Dinner shirt, £368
Tie, £95
It's time that gentlemen looked like gentlemen. We are championing the return of all things dapper. At Dolce & Gabbana the collection was peppered with perfect velvet tuxedo jackets and dinner suits fit for any red carpet event or festive soiree
All from dolceandgabbana.com
Photographer: Jason Hetherington
Fashion editor: Helen Seamons
Grooming: Juliana Sergot
Fashion assistant: Ainsley Towli
Model: Ty at nevsmodels.co.uk Photograph: Jason Hetherington
By Miu Miu 020 7409 0900
Photographer: Jason Hetherington
Fashion editors: Jo Jones and Helen Seamons
Hair and makeup: Juliana Sergot
Model: Victoria at Models 1 Photograph: Jason Hetherington
If you want to sparkle this Christmas then Meadham Kirchhoff is the designer for you. This delicate layered chiffon dress is perfect if you wish to hide the contours of your body
By Meadham Kirchhoff from topshop.com Photograph: PR
The cutest LBD with oversized bow and ruffle cap sleeves. Keep this look strong and simple with platform shoes and bold red lips
By Phase Eight from johnlewis.com Photograph: PR
Trousers, £139
White slim fit bib front shirt, £109
Bow tie, £69
Dress shoes, £199
All from Brooks Brothers 0203 238 0030
Formal socks, £10
From jaeger.co.uk
A good tuxedo will serve you well for many party seasons to come. If your red carpet invites are thin on the ground then hiring one might be a better option. Moss Bros have been leading the field for more then 150 years - they even have a handy step-by-step guide to tying a bow tie on their website moss.co.uk Photograph: PR
The long sleeves and shoulder detail with a V-neck on this velvet dress create an elegant but graphic silhouette. On-trend and super-stylish, add some eye-popping colour to this look with bright coloured heels and large drop earrings
By Linea from houseoffraser.co.uk Photograph: PR
This is a classic LBD and a timeless piece for your wardrobe. The mesh detail around the neck gives this dress a modern twist. Accessorise with diamante stilettos and a bold necklace or keep this look simple and chic with a faux fur coat
By L'Agence from liberty.co.uk Photograph: PR
By Timothy Everest from marksandspencer.com
Black shirt, £195
By Vivienne Westwood liberty.co.uk
Cuff-links, £49
From soniaspencer.co.uk
If your party invite is not as formal as traditional black tie, opt instead for a petrol blue suit teamed with a black shirt. We like the high collar cut at Westwood Photograph: PR
Simple with a twist is never a bad code to follow. This is a glamorous take on a simple black dress. The embellished detail around the neck gives it a luxurious finish
By Karen Millen from houseoffraser.co.uk Photograph: PR
"Molto, molto sexy", as Dolce and Gabbana would say, and we agree. This black lace dress with detachable straps and hidden corset won't fail to turn heads
By D&G from harveynichols.com Photograph: PR
From next.co.uk
Dress shirt, £35
From marksandspencer.com
Tuxedo trousers, £35
From next.co.uk
Bow tie, £60
By Lanvin from liberty.co.uk
Patent shoes, £71.99
From office.co.uk
The smoking jacket look consists of a velvet blazer, traditionally in a coloured hue but we've opted for a more low-key contemporary black style from Next, dress shirt, trousers and bow-tie. To keep this look modern we suggest ox-blood patent lace-ups Photograph: PR
If you're looking for a great silhouette, this is the dress. Following the contours of your body on one side, with draping on the other, the one shoulder finishes this strong shape. Wear with killer heels
By Boutique from topshop.com Photograph: PR
Super-chic with a touch of 40s glamour. The diamante print falling down the front creates a vintage feel. We suggest teaming with a cropped faux fur coat or feather bolero and embellished clutch.
Autograph by Marks and Spencers from marksspencers.com Photograph: PR
Trousers, £155
Waistcoat, £125
White Marcella dress shirt, £89
White Marcella bow tie, £25
If you are faced with a stiff white card inviting you to a white tie party event and at a loss as to what to wear, here's the lowdown from the experts at Ede & Ravenscroft. "White tie is the most formal of outfits. It is reserved for ambassadorial dinners, and very formal balls. The outfit consists of a black tailcoat with matching trousers, a studded-front white shirt with detachable wing collar and white Marcella bow-tie and waistcoat." So now you know
All from edeandravenscroft.co.uk Photograph: PR
The peplum waist and ruffle detail gives this dress a great shape, perfect for the more boyish figure. Style with a jeweled bracelet and black pointy heels
From whistles.co.uk Photograph: PR
