Coleen’s Real Style. Coleen Rooney

good look to bear in mind is combining the two and wearing an evening-style top with jeans in the day. I got a fantastic silver-sequined, T-shirt-style blouse with a bow at the neck that I wore in the first series of Coleen’s Real Women. It was from Topshop and I think it looked kind of trendy and not too blingy. I wear it with my skinny denims and high shoes. For me, this worked because I let the top do the talking and I didn’t wear any accessories. I got loads of compliments on it.

       A sheer, silk blouse with ruffle-front detail is just the right side of sexy.

      The soft touch

      Easy knits

      Knitted tops can be quite hard to wear: they tend to be what we reach for in between seasons when it starts to get a little colder. But in changeable weather, jumpers can feel too bulky and fine-knit tops can feel too thin. My advice is: try layering.

      THE WARM UP

      In winter, layer a chunky-knit cardigan over your favourite long-sleeved T-shirt or polo neck. Big knitted cardigans have more shape than jumpers, which not only look better on all figures, but they give you the chance to turn the heat up or down by taking your cardi off when you’re indoors.

      PLAIN SAILING

      In spring or summer, layer fine cotton-knit tops. Try soft colours like grey and powder-pink in cashmere or merino wool: they can look great over a plain vest. Varying the lengths of your tops worn together also gives a flattering, layered look.

      GET UP AND GO

      I love sweater dresses but I’m not that into big, bulky jumpers, as they can look quite shapeless, so unless I’m just nipping out or walking the dog in winter, I tend not to wear them. But plain wool V-necks and turtlenecks always have a classic smart look, and they’re great for those days when you don’t have much time to get ready.

      Top, George at Asda.

       A striped, sleeveless knitted top is a great option for late summer days.

      Top, Boohoo.com.

       Real Style Note

       Short, knitted cardigans can do funny things to your shape, making you look wider if you’re short and longer if you’re tall. Try on a few until you get it right.

       Wear a big leather belt with a chunky knit and a thinner one with a fine-knit this adds a classically chic touch to practical styles.

      TAKE COVER

      Striped sweaters, in classic navy and cream or navy and red, can look smart with jeans in spring. I’d also invest in a nice cashmere cardi for summer nights, or a cardi-coat for autumn. Pringle and Missoni do some great knits and all the high-street faves seem to have a much wider pick of knitted tops from season to season. Topshop do some great sleeve shapes: from short, ruffle styles to wide tunic shapes; and French Connection do some great Eighties- style knitted tops in bold colours and prints. I like Joseph knits, and always try Gap for some fine cotton-mix sweaters in summer, Choose soft, muted colours – they look lovely at this time of year.