How to WOW from the waist up...

IT’S that time of year again. The invitations are rolling in, your phone diary is full of dots — and you’re in panic mode about what to wear.

But never fear, the solution is easier than you think.

here’s a secret i’ve learned during long rounds of December dinner parties: forget your bottom half and focus all of your festive flair on the waist up, because once you’re seated it’s all anyone can see.

And fashion-wise, that’s where the fun is — the statement sleeves, the bold jewellery, the sparkly tops. The easiest way to get the look is to sling on a killer pair of black trousers.

They can be cigarette or wide leg, but they must fit you like a glove and easily be worn time and again — they’re the blank canvas to set off your top half. Quality is key. They must be comfy and they must flatter.

i’m not saying dismiss the festive dress entirely. if dresses are your go-to, that’s fine — but choose wisely. i once bought the most amazing dress with an embroidered skirt and a solid black top. Sadly, it didn’t have a moment to shine. We were seated straight away and i looked like the most drab person at the dinner.

You’d definitely stand out at supper in Oasis’s teal number with fabulous puffed sleeves (far left) or Zara’s strapless black style with a huge sculptural ruffle (centre).

Limited time to change after a full day at the office? Top-half dressing takes the pressure off. A black work suit, for example, is instantly transformed by switching out a shirt for a silk camisole and chandelier earrings. Kate Spade’s rainbow ones (second from left) are wonderful.

if you’re coming from a casual setting, jeans can quickly become party-ready with a statement piece, such as Mint Velvet’s maroon sequin top (second from left) complete with asymmetric neckline and a giant bow adorning the shoulder.

Don’t underestimate the power of great nails or a fresh blow- dry to elevate your

look, either. Get a gel manicure now and it should take you through the office party season, while a blow-dry should last a week with a bit of help from some dry shampoo. Well, depending on how out of control your dinners become, that is.

Perhaps my most important piece of advice when dressing for a dinner party is to consider how things fit when you sit.

No matter what you choose to wear, please sit in a chair before you leave the house.

I cannot count the number of women I have sat next to at dinner parties who can barely breathe because their dresses are too tight or their shapewear is in danger of severing their circulation.

so, buy the bling, paint the nails and embrace the flare of festive sequins, velvet and feathers.

But don’t waste your time fretting over high heels or stressing over a skirt that may be a little too short. No one can see that when you’re sitting down. Be the sparkle at every dinner table by focusing your attention upwards and onwards!