Dresses: When shopping, take the underwear you are planning on wearing. Do this in advance so you are not struggling on the night of the big event. Sit, stretch and dance around the change room to be sure it isn't pulling across your tummy, gaping at the bust line and that the waist and torso are comfortable. I once – only once – bought a dress with boning. It dug into my ribcage all night and when I sat down I got marks on my belly.

Have you ever seen anyone on the dance floor with back cleavage? That is what happens if your dress is too tight and it is strapless. Strapless is the hardest to fit – if it’s not tight enough, you will be pulling it up all night. Look in the rearview mirror, and take a friend with you. When you have found the perfect dress, take it to a seamstress and have her check out the fit. Perfect dress equals perfect evening. You won’t have to think about which top goes with which bottom.

Cocktail dress: Should be a classic style in a fancy fabric like satin, velvet or chiffon. Add metallic shoes and a glitzy evening bag and you’re ready for anything.

Gowns: Should be flowing fabrics with interesting necklines.

Pants: These can be as dressy as gowns and much more comfortable. Just pair with sparkly tops and luxurious shoes.

Pantsuits: Fitted jackets look sexier. No tweed, no cotton. Pants should be flat front and wide leg.

Skirts: So many to choose from. Just make sure that, if you have a full skirt, you balance it out with a snug top. A satin skirt looks great knee length as long as it is not pencil thin and you can walk in it.

Now for the fun stuff: accessories. Stock up on pretty wraps. They can add a splash of much-needed colour, because most people will be wearing black. And they can keep you warm in a drafty ballroom.

Step up the jewels: dig out your grandmother’s pearls and any quality pieces you've stashed away. Vintage brooches add a lot of glamour and can be pinned to a plain evening bag, bobby-pinned in your chignon or attached to a headband. I have two of the same that I attached to a pair of satin pumps. Experiment, have fun and be ready.

Enjoy your family and friends and have a safe and happy holiday.

Remember, a smile is the nicest thing
you can wear every day.