally have more fabric, so there's more space to play. Even colours you'd expect to clash can look really striking in contrast.