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Stuck in a style rut?  Try something different with Mandy Murphy.

So, when’s the big day?

Whether it’s a work do, job interview or a hot date you’re currently pencilling into your diary, chances are you’re also mulling over the same style mantra: dress to impress.  You want to wear something that’ll get you noticed, get you promoted or leave him begging for more.

Why oh why then do you end up settling for something tried-and-tested but ultimately underwhelming: the little black dress, the pinstripe skirt suit or a top, jeans-n’-heels combo.  True, they’re wardrobe staples, but the wow factor is distinctly lacking.  “Chicken-out chic” will rarely turn heads.

If this sounds like you, then sister, you’re stuck in a style rut.  But you’re in good company; it seems even celebs succumb to fashion inertia once in a while.  Liz Hurley, for example, has long paraded the “flash trash” get-up of white jeans and skyscraper heels, and who can forget Coleen Macloughlin’s long-standing allegiance to Juicy Couture trackies and mismatched Missoni before she invested in a decent stylist?

This season, however, there’s no excuse for being a plain Jane, as the style set has surpassed itself in showcasing trends to suit every shape, budget and “preferred look”.   Girlie girls among us will be thrilled at the wide range of feminine, floaty and floral clothes on offer, while tomboys are also kept happy through the growing trends for “preppy chic”, masculine tailoring, shorts, ties and polo shirts.

Is your wardrobe cluttered with clothes in every shade of black, grey and neutral but a little lacking on the colour front?  Brighten up with rainbow shades, polka dots, stripes, gingham and floral prints - all big news this season.  If you’re something of a shrinking violet when it comes to bright shades, try taking things slower by adding small splashes of colour to your outfit: for instance, with patent pumps, colourful beads, a patterned hairband or vibrant slouchy bag.

If your work wardrobe is more drab than fab, why not try ditching the usual black trousers or suit-skirts in favour of a lightweight spring jacket teamed with city shorts?  If you’re after something a little more ladylike, take your pick from this season’s key skirt-shapes - the bell, pencil, tulip or dirndl - and wear with a pretty shirt and peeptoes for maximum “office angel” impact!

If your budget can’t stretch to an entire wardrobe overhaul (and to be fair, whose can!), try freshening up existing looks with a glam new hairstyle and make-up, belts, bags and accessories.  Even the old faithful LBD can be updated by adding a sash in a contrasting colour, worn high on the waist to give the impression of longer legs and killer curves.

You’ll be turning heads again in no time!