Party special: 25 ways to look amazing

Get in the spirit with some smart party fixes. With glittery nails, a cool bangle and a hair brooch you’re halfway there. Here’s 25 tips for a cracker of a season

1. Brocade: the richer and glitzier the better – as long as the edges are frayed. Take inspiration from London’s coolest catwalk couple, Marques’ Almeida, and go for a brocade dress from £89 at Monsoon.

2. Rent, don’t buy! You can rent a designer handbag – instant glamour with a Chanel 2.55 for £130 per month (fashionhire.co.uk). Or hire a dress instead of buying something you will only wear once at rentez-vous.com.

3. Book yourself a vintage shopping party with retrouvevintage.co.uk. If you live within the M25, Madame Retrouvé will bring a rail of vintage sequins and some party spirit for you and your friends to shop from home.

4. Velvet is the smoothest fabric this season. Feel the vibe in a pair of plush boots, like those below, £59.99, 

5. Bangles are a great finishing touch to any outfit. We are lusting after & Other Stories’s gold diamond cuff (£19) and pearl bead bangle (£29). Ribbon-tied cuff, £29, cosstores.com.

6. Forget Net-a-Porter. Thrifty party princesses, go to oxfam.org.uk and filter by eveningwear – you’ll be amazed by what you find.