BREAK out the gorgeous gladrags - Christmas is coming.

There can't be a much better reason than that all-important party season for donning the sparkles and velvets, satin and lace.

And if you can't dress to thrill at the New Year's Eve bash then why bother tripping the light fantastic at all? Tis the season to be jolly indeed, decked in a sumptous array of fabulous fabrics.

Chocolate browns, deep purples, rich teals - these have been the colours for this autumn/winter season.

Good old black is back with a vengeance - did the LBD ever really go away for party time? - and looks stunning paired with those teals and purples.