Star outfits for evening Feathers, sequins and fabulous flounce– welcome to the festivities

There’s nothing that seizes the style imagination better than the party season. What to wear? Where to go? How to celebrate you and your loved ones camaraderie and bonhomie? It’s the season when everyone deserves hugs, kisses, mischief and pure splendour.

What is remarkable about this season’s array of choices is the uplifting expression of joy. Moderation is out. Exuberance is in, and that translates as pieces that glimmer, shimmer, float and twirl into the midnight hour. This is fashion that obliterates the tired old clichés of age and size appropriateness and diktats on hem lengths and style. What’s more, this is a moment of ‘ease’ with designers putting maximum effort into making clothes that are comfortable and fabulous, whether that’s a jumpsuit or a floaty baby doll.

Shades of pink and red bring instant optimism. Look to Self Portrait’s sleeved chiffon dress with its lipstick red braids and Solace’s line up of handkerchief-hem strapless dresses in shades of fuchsia, cherry and lilac. The best effect is to wear those tones head to toe, from your lipstick to your marabou-trimmed heels. Wearing all white is also liberating and Maticevski’s cascading gowns are a modern study in romantic insouciance. Add hoop earrings, mules and a martini.

There’s a lot to be said for the unexpected impact of asymmetry with one-shoulder cuts aplenty. It makes the eye travel. Galvan’s exclusive silver sequin thigh-split dress makes the trend for ’80s glamour feel utterly fresh. New York-based Retrofete, founded by Ohad Seroya and Aviad Klin, delivers drape and sparkle without all the ‘trussing’ that can make party wear feel so alien. Even full-length gowns are a breeze with fishtail hems and pockets giving a casual stance to formality. They’ll be landing soon, and we can’t wait.

Phew! It’s quite ok, even celebrated (check Meghan, Duchess of Sussex) to wear the same thing as many times as you wish. The clue is to refresh the balance. A long cocktail skirt is as good with a simple sports vest as it is with a bejewelled shell top, and a tuxedo trouser takes on a new attitude with a fringed top or a white dinner shirt and knockout earrings. Our favourite topper for gowns is a sporty blouson and a cape can add billowing drama to a sinuous slip dress. Whatever puts a spring your step, and in your dancing partners, is the way to go.