I have extensive experience with dressing up (and over) and it’s my considered opinion that shoes are the easiest way to do it. A good shoe elevates – often literally – everything: a little black dress, a little white dress, a pantsuit, a skirt suit, jeans, anything you have in your wardrobe.

Of course, a golden cape will also help with dress-up and it’s not that difficult to throw on. But taking into account what most people own/wear every day, this may or may not be a realistic option. Bags are helpful, but I find that their impact compared with shoes is limited, as they don’t have the same power to change the silhouette (there are certain situations where I prefer to go for the bag and I will come back to this one of these days).

The shoes on the picture are by Nicholas Kirkwood for Roksanda Ilincic, thereby combining two of my favourite designers. I love the bold colour combination that echoes Roksanda’s dresses and the interesting shape – a curved heel is one of Kirkwood’s signatures. You can put these on with cropped jeans and a white t-shirt and be ready for everything.

The good thing is that statement shoes don’t have to be high or particularly crazy. There are more and more really great flats around: metallic, bejewelled, studded, fashionably flatformed, that will instantly change your look. A classic, well-designed stiletto – possibly in a bold hue – is another great thing to have around. I have yet to meet a shift dress that would not benefit from a stiletto boost.

And if shoes don’t seem enough, do don that golden cape, by all means.