It's Party Time

It’s that time of year again.  Christmas is coming and, along with it, the need to buy something sparkly and spangly to wear at the Christmas do.   

If you’re anything like me, you’ll spend a fortune on something really gorgeous only for it to be hung up at the back of the wardrobe, never to see daylight again.  What is it that tells us that we can’t be seen in the same dress twice?  I’m not sure, but somehow this is what seems to happen when a party frock is involved. 

So in the spirit of Christmas, and with a possible recession on the way, I’ve decided to help you out.  Below are my top tips for looking glamorous and gorgeous, without having to take out a second mortgage, unless you want to of course.

1. Check your undies.  The correct underwear can take pounds and years off you.  Overhanging flesh, panty lines or lacy bumps visible under the fabric of your garment will instantly ruin the effect, regardless of how much your outfit cost.      
2.  Last year’s LBD (Little Black Dress) can be glammed up by the addition of some sparkly earrings, a new necklace or a great pair of shoes. 
3. Metallics are huge right now but you don’t have to dress head to toe in gold.  A new clutch, a belt or an oversized wrap can work wonders. 
4. Match your personality.  Bold patterns and bright colours will not look right on someone who is shy. 
5. Show off your neckline with a great pendant or a low cut top. 
6.  Dress to suit your figure.  If you’re curvy, choose fabrics with drape.  Stiffer fabrics will pull and look tight in all the wrong places.
7. It’s trendy to wear one block colour top to toe.  Choose something you have already, e.g. a purple dress and buy shoes and tights to match. 
8. Supermarkets are the ‘it’ places for great value party wear.  Just be aware you might bump into someone else wearing your dress!
9. Invest in unusual accessories.  These will be noticed more than the rest of your outfit. 
10.  Always buy the right size.  It’s not glamorous to be spilling out of your clothes. 
11.  Spend time on your hair and makeup.  After all, this is the part of your body that is most looked at.   
12.  If your arms are flabby, wear a delicate and beautiful wrap as a camouflage. 
13.   Team tailored trousers or jeans, in your wardrobe already, with an embellished top.  A few sequins will create vra vra vroom 
14.   A new pair of shoes, especially if they are sexy, will uplift any outfit, even jeans.
15.  Shorten last years dress and wear it tunic style over leggings or trousers. 
16. If you’re really brave try sparkly tights or leggings. 
17.   Choose fabrics that feel and look luxurious.  Velvet never dates. 
18.  Smell delicious.  Wear your favourite scent and knock’em dead. 
19.   Wear your hair up.  Instant glamour a la Audrey Hepburn. 
20.  Last but not least, smile!  Look as if you are on top of the world and the most gorgeous person in the room and guess what, you probably will be.