Dazzling gear to bring in New Year

Published on Monday 28 December 2009 09:41

HOGMANAY is almost here, and nothing says party season like a slinky dress. This season there's something to suit every party animal, from devilishly dark LBDs to 80s-style Madonna-esque cocktail frocks.

DARK DIVA

Every girl needs a little black dress in their wardrobe, and it can be reinvented season after season. For an on-trend LBD, give a nod to gothic glamour with a lace-panelled number or dazzle with a hint of embellishment. Steely grey is a flattering dark alternative.

TRY: Monsoon Originals black Dolly dress, 150; Miss Selfridge grey mesh prom dress, 60; Matalan Et Vous black bow dress, 30; Wallis bubble hem embellished dress, 70.

ANTI-WALLFLOWER

Flaunting a full-on shade or stand-out print requires serious attitude to pull it off. You can always tone down with a black blazer and black tights.

TRY: Oli Fusion by PPQ hot pink prom dress, 70; ASOS Premium Cornelli red bandeau dress, 65; South at Very cosmic swirl print dress, 40; Jane Norman zebra print tulip dress, 35.

CLASSIC LADY

Dolce & Gabbana-style corset dresses will suck you in and show off your figure. Try a floor-length column maxi to turn heads.

TRY: Per Una at M&S pewter velvet dress, 79.50; TK Maxx satin corset dress, from 19.99; Monsoon satin Belisama dress, 120; French Connection floor-length silk dress, 140.

DISCO QUEEN

Sequins are the way forward if you want to sparkle. Opt for long-sleeved styles for a more grown-up feel. Toughen up super-sparkly minis with shoe boots or fierce gladiator heels.

TRY: Warehouse purple sequin mini dress, 100; French Connection multicoloured sequin dress, 190; Wallis George sparkly mini dress, 16; Debenhams Butterfly by Matthew Williamson swirl sequin dress, 120.

REINVENT

When money is tight, follow celebrity stylist Kirsty Drury's tips:

&#149 Add costume jewellery, bags, tights and belts to update your dress.

&#149 Rework a strapless dress by layering on an assortment of necklaces in the same colour palette as your dress.

&#149 If your dress is short, start the night by teaming it up with an oversized suit jacket.

&#149 Make an oversized velvet bow in the same colour as your dress.

&#149 Go for solid opaque or lace tights with on-trend ankle boots.