The party people's guide to being the best-dressed guest

Want to nail the perfect outfit for every festive occasion? Just follow these rules — from London’s most in-demand socialites

- BY JOE BROMLEY

Standing out from the crowd is no fool's errand — as the capital’s most decorated party guests can attest. But how to nail it, Monday to Friday, week in, week out until Christmas? Well, there are some rules.

JESSICA CLARKE MODEL

Rule: Never wear head-to-toe designer

Mix your highs and lows. Head-to-toe designer is a no for me — a full Versace look is simply unimaginative. The magic is in the contrast. There is nothing better than your mum's vintage coat, or that random £5 belt from Oxfam that somehow makes the whole outfit feel cooler and less contrived. You want to look like you've just thrown it on — even if you've actually tried everything in your wardrobe. Perfection is boring. Personality isn’t.

TISH WEINSTOCK WRITER

Rule: Wear secondhand — and channel the previous wearers’ trouble

I love a gown, whether it’s a John Galliano bias-cut number or a major 1930s piece. It’s become a uniform for me. I love to lean into the romance of wearing something secondhand and imagine all the trouble its previous wearers got into and try to channel that. At the moment I also love a vintage 1920s feather wrap or shawl. Always good to dial up the drama. That, and a statement choker.

JULIET MAYHEW REAL HOUSEWIFE OF LONDON

Rule: Choose a spectacle piece — never an intrusive one.