Dear Madame HB,
My boyfriend has told me he is taking me out for a "special" dinner this Valentine's Day. That's really out of character so either he has managed to bag a table at the Ivy or he is planning to propose and I am now in a fashion fluster. I don't want to go over the top in case I end up ringless in Café Rouge but if it is a major night then I want to be suitably dolled up. Do you have any ideas for something that covers all bases? Olivia, London

Chère Olivia,
You are quite right to err on the side of caution and play the whole thing down a bit - whether or not your hunch is correct, it'll look a lot cooler to be in something chic rather than all-out sexy. There are plenty of dresses around at the moment that fit the bill; how about trying one of the new 80s inspired crop of jersey dresses? McQ's jersey tube dress or one of Vivienne Westwood's more structured shapes are flatteringly form-hugging but the jersey keeps them looking cool and understated. If you want something a little more vampy then you could try a classic pencil skirted dress - French Connection and Karen Millen both have takes on 40s inspired frocks which have a Roland Mouret feel without the hefty price tag. If you keep your dress quite simple you can then focus on sexier accessories - a pair of super-high heels is essential and don't forget to invest in some new killer underwear too. Bon chance!
Bisous, Madame HB x

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If you want Madame HB to solve your wardrobe woes send her an email to madamehb@ukhandbag.com