One item, six looks, any age: the midi-skirt

We take one £30 red midi-skirt from Asos.com and show you six great ways to wear it.

Casual elegance

This flattering, face-framing silk head scarf lends a Seventies edge to an elegant ensemble. The Peter Pan collar, plain T-shirt and patent courts keep things current.

Headscarf, £110, by Peridot London ( peridotlondon.com ); top, £65, by Whistles ( whistles.co.uk ); belt, £45, by Twiggy at Fenwick ( fenwick.co.uk ); bag, £1850, by Smythson ( smythson.com ); ring, £105, by Marc by Marc Jacobs at my-wardrobe.com ; shoes, £39.99, by Zara ( zara.com ).

 

Bold colour
Colour-blocking is a great trend that has no age limits. To avoid sensory overload, stick to two bold colours by matching you accessories. Choose luxe fabrics such as silke to add sophistication.
Top, £250, by Marc by Marc Jacobs at Selfridges ( selfridges.com ); earrings, £276, by Erickson Beamon ( ericksonbeamon.com ); ring, £262, by Mawi ( mawi.co.uk ); bag, £950, by Mulberry ( mulberry.com ); shoes, £385, by Rupert Sanderson ( rupertsanderson.com ). 

Royal profile

The Duchess of Cambridge's Canadian wardrobe should be your inspiration here. A midi plus court shoes, as sleek blouse and jauntily tilted hat equals stately style.

Blouse, £420, by Michael Kors ( michaelkors.com ); bracelet, £325, and earrings, £125, both by Astley Clarke Pebble ( astleyclarke.com ); hat, £239, by Narida Fraiman, and belt, £39, by Twiggy, both at Fenwick ( fenwick.co.uk ); shoes, £395, by Rupert Sanderson ( rupertsanderson.com ). 

 

Elegantly waisted

A super-skinny belt pulled over your winter jacket at the waist will cinch you right in. Result? A silhouette Rita Hayworth would be proud of - and no corset required.

Jacket, £890, by Miu Miu at Selfridges ( selfridges.com ); belt, £45, by Beltmania at Fenwick ( fenwick.co.uk ); brooch, £345 by Maria Grachvogel ( mariagrachvogel.com ); shoes, £175, by Russell & Bromley ( russellandbromley.co.uk ); handbag, £725, by Anya Hindmarch ( anyahindmarch.com ). 

 

Stylishly studious

Contrast the figure-hugging femininity of the skirt and the glamourous mini-satchel with a rugged, chunky jumper and these manly, practical ankle boots to achieve a first-class thesis in campus style.

Hat, £13.90, by Mango ( mango.com ); jumper, £150, by Jaeger Boutique ( jaeger.co.uk ); bag, £32, by Topshop ( topshop.com ); boots, £185, by Grenson ( grenson.co.uk ). 

 

Work that skirt

Let the skirt be the star in this office-ready esemble by topping it off with a neutral shirt or blouse. Always remember, a split in a skirt should be balanced out with a high neckline.

Blouse, £435, by Stella McCartney at net-a-porter.com ; ring, £155, by Vinnie Day at Astley Clarke ( astleyclarke.com ); glasses, £199, by Oliver Peoples at Brompton Opticians ( bromptons.co.uk ); shoes, £145, by By Larin at my-wardobe.com .