The memory of summer is still fresh in our minds but autumn is rapidly closing in. Although we often focus on the negatives – short days, long nights, cold weather and rain, rain, rain – the new season shouldn’t fill you with a total sense of dread. Yes the weather is changing, but as the nights get longer we have more time to party and the festive season is the perfect excuse to get all dressed up and chose from a variety of places to go.
Whatever the weather, we are faced with the age of dilemma: what do we wear? Autumn/winter 2012 has plenty on offer and it is decadent, glamorous, moody and embellished to the max. The colour palette largely revolves around black, but there are plenty of gem tones, and traditional prints and patterns to liven things up. Dogtooth, herringbone and tartan give structure and depth to tailored looks, leather and lace spice up black and jewel tones bring playfulness to skater and prom dresses.
As always, New Look has a great selection of sleek party dresses. Here are three of our favourites.
It’s nineties grunge meets eighties prom queen and for that we adore it. On trend and on budget is the Elise Ryan Black Taffeta Lace Top Dress (pictured), £49.99. It’s black; it’s lacy; it’s got a full skater skirt and it’s got cut out detailing on the back. In sum, this dress scores maximum fashion points and it means business. Perfect for wowing on the dance floor or showing off your figure at a cocktail party.

Baroque is a strong look for autumn/winter. Detailing, pattern, gem colours and lots of gold and silver detailing make this decadent trend perfect for evening wear. The Misumi Barouqe Peplum Mesh Sleeveless Dress, £24.99 not only has this season’s must have – a peplum – it’s also adorned with details, from the mesh top to the all-over ornate print. We love this dress.

The floaty, ethereal Sienna Black Gold Feather Neck Dress, £42, masters gothic glamour in one clean sweep. The chiffon creates intrigue and unearthliness while the jagged gold feather metallic neckline brings it right back down to earth with a rock and roll thud. We like this very much! Nicole Richie shows us in a Mathieu Mirano dress how it should be done.