Well the party season is upon us. With seven different events to squeeze in this week, I'm thinking hard about what to wear to each one to make sure I look stylish, appropriate and comfortable.

I'm also wondering how to make a single outfit work for two or three separate events in one night!

And so for my own benefit, and yours, here are my top 10 tips for dressing up this festive season. Keep these in mind, and you should have a great time enjoying the social whirl, and remaining in style.

Colour

The colours of the season are bright and vibrant for both boys and girls. So an old favourite suit or dress can be lifted by the addition of a bold print shirt or scarf.

Of course monochrome is also massive, so don your slim-line black suit or LBD, but please make sure that you avoid looking like one of the serving staff with a plain white shirt and black trousers (or skirt) as you will be fending off requests for drinks all night long.

Fabric

Try and keep your clothing as natural as possible during the hot nights of the festive season as sweat stains are very unattractive. Good quality cottons, silks and linens work best as they allow your skin to breathe as you dance the night away.

And, if you're in doubt go for a darker colour or bold print, as above, as this will be far less likely to show up spillages and stains than white and grey.

Ladies should be careful about wearing satin as this is very unforgiving and creases easily — good quality foundation wear is essential underneath a sexy satin sheath dress.

The comfort of shoes

Every girl knows the hell of realising 45 minutes into a party, that her shoes are not going to last the night. That burning sensation in the balls of your feet sending the message loud and clear, that these heels were not made for standing. We all know that a lovely pair of strappy heels is sexy and makes us look fabulous, but in order to be able to enjoy ourselves and dance the night away, we need to think smart.

There are three main alternatives to flats. The first is to invest in Jimmy Choos which, whilst expensive, are absolutely the most comfortable heels in existence and buy you at least three hours on your feet without tears.

The second option is to buy a small product available from Clicks, called Party Feet. These are gel pads that you place under the balls of your feet, which also buy you a few extra hours of dancing and romancing.

And finally, the trendiest option this season is to go for wedges. As the weight of your foot is supported more evenly, and a small platform gives you extra height, minus the angle, these are heels with built in comfort. The added advantage is that your heels are not going to sink into the grass, should the party be held outdoors.

Tummy room

We all know that this time of year is unforgiving to our waistlines and there is something very unappealing about having to undo the top button on your trousers to let your stomach out after a big festive dinner.

Tight frocks and trousers are a real risk at this time of year so remember to factor this into your planning. A looser fit or a tunic top or dress is going to be that much more comfortable if there is food involved at your party, so choose wisely.

Trends for boys

If you want to look as if you are bang up to date in the fashion stakes at your festive party, then a hat is a fabulous way to go for the chaps. It helps you stand out and gives you a rakish air as you doff your hat politely at the ladies at the party. Ties are also de rigueur this season for the boys — but remember to keep them slim and subdued.

Trends for girls

Ladies, this year you can't go wrong with a lovely dress. Any and all styles are working it right now, so pick one that you really love and that suits your body shape.

A great piece of advice for entertaining at home is to slip on a flowing maxi dress with some flat gladiators, or even bare feet if you like. This gives everyone a relaxed feeling, while still dressing up for the occasion.

Dress code

As always respect the dress code that is stated on your invitation. If you are unsure of what it means, have a look at some of the other articles I have written which will help you get it absolutely right. It is simply a matter of respect for your hosts, and by putting their wishes above your own when it comes to style, you have carte blanche to have a cracking good party at their expense.

Personalise

Make sure that you don't lose your own identity in all this complicity with dress codes and trends. If you decide to recycle one or two dresses or suits for the entire party season, you can make it work by applying different accessories each time.

This is the best way to remain true to your own personal style, stick with what you know suits you, flit comfortably from one party to the next, and save the pennies in the current economic climate. A belt, a hat, a scarf, a jacket, a brooch, a clever twist of fabric can change one outfit into many different looks without ever looking boring.

Novelty jumpers and decorations

However, please note that this accessorising does not include the use of actual festive decorations on your outfit. No tinsel, no tree ornaments and no novelty items of clothing should be worn by a person over the age of 10 during the party season. No, not even if it's for fun.

Back yourself

And finally, I think that you need to back yourself. Whatever you have decided to wear to the party, you need to feel fabulous and comfortable in it. This is what is going to make you the most attractive person at the party. Even if you get it wrong — fake it till you make it and have a fantastic time.

And if I can give you some advice from my own experience, may I suggest that you keep a small bag of nuts in your handbag, pocket or car glove compartment. Of if you are allergic to nuts — an energy bar will do. This will ensure that you can avoid all the greasy canapés and prevent yourself from dying of hunger, while at the same time lining your stomach so as to prevent foolhardy adventures that you regret the next morning.

Nothing says style like waking up after a party knowing you had a blast whilst retaining your dignity!

For more information on Robyn and her personal styling services, go to: www.robyncooke-styleguide.co.za