Snap it up - The big party fashion drop hit the stores

I don’t want to encourage a mood of panic, of course not, but the plain fact is that the best pieces – and the best bargains – will not hang around for long, certainly not in the most popular sizes.

My first tip is to look out for new ranges and collections, ones you can catch first before anyone else does, snapping up the best pieces quickly, like a top red carpet stylist. Miss Selfridge’s new Premium Collection is in store and online from October 23, and it has some stunning party dresses, with beautiful hand beading and embellishment inspired by the brand’s own vintage archive.

Inspiration comes from a variety of decades, including mod-style Sixties’ shift dresses, flapper styles, body-con luxe looks and this gorgeous long-sleeve tunic dress in a rich, shimmering purple (top image). There are beaded jackets, too, for those who don’t want to do the whole party dress thing. Prices range from £65 to £200 and some pieces are limited to the Oxford Circus store, although many are going into all stores and all will be available online.

Another collection to look out for is Myleene Klass’s new range for Littlewoods.com, which features a real leather fishtail maxi dress for £219. The pared-down cut and strong lines mean that this is already a party classic – and it does have a rather Bond Girl feel to it – but bear in mind that it is specialist leather care dry-clean only. It comes in sizes 8-16. Here’s the link: http://www.littlewoods.com/myleene-klass-leather-fishtail-maxi-dress/1447688428.prd

Phase Eight gets better and better every year for special occasion and party wear. Check out the new pieces in the second picture down.

Look out for folkish prints on silk and satin and velvet in party styles because they are very 2014, bringing a fresh and exotic edge to night-time dressing, much as Gatsby looks did a few seasons ago, (and those beaded flapper Deco style dresses and jackets are still very much up there for sophisticated evening dressing with a fun twist).

Apricot Online is another great place to click out for bargain party wear. See the bottom image here and here’s the link to more: http://www.apricotonline.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/womensclothing/_461694/1/DRESSES

There is no denying that buying High Street means you are in danger of meeting a double at a special event. For this reason, always have a back-up dress (easier if you are staying at or close to the venue). Failing that, a jacket or, this season, a Deco capelet, will give a different look, or an embellished shawl. Snap-dresses can happen with high-end designer creations too, so no need to fear the High Street on that score.

n Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ

Top image: Don’t miss the new Miss Selfridge Premier collection launches October 23 - this dress is £120 in store and at www.missselfridge.com

Middle image: Check out Phase Eight’s new party collection: Delia Velvet Blouse, Victoria Flocked Jean, Steph Floral Sequin Top, Amina Darted Velvet Jeggings, Leoni Lace Top, Jada Jacquard Jean, Sadie Knit with Diamante Collar, Trina Jacquard Trouser - Yorkshire stores in Harrogate, Ilkley, Skipton and in selected Debenhams and House of Fraser.

Bottom image: Floral sequin and black chiffon dress from Apricot, £34, at www.apricotonline.co.uk