TIMELESS, CHIC AND UNIVERSALLY FLATTERING, WE CELEBRATE THE ENDURING ALLURE OF THE LBD AND THE NEW STYLING TRICKS BRINGING IT BANG UP TO DATE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
This dress has it all going on: one shoulder, opulent ruffles and an asymmetric side split up to the thigh, but, somehow, the classic black cancels out the Ott-ness – so much so that you might feel the need to add satin floral ankle-tie heels, too.
DRESS, £1,795, Zimmermann. SHOES, around £652, Tabitha Simmons
This fit and flare dress is the perfect balance between daring and demure. Falling off the shoulder, the neckline reveals just enough skin to be tantalisingly sexy, while the long, dramatic bell sleeves keep you covered up and elegant.
DRESS, POA, A.W.A.K.E.. HEADBAND, £275, Awon Golding Millinery. BAG, £389, DLYP. SHOES, £525, Christian Louboutin
Maxmara’s beautiful tuxedo dress is a gown and coat in one. Wear it buttoned to the mid-thigh with simple gold heels or open as a luxurious coat over slim black trousers and a silk shirt.
DRESS, £2,815, Maxmara. RIBBON (worn as bow), £12.50, VV Rouleaux. Bracelets, from £50, Wilson Jewellery. SHOES, £600, Casadei
A flash of colour layered underneath a sheer black lace dress transforms a vintage classic into something contemporary and cool. Think outside the box and try a tailored cotton shirt dress in ice blue. That’s style, according to Prada.
DRESS, £3,155; SHIRT, £640, both Prada. EARRING, £375 for a pair, Isabel Marant at matchesfashion.com. SHOES, £625, Miu Miu
If you want to look effortlessly dressy, this crystal-encrusted shift dress is the one for you. The embellished overlay adds a contemporary vibe to a simple satin shift, perfect with a khaki jacket and boots.
MESH DRESS (on top), around £809; DRESS, around £682, both No. 21. BOW, £9.47, Maison Archives
A traditional feminine silhouette (floor length, bustier neckline – you know the style) becomes high fashion, rocky and rebellious in a technical fabric. Add extra edge with a pair of low-heeled mules in devilish red satin.
DRESS, £7,000, Dior. HAIR CLIP, £75, Shrimps. EARRINGS, £150; NECKLACE, £75, both Wilson Jewellery. SHOES, £375, Le Monde Beryl
As mini dresses take the stage again, our thoughts turn to tights and what on earth to do if you’re wearing a delicate lace shift that ends mid-thigh. Why not try a pair of sheer polka-dots topped off with jewel-crusted heels?
DRESS, £2,430, Alberta Ferretti. HEADBAND, £650, Awon Golding Millinery. BAG, £720, Rosantica. TIGHTS, £19, Falke. SHOES, £1,350, Roger Vivier
The Vampire’s Wife (cult fashion label from Susie Cave, wife of rock star Nick) marries feminine shapes with a cool fashion edge to create the perfect wear-anywhere dress. Just add sky-high Manolos and a quirky bag for extra style points.
DRESS, £1,200, The Vampire’s Wife. EARRINGS, £39, Baublebar at Fenwick. BAG, £475, Shrimps . SHOES, £965, Manolo Blahnik
Be adventurous with your accessories. Adding spike-heeled ankle boots and a pastel-blue bow is a cheeky twist on a tux, and turns a formal fabric into something instantly more frivolous.
DRESS, £500; SHOES, £360, both Emporio Armani. RIBBON, stylist’s own
Mix up evening textures to create interest. The lace sleeves and ruffle neck on Sea NY’S pretty sequin dress give it a feminine fashion twist. Recreate the look by layering a frilly shirt under a sparkly shift.
DRESS, £445, Sea NY. BROOCH (worn as hair clip), £78, Butler & Wilson. BAG, £1,010, Rosantica
This Christmas, it’s all about pairing your party dress with the unexpected. The obvious shoe choice would be a Cinderella slipper, but overthe-knee leather boots give a romantic dress edge.
DRESS, £1,780; BOOTS, £730, both Rochas. EARRINGS, £385, Alessandra Rich at mytheresa.com
STYLING ASSISTANT: Jodie Dunworth. HAIR: Flavien Heldt at Capsule Agence. MAKE-UP: Angelik Iffennecker at Capsule Agence. MODEL: Simone at
The Hive Management