TURN YOUR BACK ON BLACK (

Much) Navy’s so more flattering

Soft yet STYLISH

velvet is this season’s party musthave — and navy is the new black.

While black can be draining because it absorbs light rather than reflecting it on to your skin, a pretty blue will brighten up the complexion.

this fitted dress flatters the figure with subtle ruching.

add a faux fur stole, jewelled courts and matching earrings for extra glamour. Velvet maxi dress, £229, fennwright manson.com Stole, £69, thewhite company.com Courts, £35, marks andspencer.com Earrings, £29, hobbs.co.uk

Subtle SHINE

Navy works well in silk — the lighter tone brings out the fabric’s shine without looking cheap, as black sometimes can.

this shirt’s subtle print makes the look even more distinguished. add a swishy skirt and glitter courts, and you’ll be ready for any party. Silk print shirt, £140, jigsawonline. Maxi skirt, £99, coaststores. Velvet bag, £225, lkbennett. com Sparkle court shoes, £149, hobbs. co.uk

Effortlessly ELEGANT

Not ready to ditch black entirely for blue? then mixing the two shades is the perfect formula for an elegant look.

Don’t listen to the myth that the two can’t be worn together — the tones in this dress and jacket complement each other perfectly. Complete the look with a flash of a blue and gold watch. Velvet blazer, £230, jigsaw-online.com Brocade dress, £80, phaseeight. Watch, £179, katespade. co.uk

Grown-up GLAMOUR

a BiG, fuzzy coat is the cosiest way to stay warm this winter. to make the trend truly grown- up without sacrificing style, opt for classic navy.

the lovely sheen on this faux fur coat will catch the eye day and night. pair it with a chic dress such as this one, which teams velvet with mesh to add a hint of sex appeal to a formal look. Blue fringed heels tie the outfit together. Faux fur jacket, £299, essentielantwerp. Mesh dress, £162, boden. co.uk Sandals, £150, reiss.com

Must-have SPARKLE

pleateD midiskirts are everywhere this season — and this glittery version will take you effortlessly from day to night.

the vertical lines on both top and skirt tie the outfit together and are slimming, too.

Give your winter skin a boost with these lovely blue statement earrings, which lend an extra sparkle to light up your face. Black polo-neck, £185, winser london.com Pleated midi skirt, £59, coaststores. Bauble earrings, £12.50, marks andspencer. com

Perfect SHAPE

jumpsuits can be hit and miss — wearing the same colour from head to toe has the potential to look blocky.

But this navy style is broken up by a waistcinching black band, while the floaty top half makes your middle look even smaller.

the navy hue makes it more casual than black would, so it’s a great all- rounder. Dress up the look with these velvet and glitter slingbacks. Jumpsuit, £169, damsel inadress. co.uk Heels, £35, marksand spencer. com