Six of the Best cocktail dresses

Party dresses are hitting the shops and you'll have to be quick if you want the pick of the crop. Stephanie Smith selects her favourites.

Gold evening dress

FROM: Portfolio at Marks & Spencer

PRICE: 49.50 (drops mid October)

COMMENT: Beautiful, simple, flattering, this dress is a season must-have and its appeal can be changed easily with jackets, cardigans, belts and accessories.

SUITS: All, especially pear shapes.

KEY ACCESSORY: Whitby jet bat ring, 149.95, W Hamond, The Original Whitby Jet Shop.

Lace flared dress

FROM: Monsoon (drops this month)

PRICE: 150

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COMMENT: Unusual lace cobweb design with flattering long sleeves and slightly flared skirt. Keep the rest of the look simple, adding colour and neutrals to dewitchify.

SUITS: Slim to medium.

KEY ACCESSORY: Hot pink ring, 15, www.MosaicAccessories.com

Gold strapless dress

FROM: French Connection

PRICE: 95

COMMENT: A lovely strapless dress in a wonderfully magical dark and gold print. Could look gorgeously '50s with crop cardi over or chiffon blouse under.

SUITS: Curvy types.

KEY ACCESSORY: Green perspex floral ring, 3, George at Asda.

Soft grey belted V-neck dress

FROM: Autograph at Marks & Spencer

PRICE: 59 (drops mid October)

COMMENT: Another gorgeous offering from M&S, this time the designer Autograph label. Perfect colour, perfect shape, perfect embellishment...

SUITS: Slim and petites.

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KEY ACCESSORY: Purple and pink embellished sparkle ring, 15 at BagsofSparkle.com

Satin panel dress

FROM: Primark (due in store end October)

PRICE: 17

COMMENT: Very sexy and body con, this striking dress is surprisingly flattering, especially around the tummy area. Try with ankle boots.

SUITS: Both slim and curvy.

KEY ACCESSORY: Purple opal Swarovski skull ring, 36 at www.talullahtu.co.uk

Gold sequin dress

FROM: Rocha. John Rocha at Debenhams

PRICE: 105

COMMENT: The colours make a welcome change from black, and the shape and sequin all-over detail make this a dress that can be worn over and over, re-accessorised.

SUITS: Slim and petites.

KEY ACCESSORY: Purple stone ring, 10 at East.