In glamour terms, modern women have a lot to learn from their mothers and grandmothers. Take cocktail hour, for example. So concerned are we with keeping up to date, we contemporary lasses have all but forgotten the wonderful art of effortless evening dressing. Knee-length dresses, fitted perfectly and accessorised with an air of restraint, used to be the order of the day. Now we're confused amid a sea of trends, including lace, gothic, minimalism and tartan, to name but a few.

Of course, that's not to say new trends aren't important. It's just that they have their time and place - and so do timeless classics. This Christmas, however, you won't go wrong by getting a little old-fashioned when it comes to cocktail dressing.

An evening out with friends or colleagues should be used as a great excuse to get dressed up. Choose a frock that fits your frame perfectly, and try not to over-accessorise it with too many bells and whistles. Bags should be simple - a clutch is always a good option, though understandably some women prefer something with a handle - and jewellery should be kept to a restrained minimum. Unless, that is, the jewels are real and then, lucky lady, feel free to wear as many as you own.

For more ideas, have a look at our three outfits below.

With the party season fast approaching, it's time to get yourself into the festive spirit. A pair of jeans and a smart top might sound like a comfortable option in your head, but a handsome frock is much more appropriate at this time of year - and this red chiffon dress from Reiss (£169) is a fashion winner. In the colour of the season, it is guaranteed to get you noticed straight away. Spruce it up for a glamorous night out by teaming it with this long black tuxedo jacket from Mango (£83.19) and this leather and metal star cuff, also from Mango (£35).

Reiss: 0141 204 1449/0131 557 5008; Mango: 0141 332 9260.

With a ravishing red frock firmly within your sights, it's time to start getting creative with your accessories. The Reiss dress might appear a little vampish at first sight - but, with the right accompanying pieces, it can be more demure. With that in mind, try pairing it with this simple cardigan, also from Reiss (£79). It will give the dress a softer and more arty appeal - perfect for looking cool in the party season. Finish off the outfit with this tartan corsage from V V Rouleaux (£24.95), pinned to the cardigan.

Reiss: 0141 204 1449/0131 557 5008; V V Rouleaux: 0141 221 2277.

Of course, there are times when you just want to look as glamorous as an old-school movie star, and that's when our third outfit comes into its own. Taking the same beautiful Reiss red dress, try pairing it with these fantastically fashionable black lace-up shoes, also from Reiss (£159). Finish off the look by taking some tips from the British designer Alexander McQueen, who used the natural world as inspiration in his most recent collection, and wear this black feather headband, again from Reiss (£20), in your hair.

Reiss: 0141 204 1449/0131 557 5008.