1. Work parties used to be just drinks in the office or local pub but these events now tend to be more lavish with some even involving an overnight stay in a hotel.

The golden rule is don’t forget that the people you are partying with are your colleagues and that you will have to face them the next day.

So bear that in mind when choosing your outfit and avoid too much cleavage or leg.

It’s a special occasion – a little black dress with statement jewellery always works, shoes with a bit of wow factor, hair accessories and red lipstick.

Another tip is to always check the venue’s own dress code. Many of the London hotels and exclusive restaurants are very strict about enforcing a no denim, no trainers rule – even if these are emblazoned with Chanel or Gucci logos.

2. Christmas Eve drinks with the neighbours can be tricky as you don’t want to appear to be competing.

You will probably have an idea of their dress code already, for example, if you have never seen your host in jeans or heels she won’t be wearing them at her party. But it is a special occasion so you should up your game.

My PR, Sally is going to a gathering with her neighbours and is going to wear the silk patterned pussy bow blouse and a smoky blue Harris tweed skirt that I designed and made her.

The colours tone perfectly and she will dress these two every day items up with some pretty chains around her neck.

Well chosen separates can always be combined to work for special occasions and are a good investment.

3. Christmas Day with the family is a time when memories will be made and photos taken. Jean, one of my lovely clients, takes pride in the way she dresses but finds walking very difficult and also feels the cold. But that doesn’t stop her holding a big Christmas party for family and friends.

She is also a member of several lunch clubs and a successful business woman and attends many special occasions over the festive period – very impressive for someone in their 80’s!

This time last year she set me a challenge to design and make her a smart trouser suit that would carry her through the Christmas season. I found a beautiful Chanel-style textured wool tweed in a mix of burnt orange, ochre, red, purple, teal and lilac with a red lurex thread to make a frayed-edge jacket with lapels, patch pockets and feature buttons. For comfort and ease, I made her a pair of trousers with some stretch in the fabric that matched the purple in the jacket. I made sure there was room for her to wear a blouse or jumper under the jacket. She loved her suit and it made a very Christmassy outfit, guaranteeing Jean would keep warm and look stylish.

 5. Velvet is always a good choice for New Years Eve. It is warm, luxurious and you will instantly feel dressed up. The lovely thing is that velvet comes in so many deep winter colours: wine, burgundy, bottle green, midnight and traditional black…

My client Deborah was spending the New Year in Scotland and had wanted a velvet dress for some time. I made her a dark teal velvet cocktail dress with long sleeve and ruffles. She loved it so much and said it would be worn many times.

Velvet evening coats are something I make for many of my client’s, a velvet coat completes a winter special occasion outfit and can be kept on when you arrive at the venue if it is chilly.