Splash...

...of colour. That's what we need when the long nights are drawing in. Take one little black dress and jazz it up with this clutch from Accessorize (£25) for the ultimate in splashing out.

Or why not drop your tired black bag from your work outfit and get a patent shopper bag in a variety of colours from Oasis.

Don't go overboard though and dress head-to-toe in fuschia, this is about a splash and a dash of colour. Golden rule - don't over co-ordinate - you are not a sweet wrapper.

Layer-up

Is it cold? Is it hot? Who knows! The weather has been so up-and-down this summer/autumn that you don't know what way it will turn.

The best thing to do to stop the dreaded goosepimples, is to layer-up.

Warehouse have it down to a T. Literally. Team a dress, (£40), over a striped top with a snood, (£12), and maybe even throw in a scarf - for those extra chilly days.

Layering-up is easy to get right - because you usually have the key ingredients to hand. For example - love your smock dress but it's too frilly? Stick a black long-sleeve number underneath and transform it for work.

Even try wearing a thin scarf and wrapping it around your waist as a belt if you get too warm. Colour co-ordinate though - it's not about clashing.

If all else fails, grab yourself a cardigan - it works for your granny.

Stripes

Think less burglar Bill and more nautical-goth. Whether thick, thin or with sparkles all over, it's time to get with the stripes.

Wear this striped T-shirt from New Look on a Saturday, chilling with your friends, or try one with glitter for a Saturday night out.

It's not about strapping on your life-jacket and sailing on the high seas, it's more about shimmering on down to the dance floor.

You can't fail to notice the thick glimmer stripes on this season's sweaters from the likes of Dorothy Perkins and Primark... it's everywhere on the high street.

Don't be a fool though if you're on the larger size - horizontal stripes are not for everyone so try it and if it's not for you, don't worry and try out the other fashion fads this week.