FASHION TRENDS

Giving an easy twist to any hairstyle, there's nothing prettier than a plait.  Wound around the base of a bun, sneaking into a swinging ponytail or taking centre stage in one long braid, the plait is both versatile and stylish.

The new season braid is focused on grown-up fun. At Twenty8Twelve's fashion show, hair was spun into a plaited up do with strong punk connotations. Messy braids were spun above the ear before exploding into a twisted ponytail secured at the nape of the neck, giving plaits a distinctly rock chick look.

To master the plaited up-do, spritz ghd creation spray onto dry hair to hold the style, before creating two braids on each side and pulling them into a ponytail. Flip the pony back under itself and secure, making the hair look shorter and bouncier. Finally, tease strands out from the braids and pony, for that care-free, undone attitude.

The dark side of beauty first appeared back in 2008 when dark, glossy black lips appeared gracing models' lips on the Yves Saint Laurent winter runway. Inky and thick, fashion took note and now, a year on, near black lippy is no longer just for goths... it's the top lip trend for winter.

Spotted on the catwalks at Rachel Roy and Topshop Unique there's no shying away from this shady style, but dark lipstick can be a tough look to pull off. When staying true to the trend and daring to wear a shiny black lip, keep the face dewy and light, forgetting eye-makeup to concentrate on flawless skin. For a more wearable take on the trend, opt for a luscious, deep burgundy hue as seen at Charlotte Ronson.

However you play it the dark, statement lip is undeniably sexy. Wear it late at night, teamed with killer heels for maximum effect.

Every year winter fashion brings woolly hats, snug knitwear and rain-resistant boots to the shops. When they seem too practical, thank your lucky stars for the festive season, which never fails to dazzle the fashion world with sequins, and lots of them.

Over the past few years sequins have made their appearances loyally on mini dresses and body-con skirts, but now they're spreading their reach to leggings, headbands and, the must have piece of the season, the heavily embellished trophy jacket.

To really show your sense of style, don't save your glittering wardrobe for the night and dare to twinkle in the daylight too. A peek of a sparkling top underneath a leather jacket or teamed with slouchy jeans is easy cool at its best. The more adventurous should invest in a heavily sequinned skirt which will turn daytime outfits luminous and leave you ready to party when the night comes.

Eschew pasty complexions this winter for something with a bit more heat. Bronzed skin needn't be reserved for the warmer months and, done right, can bestow a healthy radiance which will brighten up any cold and gloomy day.

Tanned skin in the winter gives the impression of luxury and refinement, conjuring up images of relaxing pool-side during sun soaked holidays in far-flung paradises. As seen on the Chloe catwalk, the Winter sun complexion can easily recreated with a dab of fake tan and a powdering of bronzer. Apply golden bronzer with a big fluffy brush to keep the colour even, not stripy, touching up points which catch the sun like the forehead, nose and cheekbones.

Team deliciously biscuit shaded skin with metallic eye-makeup which will reflect the light and up the wow factor. Glistening gold swept across the eyelids will translate this polished trend from day to night in one quick stroke.