As Christmas trees and festive lights go up, so does the pressure to decorate yourself with a dazzling party ensemble.
If you have invitations aplenty but only one fail-safe party frock, do not fret as Lisa Haynes shows you how to switch up your Christmas look with a single statement piece.
They are the festive trimmings you cannot overlook when you are planning your killer outfit.
The key to finding your transformative accessory is all about balance. If your dress is all-singing, all-dancing then keep your extras pared down, and vice-versa.
Time to make your party dress disappear into the background. These statement accessories are the equivalent of the star on top of the Christmas tree.
If the little (or long) black dress is your trusty party piece then you can seriously go to town on decor to counteract your low-key outfit.
The gold baroque look is both big and bling. It is made to team with black, so choose uber-ornate accessories to go overboard with this trend.
Try a jewelled clutch, embellished headband or standout swinging necklace that will give your look some dazzling Gothic charm. Lavishly layer up various accessories for maximum impact.
When your LBD has been worn to death, you need an accessory game- changer.
Your shoulders are the area that will be exposed stylishly in all those festive party photographs, so try a statement feather cape or bejewelled collar to really transform the look of a plain party frock.
Outfits with built-in bling require careful thought when it comes to accessorising. Often the frock will do all the talking, minus any trimmings.
The same goes for metallic looks if you are channelling a golden goddess or silver screen siren.
Forget jewellery and focus on your feet with dancing shoes. Keep your sequins cool and edgy with a pair of ankle boots to keep the look fresh and modern.
Experiment with a clash of textures by opting for a plush velvet material.
Pointy toe courts are instant leg lengtheners. Ditch black and bring out your chosen metal with jewel-coloured heels in blue, red or purple for added drama. But make sure those heels are dance-worthy.
Partywear in kaleidoscopic-rich jewel shades is always a festive winner.
Your accessories need to complement the shade of your chosen block colour bright.
Delicate jewellery will fade into the background so bring out your party hue with statement gem-laden pieces.
Get your magpie fix with costume jewellery that resembles family heirlooms.
Either go metallic or try a clashing coloured gemstone, like emerald against an amethyst dress for example. If in doubt, be all the colours of the rainbow in a multi-hued assortment.
From bold geometric to winter florals, statement prints are big news this party season. You will need an accessory that will not compete with your busy look.
Scan your outfit and look for one colour that is repeated in your print. It might be a subtle accent or bold main feature, but use that tone to find a complementary clutch bag.
The bag's shape is down to you, as long it sits seamlessly against your print.
You can print-clash shoes or a bag with the outfit. In this case, all matchy-matchy rules were made to be broken.
