The Fifty Best: Fifty ways to look a million dollars
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Your support makes all the difference.As every woman knows, buying a party dress at Christmas is one of Life's Great Joys. Purely frivolous, totally self-indulgent, worn into the ground for one season and then (be honest now) abandoned at the back of the wardrobe, the party dress is probably the most enjoyable purchase of the shopping year. The only problem is choosing from the dizzying array of designs on offer. To help, we asked Lizzy Shepherd of `Frank' magazine to select the best of this year's models, from classic velvets and Little Black Dresses to the very `now' metallics and reds. All you have to do is flex that credit card, and party.
Photographs by Piers Hanmer
10 VELVET DRESSES
10 METALLIC DRESSES
10 SEQUINNED/BEADED DRESSES
10 COOL BLACK DRESSES
10 HOT RED DRESSES
1
ENGLISH ECCENTRICS
It's not cheap, but this drape-neck flower-patterned gown by Helen David at English Eccentrics looks a million dollars and costs a little less.
How much: pounds 500
Stockist enquiries: 0171-284 2525
2
PRESS & BASTYAN
For those nights in light satin - a silver dress with black lace bust and hem.
How much: pounds 160
Stockist enquiries: 01622 763211
3
FRENCH CONNECTION
Black bugle beads form an abstract pattern on this black crepe party dress.
How much: pounds 90
Stockist enquiries: 0171-580 2507
4
NICOLE FARHI
Super-slinky jersey tube-dress from Nicole Farhi's Diversion line - nice if you can carry it off.
How much: pounds 105
Stockist enquiries: 0171-399 7500
5
RIVER ISLAND
Plum-coloured satin dress with a crossover bust. Looks pricier than it is, and covers a multitude of Christmas party sins.
How much: pounds 44.99
Stockist enquiries: 0181-991 4500
6
NEXT DIRECTORY
This navy-blue full-length velvet dress is well priced and the quality of fabric exceptional for this sort of money.
How much: pounds 89.99
Stockist enquiries: 0345 100500
7
PAUL SMITH
The black-tulle turnover neck adds real charm to this stylish, silver satin dress.
How much: pounds 295
Stockist enquiries: 0171-836 7828
8
GIANT
Gold jersey underdress with an overlay of gold-beaded chiffon. A winner.
How much: pounds 139.99
Stockist enquiries: 0171-255 3007
9
COAST
When you want black lace but you don't want to look too "Agadoo", this Coast dress exudes sophistication.
How much: pounds 95
Stockist enquiries: 0171-613 1310
10
KOOKAI
Versatile jersey-lined, wine red, crochet-and-lace dress. Elaborate, but perfect for all occasions. How much: pounds 120
Stockist enquiries: 0171-937 4411
11
JASPER CONRAN
A black dress with a flowing train, this radiates timeless elegance and is suitable for more formal functions.
How much: pounds 370
Stockist enquiries: 0171-580 0707
12
OASIS
Knee-length silver wool-mix dress whose tapered waist won't allow you too many mince pies!
How much: pounds 44.99
Stockist enquiries: 01865 881986
13
ENGLISH ECCENTRICS
A stunning display of sequins and chiffon on this dress with asymmetric neck and hemline by Helen David at English Eccentrics.
How much: pounds 400
Stockist enquiries: 0171-284 2525
14
PIED A TERRE
Wispy and romantic, fine-wool black dress with a stunning red or green silk underdress.
How much: pounds 125
Stockist enquiries: 0171-491 3857
15
NEW LOOK
Clingy strapless tube dress. Jazz it up with a diamante necklace for a perfect Madonna "Material Girl" look.
How much: pounds 24.99
Stockist enquiries: 0500 454094
16
AMANDA WAKELEY FOR PRINCIPLES
Dip-dyed Morticia-inspired pink velvet gown for those Addams Family functions.
How much: pounds 200
Stockist enquiries: 0990 233 343
17
WAREHOUSE
Simple, sexy and sleek, a silver satin shift dress.
How much: pounds 75
Stockist enquiries: 0171-278 3491
18
FRENCH CONNECTION
The elegant baby-doll look works well in this pink beaded crepe dress with drape neck.
How much: pounds 120
Stockist enquiries: 0171-580 2507
19
KOOKAI
This light, lace dress should get you in the party spirit. The little roses on the straps are a nice detail.
How much: pounds 120
Stockist enquiries: 0171-937 4411
20
KAREN MILLEN
As long as the office joker resists sticking a rose in your mouth, you'll be the belle of the ball in this flamenco-inspired crochet number.
How much: pounds 110
Stockist enquiries: 01622 664032
21
WHISTLES
Black velvet, cowl-neck gown, formal yet functional, with three-quarter- length sleeves.
How much: pounds 175
Stockist enquiries: 0171-487 4484
22
JOSEPH
Get the Lost In Space look with this funnel-neck dress in shiny silver satin.
How much: pounds 169
Stockist enquiries: 0171-590 6200
23
HARVEY NICHOLS OWN COLLECTION
Subtle and sparkly, this is an understated cocktail dress.
How much: pounds 185
Stockist enquiries: 0171-584 0011
24
JANE NORMAN
It's got frills, and they're multiplying, but you won't lose control in this cute and sexy, black crepe cocktail dress. How much: pounds 39.99
Stockist enquiries: 0171-437 0132
25
TS DESIGN AT TOP SHOP
A no-frills high-street design from the ever-innovative Hussein Chalayan. Designer chic at an affordable price.
How much: pounds 60
Stockist enquiries: 0171-291 2706
26
COAST
Crushed-velvet evening dress with straps that tie into a neat little bow at the back.
How much: pounds 75
Stockist enquiries: 0171-613 1310
27
RIVER ISLAND
Trust River Island to allow you to dress like Marilyn Monroe at high-street prices. A snip.
How much: pounds 39.99
Stockist enquiries: 0181-991 4500
28
GHOST
Purple crepe dress with a smart and simple triangular design set in silver sequins.
How much: pounds 270
Stockist enquiries: 0181-960 3121
29
FRENCH CONNECTION
Simple and stylish, this figure-hugging number is ideal for any occasion.
How much: pounds 85
Stockist enquiries: 0171-580 2507
30
GIANT
The low-cut neckline on this satin dress won't suit everyone, but the quality is apparent and it's reasonably priced.
How much: pounds 69.99
Stockist enquiries: 0171-255 3007
31
JIGSAW
It's fresh, it's fun, and it's got a cute ribbon under the bust. This black velvet dress is for the young and young at heart.
How much: pounds 90
Stockist enquiries: 0171-491 4484
32
JANE NORMAN
Pewter slash-neck, knee-length dress that's straightforward but modern, and clings in all the right places.
How much: pounds 34.99
Stockist enquiries: 0171-437 0132
33
PRESS & BASTYAN
Black crepe dress with silver-sequinned chiffon overlay. The diagonal detailing is an enduring favourite.
How much: pounds 150
Stockist enquiries: 01622 763 211
34
WAREHOUSE
When you don't need to be too smart, this cap-sleeved, double-layered crepe dress is just right. Informally priced, too.
How much: pounds 55
Stockist enquiries: 0171-278 3491
35
WHISTLES
A Stella McCartneyish silk-and-lace slip dress. Looks hot, if you can get away with it.
How much: pounds 85
Stockist enquiries: 0171-487 4484
36
NICOLE FARHI
Green velvet dress. On the expensive side, but given the right setting, it will look stunning.
How much: pounds 529
Stockist enquiries: 0171-399 7500
37
NEXT
Cool and slinky satin slip dress that will add shine to any party.
How much: pounds 39.99
Stockist enquiries: 0116-284 9424
38
GHOST
There's a charming silver berry-branch design on this cap-sleeved, black crepe dress.
How much: pounds 280
Stockist enquiries: 0181-960 3121
39
NICOLE FARHI
Medieval-babes alert! Slash-necked, three-quarter-sleeved dress from Nicole Farhi's Diversion line. A versatile favourite.
How much: pounds 105
Stockist enquiries: 0171-399 7500
40
NEW LOOK
This drape-fronted jersey dress is so classic and elegant you can take it anywhere.
How much: pounds 24.99
Stockist enquiries: 0500 454 094
41
JOSEPH
Joseph's funnel-neck red velvet dress combines a cool, contemporary feel with a Fifties twist.
How much: pounds 159
Stockist enquiries: 0171-590 6200
42
GHOST
A subtle A-line hem distinguishes this silver velvet gown.
How much: pounds 215
Stockist enquiries: 0181-960 3121
43
PRESS & BASTYAN
There's a mild Asian feel about this red silk-and- sequin dress.
How much: pounds 150
Stockist enquiries: 01622 763 211
44
PRESS & BASTYAN
The ultra-fine silver stripe running through the material adds shimmer to this formal design
How much: pounds 140
Stockist enquiries: 01622 763 211
45
GHOST
This stretch, cap-sleeved crepe dress is sheer - though perhaps a bit too see-through for some occasions.
How much: pounds 280
Stockist enquiries: 0181-960 3121
46
PAUL SMITH
The lace trim around the neck and arms add a certain style to this smart and simple black velvet dress.
How much: pounds 320
Stockist enquiries: 0171-235 5000
47
AMANDA WAKELEY FOR PRINCIPLES
Bronze velvet dip-dyed gown by Amanda Wakeley for Principles. Evening wear for the more formal function.
How much: pounds 200
Stockist enquiries: 0990 233 343
48
NICOLE FARHI
Captivating black silk dress with zigzagging black bugle beads. On the expensive side - but then it looks it.
How much: pounds 399
Stockist enquiries: 0171-499 8368
49
DAWN STRETTON
Believe the hype! Dawn Stretton has created a simple dress with tiny silver shoulder straps for Hype DF - proving there's more to the label than just clubwear.
How much: pounds 75
Stockist enquiries: 0181-991 4500
50
MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC
This sleeveless, asymmetric dress is pricey, but the fine-quality wool makes it well worth it.
How much: pounds 269
Stockist enquiries: 0171-318 0555
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