Christmas is one of the few times in the year when the opportunity to dress up is too good to be missed.

The other opportunities – weddings, the races, the Buckingham Palace Garden party (What? You mean you don't go?) – are more sober, daytime affairs, and don’t offer the same chance to be sexy and a little glam.

For a Christmas party, you can amp up the glitter, sequins, and colour – without feeling trashy.

Take, for instance, the Tabitha Webb Kara dress.

The Forties film star shape is incredibly elegant, but with a sexy vibe from the lower cut neckline. The panels at the side will make you look totally wasp-waisted even if you've been slamming mince pies daily with lashings of brandy butter.

Check out Kim Kardashian's Instagram: the waist is back! Once you have your dress sorted, the next step is finding a pair of shoes that suit you, that you can walk in, and which set off the dress.

Which is always a bit of an ordeal: Should you go for safe black, or bold contrasting colour?

Traditional stilettos or on-trend seventies platforms?

As this is often a difficult process, suggestions are included for pairing with each dress.

The Kara in Purple would look fabulous with these Tabitha Simmons Bow Pumps, as they offer a slightly retro shape which suits the style of the dress.

Alternatively these Nicholas Kirkwood heels are an interesting shape, with a low heel and a hidden pearl underneath the arch – classy and unexpected. Our Red Meg dress with pink inserts is graceful, flattering, and fun.

The freedom of the skirt makes it fun to dance in and the colour is undeniably festive. It would look great with hair up, a statement necklace, and these Jimmy Choo shoes.

I would also recommend these Tabitha Simmons baroque velvet and mesh heels – so beautiful and unique.The Theodore dress in Print is a great option if you tend to make bold statements with colour - with a few buttons undone it can look sexy as well as smart. It would look fabulous with these Aquazzura ‘Belair’ nude heels, or low Chloe pumps for a sophisticated look inspired by Alexa Chung. If you prefer a full-length dress, or you have some sort of ball to go to, the Narcissus dress is a triple threat of colour, cut and comfort. In 100% silk, this gorgeous dress will keep you dancing until the end of the evening. The length and Seventies influence means you can have a bit of fun with platforms – adding height and a pleasingly chunky shape. These suede ones from Marni and these velvet beauties by Jil Sander both have interesting textures to contrast with the smooth silk.

Tabitha Webb dresses were made with fun in mind, so go out and show off!