Over 50? Here's exactly what to wear this Valentine's Day - including the fashion trick used by Victoria Beckham

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and, although you might not be in the first flush of youth – or love – it’s always a good excuse to dress up, no matter what your plans. Winter often leaves us feeling uninspired when it comes to our wardrobe, which is why an injection of colour and glamour is exactly what’s needed to lift us out of the gloom. It’s time to say yes to heels, sparkle and, of course, the chance to dazzle in shades of fiery red and flirty pink.

Just look at Renee Zellweger, stepping out recently for the London premiere of the new Bridget Jones film in a vintage fuchsia Balmain strapless gown which was both fun and sexy. She was positively glowing, with her boyfriend Ant Anstead by her side. Whether you’ll be tucking into a supermarket meal deal, heading to a fancy restaurant or hosting an alternative ‘galentine’s’ night with friends, dressing in style will add extra fizz to the evening.

Creating an entrance is easily achieved by focusing on fabrics and textures. Give the Lycra leggings and denim jeans a night off and turn to lace, sequins and metallics for the wow factor. If, like so many midlife women, you don’t like being totally sleeveless then a sheer mesh fluted-sleeve dress like this one from Needle&Thread is soft, feminine and a brilliant bingo-wing banisher. Dress, £435, needle andthread.com.

Dismiss any thoughts of reds and pinks being cliched colour choices for Valentine’s Day. It’s all about shade. Get it right and you’ll be bowled over by the effect it can have – on both the wearer and the date! Bold red oozes sexy, grown-up power. I was sworn against it until I tried a mini dress with bows by Hill House (£288, hillhousehome.co.uk) and felt so much more confident than if I’d opted for my usual Party Black.

This shorter mini-dress style by River Island has a flattering square neckline, letting the wearer reveal a hint of decolletage in an elegant way. It’s a design trick utilised by Victoria Beckham, who has made it one of her collection’s signature looks. If you can’t be persuaded to try a little raunchy red or punchy pink, don’t automatically revert back to black. Phase Eight’s tassel dress comes in a soft dove grey, enabling you to swish and sway in a more muted tone.

Or try Hobbs’s chiffon peppermint style, which is both easy on the eye and gentle to winter’s washed-out skin. For a cover-up, try the matching tweed jacket with a belt (£189, hobbs.com). Dress, £42, riverisland.com; necklace, £20, monsoon.co.uk; shoes, £49.99, mango.com. Dress, £189, phase-eight.com; bangle, £32, busbyand fox.com. Dress, £169, hobbs.com; belt, £120, camillaelphick.com; bracelet, £360, tillysveaas.co.uk; necklace, £36, busbyandfox.com.

It’s similar to the combination the Princess of Wales has sported with one of her favourite labels, Self Portrait, at numerous events. Follow her lead and reuse it later in the year, too, if you have a special event to attend. When it comes to flashing a little flesh, remember a back can be just as alluring as cleavage. This elegant red dress with button detailing by Rixo is a great way to grab attention.

Dress, £475, rixolondon.com; earrings, £42, busbyandfox.com. The art of seductive dressing is to focus on one body part, whether it’s a low-cut back, plunging front or one-shouldered detail. If you’ve been with your other half for a long time then sticking with what you know is an easy trap to fall into on Valentine’s Day, but throwing caution to the wind with a bold choice is something you won’t regret. This eye-catching floral print co-ord by Beulah London will make you feel daring, dazzling and glamorous all at once.

Top, £325 and trousers, £295, beulahlondon.com. Dress, £35, riverisland.com; necklace, £670, tillysveaas.co.uk; shoes, £225, russellandbromley.co.uk. The pyjama-style trend started by Olivia von Halle shows no sign of disappearing because it strikes the perfect balance when it comes to looking dressed up and feeling comfortable. Plus, let’s be honest, an elasticated waist is always a bonus if you plan on tucking into three courses!.