For maximum party season impact, think floor skimming rather than thigh high.
Compiled by Jo Haywood

Limited edition velvet dress with high impact shoulders, �250, from Pearce II Fionda at Debenhams

Give yourself a silver star for choosing this one-shoulder shimmer maxi, �85, from Ben de Lisi at Debenhams

Prepare to take flight in this simply stunning Biba butterfly print silk maxi, �425 at House of Fraser

Charcoal Tulia velvet devore maxi, �229 from Noli

Feel heavenly in this Angel maxi, �38 from Lipsy

This silk printed maxi, �140 by Sinha-Stanic for Oli, is for smooth operators only

Be queen (of the Nile) for a day in this Cleo maxi, �80 from Monsoon

Be a real party animal in this highly covetable printed silk maxi, �450 from Biba at House of Fraser

StockistsDebenhams: 0844 561 6161; www.debenhams.comHouse of Fraser: 0844 800 3744; www.houseoffraser.co.ukNoli: 0207 580 1288; www.noli.comLipsy: 0161 746 1210; www.lipsy.co.ukOli: www.oli.co.ukMonsoon: 0161 236 2883; www.monsoon.co.uk