Dread discarding your beloved jeans for a festive frock?  Alex Carter of Alexandra Apple tells how to do girly with edge...

It’s that time of year again!  What does a girl who lives in her jeans do, when she feels obliged to don a party frock? The prospect can be horrific for those of us who avoid girliness like the plague, for fear of looking and feeling like a stuffed turkey. But there are many ways to look and feel glam without frills and fuss.

Your party outfit doesn’t have to be a frilly dress, accessorised with diamante jewellery and satin-covered shoes, to make you feel sexy and feminine; party dressing can be edgy!

Satin ciggie pants, a sheer tunic or top and killer heels can look as glam as any frock. Just ensure your pants are a great fit and the tunic or the top are intended for - or meet the requirements of - evening attire and are proportionally right for your body (especially with slim line pants).

If the party is more casual, pull out your faithful old jeans, a great top, heels and jewellery.  If narrow pants just don’t sit well for you, think tuxedo or Marlene Dietrich; man pant, great shirt - white or a satin with a tie, and super high shoes. Take inspiration from the 1940s and your boyfriend’s wardrobe - shirts, scarves, and spats.

Throwing on a girlie full skirt and heels, with a more masculine or understated top is a good way avoiding the stuffed turkey syndrome. Try a full box pleated or circle skirt with a fitted shirt, simple crew neck or a great cropped cardi - you will have a dressy feminine look without the frills. Or the reverse:  a detailed top and well fitted pencil skirt will avoid fru fru discomfort.

Frocks don’t have to be fussy, just think classic Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The little black dress is one frock that can be girly and edgy and will always look sexy. Invest in a one if not a couple of these. Accessories (belts, shoes, jewellery, scarves, cardis and coats) can change the look of this staple number for any occasion. If becoming a total girl for the evening frightens you, the little black dress with touches of girliness in jewellery and shoes is travelling in safety.

If you are going to brave the girly frock, just make it edgy, add some chunky jewellery (think Marni or Dinosaur Designs) and some high chunky shoes (Romanesque or slave-like this season), conquer up images of Carrie Bradshaw and you will be on the right path.

Plus - sometimes it’s fun to feel a little more girly than you would in everyday life. Try a frock with some semi-opaque footless tights (three quarter or over the foot) and peep toe heels – voilà rock chic glamour.

Nothing looks worse than a tomboy in a frilly frock or a girly girl in jeans and a tee-shirt; the clothes just don’t do the wearer justice.

No matter what, don’t wear anything you feel uncomfortable in, stuffed into or that simply isn’t you, for it will make you feel self –conscious and you may hunch, fidget and find your fun and festivities ruined. Remember, stuffed turkeys are for eating, not a holiday season style!  Enjoy your festive season dressed to kill.

- Alex Carter of Alexandra Apple