Red alert

Christmas is nearing, which means the season of parties is upon us. The colour red has always been associated with the spirit of December, so this season, a confident and elegant approach to wearing red should see you through. Take note however, that wearing red is not always easy, and certain 'looks' should be avoided at all costs. You're outfit should not be stopping traffic, after all, unless you're dressed as Santa Claus.

The look to wear now is about being noticed - but for the right reasons. With major stores selling rail upon rail of red clothing, try and opt for something bold and sexy, and avoid mumsy, unflattering shapes. Sure, this is not the Holy Grail of fashion advice, but when you see the quantity of red velvet available, in abysmal shapes, this is the antithesis of how it should be worn. For those with a budget, why not go for a red cocktail dress, something with a contemporary cut. Louis Vuitton has a beautiful wool dress this season that sits just above the knee, for example. For evening, the crimson touch was seen at Valentino. Plunge neck dresses with gathered straps were lustrous, if a little daring.

But red doesn't have to mean head-to-toe mono colour. Mix it with black and white, denim and layer it with other fabrics for festive effect. Choose eye-popping pieces, such as Balenciaga's bell-shaped skirt or a red sequin cardigan. For accessories, TopShop have a great selection of bags, belts, scarves and shoes. Patent is still the look for the season, and you can't get more glamorous than one worn in ruby red.