Party season is quickly encroaching on us and the shops are filling up on all things sequin and sparkle. I love an excuse to dress up (I’m from Merseyside after all, where most women put their heels and glad rags on just to go shopping), but there comes a point over the Christmas and New Year period when I start to get a bit sick of the gold and the glitz, and I want something relatively simple to wear that doesn’t require too much effort.

That’s why I always get a back up for when I don’t feel like getting totally dolled up, or if I’m off to a casual event or party that calls for more than my usual shirt and leather trousers. A jumpsuit is great for this kind of occasion; it’s a full outfit in one so doesn’t take much thought ,and can make a real statement without being flashy.

I love this one from Esprit – it hits the military trend (seen at the likes of Balmain and Alexander Wang this season) on the head and would look great with a pair of killer heels. I’d pair it with a chunky masculine watch (like this one) and a vampy lipstick to make it party-appropriate, but otherwise keep accessories and makeup to a minimum to let the jumpsuit do all the talking.

This jumpsuit could work for day time too, dressed down with a leather jacket, chunky scarf and a pair of Nikes. Not bad for £59, eh?