Reign and shine

Who would be on the guest list of the party of your dreams? Kate Moss, Tilda Swinton, Nigella Lawson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth ...?

Some people are trophy guests, guaranteed to attract attention because they know how to prep and dress to perfection for every occasion and look consistently amazing, surrounded by their personal auras of pure fabulousness.

We might not be able to match the fame and, more often than not, the legendary beauty of those who illuminate the red carpets and diamond-studded parties of this world, but we can key into a little of their star quality and take it with us to the special events to which we have been fortunate enough to have received invitations – from summer weddings and anniversaries to garden parties and fairy-lit evenings of revelry.

Going for long is a sure-fire way to make an entrance, and this summer a maxi is ideal for those who want to strike a balance between looking special, but not in full-on evening wear couture. Choose satin and silk or crepe, not cotton. If in doubt, go for a solid column of colour in a mesmerising shade and add beautiful bangles. If you choose a print, it needs to be eye-catching. A print full-skirt dress with a bandeau strapless top is a good choice for petites. See how Kylie does it. If you are tall, a bias-cut maxi in a sheeny exotic print will work.

Rarely do you see truly fabulous women, celebrities or otherwise, in the fitted shift dress and jacket combination – it’s usually boring and not flattering, and yet you see it endlessly at “civilian” weddings. Leave it to those who don’t want to stand out. A prom dress, in a cut and a length suitable for your age and leg shape, can look superb.

For weddings, it is best to steer clear of a white maxi, for obvious reasons, but never discount an outfit for fear of it being too special and bride-upstaging. Every bride has her own aura of fabulousness that cannot be outshone and, as those who are never knowingly underdressed understand, amazing outfits are created to honour your hosts, not to out-do them.

Never forget that we are all the stars of our own lives. Now go out and shine.

Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ