Frock and awe with our great guide to party dresses

We reveal the best buys for every budget to make sure you sparkle this Christmas

Christmas season is almost upon us and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to party in style.

Whether you hope to dress to impress at the office shindig or want to turn heads on the dance floor, there are racks of sparkling dresses, jumpsuits, tops and skirts to catch your eye in every high street store.

But what looks should we be adding to our wardrobe? According to Kay Muir, lecturer in fashion design, manufacture and retail at Glasgow Kelvin College, glitter, sequins and metallic fabrics are the key trends we should be looking for when we hit the shops this year.

She said: “For this year’s smart party wear, the looks filtering through on the high street are ‘fit and flare’ party dresses, with an emphasis on necklines such as Bardot and halter neck.

“There are also a lot of deep V-necks on wrap-over styles, too.

“Texture such as subtle glitter, sequins and lace are often worn as an over-dress, and lustre fabrics including velvet, satin and eveningwear metallic are very popular.

“Classic colours, such as navy and burgundy, will also give an understated look.”

If you aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd, the party fashion experts at Next say you should look back to the ’70s for inspiration, saying: “Winter is the season to shine and glitzy partywear is back with a vengeance.

“Disco boots, head-to-toe sequin dresses, vibrant metallic, embroidery, velvet and luxe outerwear are all guaranteed to illuminate any party look.

“The jumbo sequin trend is here and ready to meet all your party needs – it is definitely this season’s must-have look and there is a very grown-up and ladylike feel this time. We have it covered from chic wide-leg culottes to all-over sequin T-shirts and block sequin dresses, all guaranteed to sparkle as you hit the dancefloor.

“Feminine florals and ruffles seen for autumn are also carrying through to winter but have been updated with more opulent fabrics.

“Choose from embroidered midi dresses, devoré kimonos, chic brocade trousers or bold floral jumpsuits, and toughen up with chunky buckle boots – all essential components of this look.”

If you’re hoping to add a little disco fever to your look or fancy keeping it classic with an LBD, we’ve rounded up party looks to suit every budget, helping you look redcarpet ready whether you want to save, spend or splurge.