Asymmetric zip blouse

Avoid looking dreary this January by smartening up your wardrobe. Turn heads in the office and after dark in easy transitional separates and grown-up accessories.

Left: Cover-ups don\'t have to be purely functional. Design details, such as an asymmetric zip, will up the ante.

£45 from COS

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Peg leg trousers

Remember, a well-cut pair of trousers is imminently practical. They\'ll look just as smart with a crisp white T as they do with a formal blouse. Love the cuffed hem on this pair.

£45 from Warehouse

Bow detail dress

Team this bow-neckline dress with a chunky knit and flat boots for an off-duty twist.

WAS £119 NOW £83 by Jesire from John Lewis

Jersey chain jacket

It\'s all in the details. The chain embroidery and bow pockets on this plain black cropped jacket make it a statement piece.

£65 from Topshop

Penny loafer

Channel Alexa and switch your ballet pumps for an OTM pair of penny loafers.

£110 by Carvela from Kurt Geiger

Shirt dress

A shirt dress is how savvy girls do button-down in a fresh, unstuffy way.

£39.99 by +J from Uniqlo

Quilted chain handle bag

A classic black quilted handbag automatically adds understated chic to any outfit.

£16 from A Wear

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Belted chino dress

Invest in a neutral-toned shift dress. It will work whatever the occasion (or the weather, give or take a thin sweater and a pair of tights!)

£75 from Banana Republic

Cropped jacket

A black jacket doesn\'t have to be reserved for the office. Throw this one over skinny jeans or a leather mini for a change of pace.

£89 from COS

Cut-out sandals

Wooden heels, whether they be clogs or sandals, are going to be huge for spring/summer.

£65 from Topshop

Boyfriend blazer

The simple silhouette of this Jil Sander for Uniqlo boyfriend blazer makes it look great with jeans or a day dress.

£79.99 by +J from Uniqlo

Satchel

A satchel never goes out of style and shows that you mean business.

£109 from Ally Capellino

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Denim patchwork dress

For those of us who are addicted to denim but have to leave the jeans at home from Monday to Friday, Whistles can deliver your denim fix in the form of this two-tone dress.

£95 from Whistles

Leather pencil skirt

A pencil skirt is a workwear staple. Don\'t be scared to vamp it up a notch in a leather option, they are surprisingly versatile - team with a jersey T for a relaxed feel.

£199 from Planet

Bow belt

Smartening up a look doesn\'t get any simpler than adding a belt - preferably patent.

WAS £50.07 NOW £34 from Jigsaw

Classic trench coat

No wardrobe should be without a classic trench for effortless cool.

£85 by BB Dakota from Urban Outfitters (online from Feb)

Slim fit trousers

Smart and sharp doesn\'t have to mean dull - we love these baby pink trousers.

£137.93 by Acne from Net-a-porter.com

Brogues

Smart and comfortable, brogues are a workwear godsend.

£49.99 from Clarks Originals

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Tweed Boucle mini skirt

Fabric is key for adding an edge of smartness to your look. Tweed boucle is a case in point.

£45 from Warehouse

Collar beaded lapel

Clever accessories, such as this beaded tie-on collar, mean that nothing in your wardrobe is out of bounds when it comes to a little spit and polish.

£70 by Day Birger et Mikkelsen from Net-a-porter.com

Gathered neck blouse

This gathered neck blouse is simple and chic making it a great base for statement necklaces and stand out jewellery.

£99 from Ted Baker

Pintuck umbrella skirt

This tiered mini is just as well suited to a job interview as it is to a first date, or shopping on a Saturday with the girls.

£35 from Warehouse

Button down day dress

Go nude in the office (not literally) in this tba dress - it\'s a welcome substitute to black.

£140 by tba from Urban Outfitters

Wide leg trousers

These wide leg pants are perfect for when the weather warms up. Team with a relaxed shirt and flat shoes for an Annie Hall-esque office look.

£162 from Beaumont Organic

Button detail dress

Versatile and comfortable, this dress can be worn with a blazer and low heels by day or belted and accessorised up for night.

£49 from Kookai

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