Styling Tips

The Christmas Party Dress

The Christmas party dress has to perform many tasks; it has to be suitable for the work party, friend's party and the annual relatives 'get-together'.

The problem is that most people end up looking like a Christmas tree. This is because people try too hard. They think that they have to add sparkle to their outfit. So the gold and sequins come out and ruin the outfit.

The secret is to find a timeless, multi-tasking outfit that suits every age group and complements your body.

A tall order but I'll try.

Mistakes and problems

Many women when searching for that perfect dress treat the experience like searching for the perfect partner. They go for the flashier options that scream out at them. These options, like their male counterparts are often sort lived and impractical.

There is also the skimpy tight little number. It is virtually impossible to find seamless under wear that will be invisible under such a dress.

Tip: When you have difficulty holding a dress together, if the dress can hold it, sew the bra to the dress. You will simply be mimicking what is done to couture garments.

Getting it Right

Don't be too eager to buy the first thing you see. Often the best buys are found when you least expect it. Have the confidence to go for something that is not shimmery or flashy. Go for something classical and eminently wearable.

I know that at this time of year finances are stretched tremendously, so the desire for something which has ageless appeal becomes more of a necessity.

I recommend the following:

Dress to suit your pocket

1. Value for money

Check out the designer defused brands in department stores. This is where a well known designer will produce a range exclusively for a store at a very reasonable price. They are able to do this because they often use cheap fabrics and the design is quite basic. However, the garments are well made.

For example:

2. Treat Yourself

Mathew Williamson's silk chiffon dress £408

3. Re- Mortgage

Amanda Wakely, Neutral coloured beaded satin dress £799

Corsets

This is an essential for the festive season. What other garment complements the female form like a corset?

Most of the leading designers have included corsets in their collection, from Stella McCartney, Gucci and Alexander McQueen. Unfortunately, this flattering garment comes at a price, Stella McCartney's silk satin corset retails at £825.

Luckily, this trend has found it's way to the High Street. See Oasis' black and grey satin corset £40.

If you buy one outfit this Christmas, it should be a corset. (Provided you are curvy).

Accessories

Why not keep the dress simple and invest in quality accessories.

Jewellery

You can truly experiment this way on any budget. The theme should be beaded chokers and crosses, hooped, drop chain, diamante, and pearl effect earrings.

Price Ranges

Lower end: Accessorize have loads of choice at around £15

Mid-price: Monet Diamante pearls £32

Top of the range: Gold, garnet and ruby earrings £280 by Sweatpea at Harvey Nichols.

Masks

A stunning mask can dramatically change a plain outfit. See sequined feathered number by Aladdin's Cave around £8.

Capes

These are very big this season. They come in the fur and sequined net variety. Expect to pay around £40 for the quality versions. (See G by Maria Grachvogel at Debenhams).

Bags

To add glitz without full- on head -to toe sparkle, try velvet, glitter or sequined. Prices vary tremendously.

I recommend:

Shoes

If ever there where an accessory to invest in, this is it. The right shoe can transform an outfit. Try to buy the best quality you can afford. It will be an investment. Having said that, there are some good copies of the designer shoes on the market.

For example:

If you can afford to splash out a bit, I would recommend

However, if you are prepared to throw caution to the wind and treat yourself to a luxury item, then I would suggest you consult the usual suspects - Manolo Blahnik, Christian Laboutin, Jimmy Choo.

What has particularly caught my eye however, is Gina's multi coloured sequined ankle at £335 and a pair of black silk velvet, open toed, glitter -heeled sandals by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche.

Tights

Fishnets, what else?