January’s often the time we re-evaluate our lives – but don’t leave your wardrobe out of the equation.

With some clever fashion mathematics you can multiply the wearability of key pieces again and again to make them work harder during that tricky transition from winter to spring.

There’s a whole spring/summer season ahead to experiment with sugary pastels, tribal prints and white lace so don’t even think about combining them with your winter coat.

Instead, utilise these fashion foundations that just keep giving and you’ll be spoilt for choice with seasonally appropriate outfits.

The dream dress

Forget outfit changes and make your frock work harder. They don’t call it ‘the shift’ for nothing – this tireless dress delivers both day and night.

Whether you prefer statement print or block colour, choose a sleeveless shape so you can wear a fitted top underneath until you’re ready to expose your arms come spring.

Pare down with a cardigan or blazer in the morning and switch to chunky jewellery and statement heels for a night-time transformation.

Accessorize: Give your dress a new spin by adding a waisted belt in a contrasting colour or inject some texture, and Forties glamour style, with a faux fur stole.

The foolproof blouse

A statement blouse or shirt can really jazz up a dark wintry palette.

Its versatility makes it a wardrobe winner too. Wear it buttoned up to the neckline for a prim-and-proper look, sexily undone to the cleavage, or open and layered over a dress or top for a relaxed vibe.

Raid your wardrobe and experiment with different trousers, skirts and shorts with tights and try your shirt tucked in or hanging loose.

Accessorize: Button right up to the top and you can go to town by blinging up your blouse. Add a contrasting scarf around the collar for an instant pussybow look, or try an eye-catching bib collar necklace.

The perfect pencil skirt

Tap into this spring’s ladylike trend with a wiggle-worthy pencil skirt.

This is one piece that goes with tights in winter and bare legs once the sun starts working overtime.

Wear your pencil skirt right now teamed with a chunky jumper, or you could really prim things up with a granny chic two-piece knit.

As soon as spring officially lands, lighten up with a shirt or tee.

Accessorize: Hosiery will instantly change the look of your pencil skirt. Go zany with statement print tights, formal with plain black, or clash-tastic with contrasting colours.

The saviour sweater

Suddenly, that Christmas jumper inspired by The Killing’s Sarah Lund looks a little passe.

Enter the spring-friendly sweater: it should be finer and cropped but, most importantly, lacking in full-length sleeves to withstand the central heating and balmy nearly-spring temperatures.

Think of it as a halfway house between a woolly and a t-shirt.

Accessorize: Crank up the glamour stakes by blessing your knit with a bejewelled makeover. Add a statement necklace ensuring that it complements the neckline.

The bodacious boot

While fur-lined or long boots are too hot, strappy shoes are far too premature for pre-spring.

Get it just right with a pair of versatile ankle boots that work with or without tights. Opt for tan or beige to keep them looking fresher than harsh winter black.

Dress, skirt, trousers or jeans – choose the perfect pair and they’ll accompany every item of your winter-to-spring stage wardrobe with ease.

Accessorize: The bag you team with your ankle booties determines whether you’re channelling dressed up or down. Think slouchy day bag for casual or sleek clutch for evening glamour.

Steer clear of:

• Sugary shades: Pastels are a key trend for spring but we’re not quite there yet. If you want to work colour, opt for bold brights until it’s warm enough to stash away the winter coat.
• Toe exposure: Frostbite is not an attractive quality. If you can’t resist the peep-toe shoes or sandals, don’t forget the tights.
• Sport-inspired: Make no bones about it, the Olympics is going to have a bearing on our summer fashions but, for now, save your athletic clobber for the gym.
• Sheer chic: Step away from anything remotely see-through. Sheer fashions are best reserved for when you start turning down the central heating.
• Bare legs: It’s not brave and it’s not clever. There’s a whole host of hosiery options out there to halt the flesh flashing until spring, from 150 denier opaques to Kate Middleton-esque sheer.

Get the look

Red, strapless and ravishing. Make an entrance like actress Reese Witherspoon at the Golden Globes in Next’s Geri red maxi dress, £40 (www.next.co.uk).

Buy it now

If you live for the weekend, you’ll love dressing up in John Lewis’s new label. The JL Weekend collection features neat cuts, pastel palettes and pops of colour. With more than 80 casualwear pieces in the range, starting at £20, consider your spring wardrobe sorted. Available from February 1 at John Lewis stores nationwide and online.

Fashion flash

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