It's time to toe the party line

Some of the best and most affordable party shoes around are at Office, which has rainbow-colour sequins, glitter, jewels, lace (à la Louboutin) and some totally on-trend shoeboots, including a pair in black suede with gold heel, gold trim and bows at £65, and a black suede number lavished with crystals and pearls around the ankle, at £150. Unexpectedly stylish (and also very affordable) is the new collection from Barratts, which has moved sharply up-market under new owner Michael Ziff.

Especially desirable is a navy peep-toe court with ankle strap and huge ruffle flower at £40, and a terrific shoe boot in bronze with ribbon trims, at £45.

Other desirable shoeboots include Faith’s strappy pair in silver and pewter at £80; River Island’s silver peep-toe (£59.99); and a truly covetable Chloe pair with bows and crystal trim at Browns (£910 at www.brownsfashion.com).

Stylish courts include Marks & Spencer purple shoe trimmed with bows and jewels at £35; Dune’s elegant almond-toe shoe in jacquard with patent bow, £85; Miss Selfridge’s glitzy peep-toe sling-backs with jewel-encrusted bow (£50), and Faith’s elegant satin peep-toes in nude with crystal trim at £85.

If you are baring your shoulders in a strapless or strappy dress, fashion rules dictate you should wear sandals. Moda in Pelle have a pricey looking suede sandal at £80, while River Island has a stunning sandal in bronze velvet and black with gold platform and gold heel at £59.99.

Finding the perfect party bag should be equally simple, and equally affordable. The trendiest is, of course, the clutch — big or small, sharply angular or curvy, embellished or drop-dead simple.

The smart outsider is a variant on the classic Chanel quilted bag, with chain handle to hook over a bare shoulder. Look for your bag in silk, encrusted with crystals or tantalisingly tactile in gold or silver leather.