Q. I have my work Christmas party coming up in two weeks time and, although, I’d like to look glamorous and fashionable, I also want to keep a professional edge. Have you any suggestions as to the type of outfit I should wear?
A. Love them or loathe them, there's no escaping the office Christmas party. But even if the prospect of spending hours drinking with colleagues and bosses fills you with dread, you can still make an impact with a dazzling dress. After a long, cold winter of heavy coats and sensible shoes and nights huddled at home watching X Factor, it's finally time to shimmer and shine. But, if you believe that pulling out the old faithful - the little black dress - will do, think again. Unless, of course, you like being labeled the party bore.
You want to show your colleagues that you're fun and have a great sense of style, but you definitely don't want to make a fashion faux pas in front of your boss. Which is why buying your Christmas party dress takes careful choosing and extra special effort. Get it right, and you'll be the belle of the ball and have the office stud lapping at your ankles. Get it wrong, and you'll cower in the corner by the sausage rolls all night.
This season the stores are overflowing with a plethora of possible party ensembles. Whether inspired by the days of disco, lady-like chic or lace looks, there's something for every occasion. With an abundance of flirty fabrics in vibrant colours and pretty prints that glisten with crystal beads and sequins, there's no excuse for looking anything but fabulous.
Remember to dress for the occasion. Let's face it, there's simply no point in spending time, money and effort on a glamorous party outfit if you don't have a suitably glamorous party to go to. So before you even venture out to the shops, it's important to remember what kind of party you've been invited to. While it might seem obvious, if you've been invited to a casual office party then don't break out the family jewels and red carpet style dress. You'll only look like the proverbial prize Christmas turkey, despite what fashion magazines might suggest.
The brave - and long limbed - among you will favour the more daring mini styles which have been a red-carpet favourite with A- list celebrities. If you're more self-conscious, then pair your frock with some colourful tights and matching coloured shoes to create a just-sauntered-off-the catwalk look. Magpies should look out for a dress with a bit of built-in sparkle. Embellishment and metallic fabrics are everywhere this season, so expect to find everything but the crown jewels stitched onto the most fabulous party frocks.
We all fit into a certain body type, whether it's pear or apple shaped, curvy or petite, so learn what suits you .If you're pear shaped, it means you have a small waist, but larger hips, thighs and bottom, so accentuate your small upper half by choosing an empire line or baby doll dress - the skirt will skim over the bum and thighs. Apple shapes have long, lean arms and legs and narrow hips, but they tend to have flat bottoms and a rounded tummy. Trapeze line dresses will flare out under the bust, helping to disguise a thick middle.
If you're curvy, wear wrap dresses that will make the most of your hourglass shape, and avoid anything baggy - it will just make you look bigger. Try tailoring too. If you're petite, don't drown in a sea of fabric, go for simple shift dresses or a delicate 1920s or 30s style that will look great on your small frame
Once you’ve found your perfect party frock, you can dress it up with accessories that you will use more than once - a dainty, beaded bag, a pair of slinky heels and a heavy cashmere wrap. Finally, don't forget that underwear that's suitable for the office may not always work with your slinky evening outfit. Apart from the infamous VPL, the wrong bra can leave unattractive marks - unsightly when you're wearing your favourite delicate beaded vest top.
