CRUSH, or crushed, suggests a lot of things being in the midst of a crowd, suffering from a romantic, generally unrequited passion, or even a type of velvet: it could all happen at a party.
The crushed velvet is a dead cert. It's everywhere, but nowhere cheaper, or better, than at Penneys stores.
There will be a run on the black, of course, though there is midnight blue, a wonderful evening colour, ruby red, and fruity purple.
A dress is between £12 and £16. It is one of the very few times that the word reasonable seems apt. Frankly it's more apt to just say cheap but that's not a fashionable word.
For this small sum you get a short or long version, with short sleeves, and a scoop neck. There is nothing very racy about them, though there is a bit of cling which helps. For an additional £40 there is the perfect fake fur bomber jacket, and for £65, a velvet trench coat - but that would be splashing out rather. But sensibly.
If it is not to be velvet, crushed or otherwise, there is the warmth and comfort of an angora dress with a scattering of sequins, which is sweet and sophisticated at the same time (£18).
Or what about separates, as in a tight lace top (about £14), a gold cable knit pullover (£12) or a choice of styles in a fine knit, with jet beading, not too lavishly done (£20-£22)? All right these, especially teamed up with black tapered crepe trousers (£18) or a tiny A line mini skirt (£12).
You can pay a lot or you can pay a little either way, look out for velvet, coarse lace and angora, lightly scattered with black jet or sequins, and add a bit of fake fur - a jacket or even a stole, it gives instant glamour. And that, after all, is what party clothes are all about. It's wonderful that it can be bought at so little cost.
Have fun. Get crushed, or even have a crush. It's almost party time, after all.