Party Looks for Christmas

The party season is here!  It's time to leave work at your desk, the kids with a babysitter and have some fun in these credit crunch times.

Go for the wow factor whether it's the office do, the formal party, a hellraising disco, or a really posh black tie affair. This is your time to shine and surprise your colleagues, friends and family. Here we've put together some great looks to get you started no matter what type of party in on the agenda.  Its just the tip of the iceberg but gives you a choice of looks from smart and sexy to stylish and sophisticated.

Experiment with length, shape and colour - this season is full of wonderful choices for all shapes and sizes. Look out for the sales vouchers coming through on line plus the many pre Christmas sales where you can pick up some fantastic bargains. The Mall can help you get the look for less so enjoy just some of our favourites below and better still get in store and try it on.

The Five looks we've highlighted are:

Fun & foxy »
Flirty & sexy »
Chic & sophisticated »
Super chic Goddess »
Girly & flirty »

Fun and foxy

With nipped in waists, ruffles and bows these dresses can work equally well in an office party to a special occasion. For real sophistication try out the lace and sequins in more unstructured shapes that will give your outfit a just off the catwalk look.This shape is great for showing off your legs and feet - try platforms, tasseled shoes and drop earings to compliment the look.

Purple ruffle prom dress, £50 at Next	Red Herring ruched body prom dress £35 at Debenhams	Purple ruffle prom dress, £50 at Next
Green sequin Dress, £55 at M&S	black/clear stone stretch cuff £15.00 at Dorothy Perkins	Black ruffle dress, £65 at Next
Purple Tier dress, £49 at River Island	Purple Ruffle Dress, at Dorothy Perkins	Red one shoulder dress, £55 at Next

Flirty and sexy 
 

If you want that look that can work before and after Christmas as well as dress up and down,this is it. It is perfect for that office party at the pub or club where you want to look edgy and cool without being overdressed. With the trend in tuxedos, skinny trousers, tulip skirts you cannnot help but look sexy and cool. Make sure the shoes are a statement - think Gwyneth Paltrow but at high street prices to add heigh tand wow! A clutch bag will be the finsihing touch !

Shown left: Trousers and top from selection at Next

Lace Bolero £39.99 at River Island	Floral sequin bolero - £39.99 at River Island	Blue metallic tuxedo jacket - £44.99 at River Island
Leopard metallic jacket - £44.99 at River Island	Knot Earings £7.50 at M&S	Black Three Strap With BuckleHigh Sandal, £60 at Faith
Black ribbon heel £54.99 at River Island	Purple skirt at Dorothy Perkins	Red Herring black patent clutch £10 at Debenhams
silver Jilly Jacket £95 at Monsoon	Crystal drop earrings £12.00 at Dorothy Perkins	Metallic green black striped short - £29.99 at River Island

Chic and sophisticated

This is the modern classic look that takes it influence straight from the fashion icons and mimics the Herve Leger look that is adorning every celeb from Kelly Brook to Lindsay Lohan. It's all about making you standout in the crowd at that Christmas do where you should dress to impress! Indulge in the jewel colours so hot this season or go for the LBD that will always stand the test of time. Invest in great control underwear - if SJP in Sex and the City does there's no excuse!

Shown left: Autumn/Winter 2008 Collection at New Look

Miso Bow Trim Dress, £29.99 at Republic	Black jacquard bubble dress, £65 at M&S	Black stripe detail dress, £55 at M&S
Pink party Dress, £45 at M&S	Satin Twist Front Dress, £69 at M&S	Red Pencil Dress with Bow £45 at M&S
EB by Erickson Beamon, £25 at Debenhams	Jewel coloured shoes (available in yellow, pink, blue) £30 at Dorothy Perkins	Green stain clutch bag at Dorothy Perkins

Super chic goddess

You'll be receiving the best-dressed award in the new look evening gowns that drape the body and make you look like a hollywood star. Think Girls aloud in their recent performance on X factor - this look will give you the X factor! Enjoy the golds and creams but remember the self tan. Look stunning in rich purples and blacks and remember those strappy sandals to complement the look. if you are worrried about arms invest in a faux wrap or a tried and tested pashmina.

Gold godess Dress, £99 at M&S	Diamanté Side Embroidered Dress, £99 at M&S	Debut embellished dress, £100 at M&S
Cuff, £7.50 at Next	EB by Erickson Beamon, £20 at Debenhams	Copper metallic platforms, £74.99 at River Island
Gold chainmail clutch bag,  £18 at Dorothy Perkins	EB by Erickson Beamon, £10 at Debenhams	EB by Erickson Beamon, £10 at Debenhams

Girly and flirty

The short strappy, off the shoulder and strapless dresses are all perfect for dancing the night away and looking cool all night. Choose your colour to suit you - the choices are brillant and if you fall for black again go for contrating jewellery - cuffs and bracelets are still big this season!  Accesorise with  an oversized clutch bag and thick platform shoes so you look like a real fashionista!

Red Herring Special Edition, puffball dress, £50 at Debenhams	Debut sequin dress £80 at M&S	Gold party dress, £69 at M&S
One shoulder blue prom dress, £59.99 at River Island	Strappy Silver Sandal, £65 at Faith	Embroidered Dress, £69 at M&S
Black stone cuff, £15 at Dorothy Perkins	Jessica's Attci Deco Foil Print Dress, £49.99 at Republic	Black Patient Strappy Sandal, £65 at Faith

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