It's that time of year again when shops begin to set up their seasonal windows and, as befits the season of the Christmas party, there is plenty of glamour and sparkle, and it is not just on the baubles! Do you find yourself wanting to shine at your Christmas party yet safely reaching for the trusty LBD (Little Black Dress) again?

As an Image Consultant, this is a scenario I hear all too often. I can advise you on how to select the best of the season's party colours to ensure you look more Christmas angel than Christmas tree!

There is a wonderful range of colour this season with something to suit everyone, so you have no excuse to reach for the black!

But, if you just can't tear yourself away from your trusty black, however, I can tell you how to make the LBD work for you!

Purple is a fabulous party colour. It is fun and shows your creative side! We have seen it for a couple of seasons & because it looks good on everyone, this season it is a true winner. You can find it in a variety of tones from soft lilacs to deep aubergines. If you have an overall light & delicate look, a light shade of purple will work best for you. A deep purple will work well for those with dark hair and dark eyes; why not accessorise with a charcoal grey chunky necklace to highlight your strong colouring. For those with warm, reddish tones, purple will work fantastically with glitzy pewter accessories. Plum shades of purple compliment those with cool skin tones, grey or white hair; be sure to contrast this with a lighter brighter colour for best effect. If you have dark hair and bright, clear eyes, team your purple with a bright colour, as this contrast will enhance the twinkle in your eyes! For an overall softer look, try adding a neutral coloured scarf to a purple top or dress which will soften the purple and blendwith your naturally soft features.

Metallic is big again this winter and you can find it in tops and dresses through to accessories. Your best metallic will depend on your skin tone; silver, steel and gunmetal are perfect for those with cooler skin tones. For the rest of us, bronze and golds work best. If in doubt, wear pewter as it suits us all. Be careful not to overdo it though, keep the sparkle to one item ie: the dress/top or the accessories. To balance your look with the metallic, keepa natural make-up look.

Our shops are full of jewel bright dresses. So if you love to wear bright colours, this is definitely the season to go for it! One such gem is Red, which will suit all colourings so long as you select your best shade. My experience is that many women associate red with fear. But worn in the right way, and with a seasonal twist, red will give you energy and confidence and you will be sure to be noticed at the Christmas party! If you have naturally blonde hair and very fair features, your best reds are those which are light and bright. Try to avoid deep rusts & reds as these are too strong. For those with dark hair and dark eyes, you will look fabulous in deep reds including burgundy or tomato. You can team these deep reds with deep neutrals. Those with red tones in your hair, must be careful to select the right toned reds; you need warm tones such as rusts or orange-red to compliment your natural colouring. Do try to avoid blue toned reds such as raspberry. Those with silvery grey or ash tones in your hair, will want to avoid the sallow look which rusts or warm reds will give you! You need to opt for those blue toned reds such as blue-red or raspberry to compliment your cool colouring. If your colouring is clear and your brightest feature is your eyes, you need to make sure your reds are bright too. Muted or soft tones of reds will drain you. But it is the muted and soft tones you want to choose if your colouring is muted and soft. So if you have little contrast in your features, avoid red tones which are bright as these will over power you.

If black is your favoured choice, there are some basic guidelines to help even the simplest little black dress look stunning; A key factor of how black will work with the wearer's natural colouring is the fabric. Wool crepe makes a great business suit but will look flat at a party. Soft silk or velvet will add sparkle as the light plays across the fabric flattering its fall and flow. Chiffon delicately embroidered with metallic silver or gold will be key this season and shimmer against the black. Lace lets the skin peek through, giving a flirtatious touch to an outfit and softening the effect of black.

If you are interested in finding out which jewel colour you are going to opt for this season, why not book a Colour Me Beautiful Colour Analysis or if you'd like to find out what you could be wearing this season, why not attend a Colour Me Beautiful Style Update.

Sarah Gray is a Senior Image Consultant with Colour Me Beautiful Image Consultants. Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, Sarah offers advice on all aspects of personal image such as colour analysis, style consultations and make-up lessons. She also offers wardrobe weeding, personal shopping and corporate presentations.

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