AS the shops begin to fill with frocks for the party season, there may be an easier way to sparkle this winter.
Things are definitely looking up, with hair taking centre stage amid a new air of ladylike sophistication.
Long hair always comes into its own in the party season with up-dos taking the loose waves of summer to another level, and this autumn-winter it's all very grown-up and proper - think Audrey Hepburn, buns, chignons and French pleats.
For younger partygoers, the look centres on braiding and perfect plaiting, typically halo or side plaits; extra long hair can be braided, looped up and clipped at the nape, or woven into a fishtail plait.
Jacqui Elliott, owner of Shine hair salon in Preston Farm, says: "It's an exciting step change from the tousled, relaxed look of summer but clients might need a little help with these smart and sophisticated styles.
"It's important to find a style that works with your normal day to day life, and some of the more prim and proper looks will be for evening only, but our stylists can show how to create them."
The big story, and the season's must-have in hair, is decoration and embellishment.
Diamanté is a perennial favourite of partygoers, but the best of the looks this season incorporate bejewelled adornments of coloured gems. Whether it's the rich Christmas hues of garnet, ruby and emerald, autumnal amber and smoky topaz or pure pearls, it's about coordinating your accessories with your clothes and hair colour to complete the look.
Ponytails are kept under control, caught at the side with jewelled clips or crystal clasps. Pins add interest to buns while shorter styles can be jazzed up with gem-covered slides.
For daytime, long hair on the catwalks was tucked into collars, tied up into a simple knot or held in place with oversize clips - tortoiseshell and leather, as well as jewels, all made an appearance. Wide leather, along with grosgrain ribbon, headbands are also set to be a big, easy-to-wear trend this winter.
Jacqui adds: "If you've got some favourite accessories but aren't quite sure how to work them into your style, it's a great idea to bring them with you to the salon for your appointment so your stylist can fit them and show some different options for how you can wear them."
Hair accessories make great gifts too, especially vintage brooches and other jewels that can be picked up in antique shops. And they cost a lot less than splashing out on several new party outfits.
An even lighter way to wear accessories is another new trend - hair tattoos. Half way between make-up and colour, these are transfers that you apply in the same way as temporary skin tattoos, damping them on then peeling off the backing. A quick spray mist over the top will help them stick.
They work best on poker straight, smooth hair, especially brunette, and will wash out.
The focus on sophistication has influenced hair colour too. Scarlet is a key fashion trend this winter and is best kept for your wardrobe only.
"It's good to bring some warmth into your colour in the winter months and the UV isn't as strong in winter so colour is less prone to fading," says Jacqui. "I'd suggest going a couple of shades darker than usual so blonde to chestnut, honey to brunette, ombré to chocolate, nothing too radical."
Colder temperatures combined with central heating can be drying so Jacqui recommends investing in a good conditioning treatment to maintain shine throughout the winter.
The sophisticated look continues into beauty with lip gloss making a comeback, although colour is subtle rather than statement.
Berry tones and even pale pinks kicked red lips off the catwalk reflecting the more modest feel, with flushed cheeks complementing darker hues in hair. Mascara and kohl liner put the emphasis on graphic eyes with shadows in honey and plum.
Siobhan Caffery, Shine Beauty owner, says: "Achieving the beautiful, ladylike look is all about good skincare so your skin glows even with minimal make-up. With the focus on eyes this season, the aim is to make sure the rest of your complexion is smooth with even tone to show off flushed coral cheeks to their best.
"Getting through winter is always a battle to combat dryness so I'd recommend an early season moisturising Hydra Marine Facial by Thalgo, plenty of lip balm and don't forget to invest in good hand care."
Short round edge nails take on a military look in camouflage khaki, forest green and the new shades of 'greige', occasionally softened with barely-there tones.
For a more traditional, festive look, Siobhan recommends limited edition sparkling red, gold and silver by Jessica Nails available from Shine Preston Farm.