Offering the best of both worlds – the ability to flaunt your feminine curves to your chest’s delight while keeping the rest hidden away – this dress has saved us from our pre-party dress dilemmas. Thanks Richard Nicoll.

The delicately corseted upper half of the dress makes a subtly sexy reference to spring’s underwear as outwear trend but keeps things classic for autumn by covering up the rest of your curves – everything a woman wants from her party frock, non?

And that’s where the ingenious blue silk chiffon overlay comes in – the light weight layered skirt with all its pleated detailing provides a cling-free alternative to after-dark dressing this season (allowing you to feast away on those festive goodies without a hint of guilt).

Richard Nicoll Strapless Dress, £745, available at Matches. BUY NOW!