Nude/lace dress

FROM: Next

PRICE: £65

COMMENT: This floaty dress has a nude silky lining and the bias cut will emphasise hips and tummy, but it's a wonderful party dress, both classic and on-trend.

SUITS: Top heavy and slender frames.

KEY ACCESSORY: Jewel detail black shoe, £189, Hobbs.


Purple velvet tie-neck dress

FROM: Autograph at M&S

PRICE: £45

COMMENT: In velvet with silk hem and tie, this is a glorious little dress that looks both classy and expensive and would suit any type of night-time do.

SUITS: Slim, leggy with toned shoulders and arms.

KEY ACCESSORY: Glenys sandal, £850, by Jimmy Choo, from Harvey Nichols.


Black/gold tie satin dress

FROM: Autograph at M&S

PRICE: £39.50

COMMENT: Simple, well made, in gorgeous black with a lovely vintage gold feel sash, this is a stunning dress that will last for years and years.

SUITS: Slim to medium.

KEY ACCESSORY: Animal print/patent pointy shoe, £30, Red Herring at Debenhams.


Blue/purple pattern prom dress

FROM: Warehouse

PRICE: Now £50 (was £75)

COMMENT: A sassy little number in a fab floral print that would look great with black opaques or even oilslick leggings and pumps or shoe-boots for Cyndi Lauper retro appeal.

SUITS: Young and funky.

KEY ACCESSORY: Black flat jewelled shoe, £169, from Hobbs.


Teal draped silk dress

FROM: Warehouse

Price: £65

COMMENT: With its fab puffball hem and its classical-style draped neckline, this dress is an excellent party dress for the season, to wear with teetering heels.

SUITS: Slim to medium figures.

KEY ACCESSORY: Gold platform sandal from Mango, about £55.


Black/red satin tunic dress

FROM: Wallis

PRICE: £40

COMMENT: A simple silk oriental pattern tunic tied with a simple sash-tie belt, this is a really lovely, wonderfully elegant buy for a woman of any age.

SUITS: Most women.

KEY ACCESSORY: Gold woven shoe, £70, Office.


Fashion assistant: Chelsea Sadler. Pictures: Simon Hulme.