FASHION: Anything but black

Fend off those dark days with bright colours, because playful, inventive style is the look of the moment

CALL IT colour optimism or whatever, but with the season that's in it, it's time to keep
those spirits - and those hems - up. The new dress-code for Christmas is "anything but black". Party
dressing in a festive season with not much to celebrate in the economy, and with every retailer from top to bottom complaining about sluggish sales, is all about lifting the dark mood and being more playful and inventive.

Being popular and versatile, the little black dress has always had a starring role on the party circuit, but these days, a LBD somehow seems a little less appropriate when a bit of glitter, a flash of colour or the gleam of metal can add some cheerful night-time sparkle. There are even those who argue that the optical effects of gold and silver fabrics can make people look thinner, unlike flat fabrics.

Dressing up, however, can mean anything nowadays, and though a red dress always grabs the headlines and cuts it for Christmas, a short-sleeved jacket or a tux can sharpen up any frock, the way they do for jeans.

Brighten up the ensemble even further with the addition of coloured tights - ash grey with silver looks just great - a cool pair of shoes and effective jewellery. Our colourful line-up has a
shade for all skin tones and a wow factor; go to any length for a merry party season.

• LEFT TO RIGHT:Pink tights from Topshop (€9); purple feather dress from Reiss
(€245); purple patent shoes by Dior at Brown Thomas (€395) /  Sequined cream dress from Kelli (€449); red shoes by Emporio Armani at Cherche Midi (€365); grey tights from Topshop (€9) / Prom-style sequin and tulle dress at Warehouse (€125); white tights from Topshop (€9); silver shoes from LK Bennett (€389) /  Gold metallic dress from Oasis (€94); tights from Marks and Spencer (€12 for pack of three); black and gold platforms from Buffalo (€199); gold chain metal belt from Warehouse
(€45) / Pink long sequin dress by Jenny Packham at Kalu (€2,039)

Styling:Tanya Grimson, assisted by Aoife Piggot and Amy O'Shaughnessy.
Hair and make-up:Billy Orr at Morgan the Agency and Kazumi hair salon