The grey skies of Winter may be upon us, but a jolt of red will always cheer us up. Sway shows you how to combine the sombre with the vivid for a hot and happy look we can all rock.

When escaping from out of dire financial straits, keeping up with appearances at the exclusive VIP-only week-night hot spots and the swanky week-end clubs should be at the extreme bottom of your priority list. Socializing in itself can prove problematic and pricey if you’re a young person in debt. But for those extroverts with a passion for fashion but without the long money to support their insatiable appetite for glamour, there are ways to pain your pockets less.

Leather in any weather

Wearing the most traditionally feminine colour (pale pink) without looking childlike can be a challenge. To succeed at pulling it off gravitate towards small doses, preferably mixed with adults-only graphics, and pair it with something sexy and fitted. Sophisticated accessories in glam gold give pink a final boost to the big kid side. Effortless, chic and ready to play.
Printed tunic, $895, Jean Paul Gaulthier, from Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com. White skinny jeans, Ra-re, $148, ra-re.it. Gold woven necklace, $30 and rings, $15 each, Aldo, aldoshoes.com. Chain link and Lucite bangles, $40 …

How to make a bright look sharp? Pair it with a seasonal star, like the boyfriend blazer. The must-have topper for spring has been given a nautical overhaul. It comes double-breasted, in shades as light as freshly whipped cream and complete with ornate metal buttons. Such a powerful piece demands strong allies, like a tank top in attention-grabbing magenta, slouchy-yet-slim pants and sassy blue suede shoes.
Military style blazer, $229, slim pant, $139 and silk tie, $79, all from Club Monaco, clubmonaco.com. Pink tank, $10, and white tank, $7, both H&M, …