Last updated 15:07, Wednesday, 03 December 2008

Put on the glitz because black tie events are back and high octane glamour is firmly on the fashion radar. Why? Because we’re worth it.

Elegant fashions modelled at Dalston Hall

• Slideshow: Me models in beautiful evening dresses

Evening wear is at the top of its game this winter as Cumbrian women prepare to tackle the party season armed with confidence and an urge to splurge.

We’re casting off the shackles of economic doom and gloom in favour of crystal bracelets, cruises and evening dress with impact.

Amanda Blackburn, women’s fashion and accessories manager at House of Fraser, said: “It’s the feel good factor – we are watching the news and it’s all depressing. Everyone is very conscious of what’s happening around us but the reaction is that we want to look and feel fabulous.

“We’re getting a lot more people coming in with cruises booked and needing that something special for dinners and onboard dances.

here’s also more black tie events round the county than ever before.”

At any five-star evening event, a stunning long-length evening gown will steal the show.

The shops are awash with long dresses with swathes of luscious material.

But a floor sweeping frock can also mean yards of potential for long-term investment. Get it right and you could be waltzing it out of your closet for years.

Amanda believes the craze for ballroom elegance sparked by hit television show Strictly Come Dancing has proved an inspiration for women keen to grab a little glamour.

“People are watching it and seeing the beautiful dresses – they want a little bit of that. The programme also has such a wide ranging appeal to women of all ages.”

Cumbrian ladies are planning a more strategic sweep of what’s on offer with shopping trips carried out well in advance. No more the sweaty high street dash on the eve of the “big do”.

Jill Skidmore, assistant manager of House of Fraser’s Coast concession, said: “Last year we saw women rushing about to grab their outfits. But this year it’s been a bit different. This week I had one lady in buying a dress for a party in January. People know we only carry each item in several of each size and don’t want to miss out.”

Lace, one of fashion’s biggest stories this season, is present in evening wear too.

Think a whisper of black lace at a collar, a cuff or as an overlay and not, as the word conjures, an exhumation of your old net curtains.

Colours are peeping through the black this season too, with shots of red, jewel tones and even a splash of grey.

Jill said: “It’s glitzy, glamorous and above all, sophisticated. It’s about luxe materials too – think high quality satins in particular.”

If you think satin brings out your bumpy bits, think again. A good satin will pull in and smooth the silhouette.

But a sea change in body attitude is on course with House of Fraser staff reporting a backlash against the super waif. Amanda said: “Women now know how to embrace their body shapes. I don’t know whether it’s down to television programmes and Gok Wan, but women are confident about their curves.”

Jill added: “We get business women in who know they stand equal to men, so they’re not afraid to be feminine again with clothing and accessories. They know what they want.”

Shapes vary with the curve enhancing fishtail shapes making a comeback with a nod to 1950s statuesque sex appeal. Column and bias cut dresses circa 1940 are also featuring again – think Keira Knightly in Atonement. The key is to try on several different styles and be bold enough to step outside your comfort zone.

The prom-style dress which has been such a hit this year doesn’t quite scream elegance in the way a floor length empire line frock will.

Jackie Gale, manager of the Planet concession at House of Fraser, said: “Women are looking for a classic cut, something that won’t date.”

For accessories, the tangled with a Christmas tree look is a fashion faux pas even at the unofficial departmental knees up in your local.

This winter is no time for irony and reindeer earrings are best left to mad aunt Mildred.

While diamonds are forever, twinkling crystals make the grade too. And if you’re not too precious about your stones, diamante scores high on the fashion stakes.
Crystal studded clutch bags and twinkly arm, neck and ear candy are piled high in stores.

Or try out some of the darkly opulent jet stone jewellery for a nod to winter’s glam goth trend.

According to Amanda, Cumbrian women are going all the way. “Customers are returning to the matching earrings and necklaces. They want the whole package.”

Makeup looks to top off a formal evening outfit are focussing on playing up natural assets. Manager of the Chanel concession in House of Fraser, Donna Turnbull, said: “Make the most of your skintone – if you’re pale, try rosy cheeks. If you’re darker, go for some bronze. If you have freckles, don’t cover them up.”

A strong, smoky eye is a black tie staple. But evening light can take a glossy lip alongside it. Another evening makeup tip is to try a little body shimmer to draw attention to your collar bones – Chanel’s poudre precieuse is perfect.

So grab yourself the chance to shine, turn up the volume on glamour this winter and sparkle.