AS INVITATIONS pile through the letterbox and your inbox becomes cluttered with excitable requests for your attendance at almost nightly Christmas parties there is just one thought that occupies most people’s mind.

What in the name of Gok Wan do I wear?

Most people fall into two categories. The first has a simple but classy dress they feel comfortable in and wear regularly to avoid spending excessively and shirk shopping obligations.

The second has an array of spectacular frocks which they can put with anything and always flatter their shape and unfailingly look stunning.

They are an extremely rare breed.

For the rest of us, the girls at Little Black Dress guide us through the fashion minefield that is the modern shopping mall and offer an array of dresses and accessories for experimentation without the public fashion faux pas.

Stylist Claire Wacey says girls are their own worst nightmare when it comes to getting dolled up: “So many women go back and choose the same thing each year, but there are so many different styles out there.

“We are trying to encourage people to choose something more exciting and more daring than they usually would.”

And this season is the perfect time to start.

You only have to venture into the once-daunting boutiques and high-street aisles to see every colour beaming back at you hankering after a great night out.

Claire added: “It’s all about accessories at the moment, you can be really bold with what you wear as putting bright colours together is very in at the moment.

“Matching colours that your mother would have gasped in disbelief at are actively encouraged, and colour popping, as it is known, is changing the way girls choose bags and shoes.”

Even in these austere times it’s important to look good, says Claire: “Because of the recession people want more versatility and to be able to do more with the dresses they have.

“They want to be able to dress them down or to have a knock-out dress. Accessories are the perfect way to do this and the clutch bag is huge this season.”

Little Black Dress invited women to book an appointment at The Chimes shopping centre in Uxbridge and try on a variety of dresses.

They come in all shapes and sizes and can be tried on with an array of glittering accessories and towering heels.

Shanice Philbert, 18, of St Luke’s Close, West Drayton is a student so is trying to watch her budget as well as choose something that is versatile and stylish. She said: “I would normally go out wearing jeans and a T-shirt when all my friends are in dresses.

“I want something that is simple as I don’t want to spend a lot of time getting ready.

“The girls have really helped me today, as choosing something you wouldn’t normally go for is difficult.”

Shanice said she usually shops in River Island and New Look, but always goes for clothes which are blue and comfortable: “I have seen some nice ones today though. I want something I can wear a lot and can look really good for my sister’s birthday party.

“There are a few I have seen and I think the one-shouldered dress looked really good.”

Claire said: “People are now more willing to go the extra mile and dress up more. There are so many affordable dresses in the shops it’s easy to add a bit of glamour to your wardrobe, girls are definitely making more effort now.”

And after a session with the stylist I might be tempted to give up the flat shoes and comfortable trousers and do just that.

All I need now is some glass slippers and Prince Charming.