fashion advice,style,shopping
Madame HB
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
Click through the gallery to see my suggestions...
If you want Madame HB to solve your wardrobe woes send her an email to
madamehb@ukhandbag.com
McQ
fashion advice,style,mcq,shopping
McQ
This jersey dress is slinky and sexy but totally understated.
Stripey tube dress, £112 by McQ from My-wardrobe.com
French Connection
fashion advice,style,shopping,french connection
French Connection
Accentuate curves with this 50s inspired strapless dress.
Straplees dress, £90 from French Connection
Pringle 1815
fashion advice,style,shopping
Pringle 1815
Fiery red may be a Valentine\'s day cliché but this cute tunic will look modern with black opaques and high, high heels. £
Satin ruched sleeve dress, £165 by Pringle 1815 from Net-a-porter
Mimi Holiday
fashion advice,style,shopping
Mimi Holiday
Don\'t underestimate the importance of a killer base layer - this black lace bra by Mimi Holiday should have the desired effect.
Bra, £49 by Mimi Holiday from Coco Ribbon
Topshop Unique
fashion advice,topshop unique,style,shopping
Topshop Unique
A draped silk dress will cover any small flaws.
Dress, £80 from Topshop Unique
Topshop
Topshop,fashion advice,style,shopping
Topshop
Throw a mannish tux jacket over strapless cocktail dresses.
blazer, £55 from Topshop
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney,fashion advice,style,shopping
Stella McCartney
These chic satin courts have a boosting platform and sleek pointy toe.
Satin stiletto, £285 by Stella McCartney from Browns
Diane von Furstenberg
fashion advice,style,diane von furstenberg,shopping
Diane von Furstenberg
A classic shift with a twist - wear this Diane Von Furstenberg dress with super-high heels.
Shift dress, £261 by Diane von Furstenberg from Matches
Karen Millen
Karen Millen,fashion advice,style,shopping
Karen Millen
This vintage-style lace dress has a flattering deep waist and neat pencil skirt.
Dress, £140 from Karen Millen
Vivienne Westwood Red Label
fashion advice,style,shopping,vivienne westwood red label
Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood is masterful when it comes to flattering the female form - this crepe jersey drape dress will cling in all the right places.
Jersey drape dress, £315 by Vivienne Westwood Red Label from Net-a-porter
