Once the first door of those advent calendars open, the fashion focus shifts to party-perfect little dresses and killer heels.
"Evening
wear has only one purpose - it just needs to look sensational." says
Annabelle Van Tongeren, author of Dress Like a Star.
"For statement dressing, whether it's an office party or black tie ball, the point is to make a statement - or be overlooked."
So put your dancing shoes on, it's time to frock 'n' roll.
BRONZE GODDESS
If you're into vintage glamour, a gold dress is a 24-carat investment.
Bronze
is the richest colour going on the party wear circuit and its opulent
metallic properties will look fabulous against warmer complexions.
Go overboard with sequin sparkle, understated with matte burnished gold, or pepper your look with subtle bronze embellishments.
Keep the metallic element to the slimmest part of the body - the light reflection is an instant attention grabber.
DARK SEDUCTRESS
Create intrigue with lashings of opulent black magic.
No
need to feel shamed by splashing out on an LBD - with its flattering
qualities, a black dress boasts party re-wear potential for years to
come.
Beware: a statement colour or print may instantly become
labelled as 'that dress' and not leave your wardrobe more than a few
times.
Add interest with subtle embellishments in festive gold or
silver, or re-work a plain black dress with metallic or coloured
accessories to diversify your look.
BRIGHT BEAUTY
Stand out from the festive party crowd in look-at-me bold colours.
Limelight stealers should ditch the land of bland and opt for block rainbow brights to cause a stir on the dance floor.
Take
inspiration from Father Christmas, tomato red is the catwalk colour to
be seen in this season, or try jewel brights such as indigo, emerald or
cobalt blue.
Colour exhibitionists should try this season's must-have maxi length for a top-to-toe shot of shocking colour.
ICE MAIDEN
Shimmer your way through the party season with not-so-subtle sparkle.
Embellishments
like sequins, beading and disco paillettes offer instant bling - ideal
for effortless one piece dressing that mean you don't have to give extra
thought to your accessories or make-up.
Whether in the form of a
shimmering mini or Grecian maxi, icy shades are fresh and modern, and
look their most illuminating on cool skin tones.
Keep jewellery and extra sparkle to a minimum - your dress will deliver all the festive glitz you need.
DRESS DECISIONS
Unfortunately, Santa Claus can't work
pre-Christmas miracles and conjure the perfect frock into your wardrobe
overnight. Hunting out the most flattering frock is all about playing on
your body's killer feature and disguising your demons.
"Special
fabric treatments, beading, embellishment and texture can be used
effectively to carve out a new body," explains Annabelle Van Tongeren.
"Bodice, sleeves and neckline definition are crucial to creating the most flattering frocks."
Here is a guide to fashioning your perfect frock:
- Shiny fabrics increase the body area. Use them purposefully.
- Matte fabrics are more slimming.
- Velvets don't translate photographically in paler shades but can look luscious in jewel colours or black.
- Busy laces need thoughtful placement so they enhance your features, without adding bulk.
- Clingy jerseys can look trashy so think through the design lines and your underwear.
-
Embellishments can act in a similar way to prints - look at what the
pattern is doing to the design lines before you try it on.
By Lisa Haynes
Snapper Media
