PARTY season is by now in full swing but if you've still to find that perfect dress, take inspiration from this selection of eye-catching outfits from boutiques around the region.

PARTY season is by now in full swing but if you've still to find that perfect dress, take inspiration from this selection of eye-catching outfits from boutiques around the region. By Katy Evans

Different occasions call for difference dresses, clearly, but whether it's a formal, black tie ball, a cocktail party or an evening soiree at a friend's house, Suffolk boutiques have plenty of variety in the style stakes this season.

Feel festive in a floor-length red gown, examples of which can be seen here. Celebrate in style with a full tulle skirt and bustier, more suited to a grand occasion where you really want to make an entrance.

Patterned dresses were hot on the runways for autumn/winter so why not tackle the trend head-on and shun the normal festive colours with this turquoise and multi-patterned, fitted dress with long sleeves from Collen & Clare in Southwold.

Staying on the blue/green theme, steal the show in this beautiful outfit from, fittingly, Hollyblue in Woodbridge. The separates look great together but could also be mixed and matched with less dressy items for more casual events at other times of the year.

Also on the patterned theme and perfect for a drinks reception is this flirty black and gold number by Chloe - as seen in this month's Instyle magazine - which is a top choice for fashionistas thanks to its 'bubble' shape, thereby ticking yet another of the season's trend boxes.

Velvet was another hot fabric for Christmas '06 and what better way to work it into a party look that with this mulberry coloured jacket as the perfect to stave off the cold night air. Team it with a velvet skirt and black tights, another of the season's staples, to complete the look.

Full-on ballroom glamour can be had with a wine-coloured gown from Montage with a beading and a matching bolero.

But you can't fail with a little black number such as this strapless chiffon creation with just a touch of glitter, courtesy of gold and beads and sequins - perfect party fodder.

More party pictures can be seen in the December edition of EADT Suffolk magazine. The January edition will be on sale soon, priced £2.95.

Photographs: Colin Shaw, 01394 383326.

Fashion Direction: Maggi Gidby.

Model: Alison Halsall at MOT Models.

Hair: Lynne Chalmers at Baiss & Co, Ipswich, 01473 250405.

Make-up: Vicky Banthorpe at Baiss & Co.

Location: Ravenswood Hotel and Restaurant, Rougham, Bury St Edmunds, 01359 270345.

Little Black Book:

Winch & Blatch of Sudbury, 01787 373737.

Chica Shoes of Bury St Edmunds

Hollyblue Boutique of Woodbridge, 01394 382300.

Ruby Slippers of Stratford St Mary, 07854 444431

Mystique Couture of Diss, 01379 642044.

Collen & Clare of Southwold, 01502 724823.

Darcy B of Woodbridge, 01394 388880.

Fanny & Frank of Woodbridge, 01394 380435.

Angela of Long Melford, 01787 370233.

Marianna of Ipswich, 01473 225666.