Time for an LBD. Or an LND. Or an LGD.

But the key is plain.  This is the dress that you have in your wardrobe that you can drag out when you're not sure what everyone else is wearing, you need something fabulous and reliable that will serve for a dressy occasion (just add bling) or dinner with friends.  For me, the great thing about a plain dress is that it's very easy to get a completely different look just by alternating your accessories.  When I say plain, I do mean a more neutral colour.  Be it black, navy, dark green or a dark wine.  A classic.  As much as I love my neon Whistles dress, it would take the mother of all accessories for it to look really really different. (and people not notice that I'm wearing a bright yellow dress.  Again.) 

So as much as I love print and super bright colours, there is something to be said for having that L-Black/Navy/Green etc- D in your wardrobe. 

Starting with a classic flattering shape and gorgeous dark navy. 

Pied a Terre Galactic Dress now reduced to £75

and in green





Staying with Pied a Terre - they really do the most amazing plain dresses that are simple but exquisitely cut from good quality fabric, great quality for their price - this is one of the most flattering dresses I have seen in ages.   Ideal ruching round the tummy and hip area, a lovely built in cross over with plunging neckline and a tiny key hole back. 

Victoria Panel slinky dress £129



Similar to this style is the Jersey Drape Dress from Baukjen  £119




Another very similar one but with longer sleeves, is available at Boden in Fig, Black and Dark Teal. 

The Claudia Dress now £71.20










ASOS Midi Dress with Obi Belt £40  I love the slightly vintage feel to this.  A 70's vibe and certainly not for the faint hearted of chest (although you could easily wear a camisole under this) 







Staying with a v neck which just screams out for a necklace and is perfect for those with a larger bust, the Aperitif Dress from Boden in black, now £71.20



Also left in some sizes in the green 



For the hourglass amongst us, this is just perfect.  A real classic full skirt fitted black ponte dress. Very Audrey.

Clerkenwell Dress now £71.20



Now this looks nothing but believe me, in real life, if you're after a classic black dress, this is the ultimate bargain for £45.00.  It feels like the most luxurious crepe - completely belying its price tag.  I have seen this instore and yet again, it took me about three trawls though to find it online.  

M&S Collection Pleated Dress for £45.00







Now it's definitely worth having a look at Atterley Road as I have a 25% off voucher that everyone can use - I'm sure loads of you got sent it but it's called a Friends and Family voucher so I assume it's fine if I share it here!  Code - FRIENDS25 valid till 1st Dec.  Which is scarily near.  Like this weekend.  Gah.

This won't be for everyone but I absolutely love the styling of it here with the long necklace.  Very boho. 

Atterley Road Elba plain black artist Dress - £59 before discount




Second Female Lucca Dress £90 before discount   Now again, this isn't perhaps as dressy as some of the others but for an LBD - a dress that you need to drag out for dinner or put a huge collar necklace on for a Christmas party, this is a great basic to have in your wardrobe. 





A ruched number (honestly you will not believe how flattering ruching can be especially when teamed with my fave Sainsburys body armour) from Great Plains but with the discount from Atterley Road this is a steal for a little Christmas extra. 

Great Plains Rome Dress £55 before discount 







Staying with a slightly less formal vibe, this cocoon dress is just pretty perfect in every way for me.  I adore this shade of blue - slightly more electric than navy.  No longer at Atterley Road - back to Pied a Terre from House of Fraser.

Pied a Terre Cocoon Dress  £79  This is actually super similar to my beloved Whistles' dresses from the summer which I got so so much wear out of. 






Also available in Magenta  (the exception to my dark neutral colour rule - this is so the perfect Christmas alternative to those who aren't a fan of red) 



And green 





Finishing with a couple from probably my biggest Winter Dress success shop - All Saints.

These I absolutely love. 

Mayra Dress in black 



And in green 







And the Pia dress which was recommended to me by the lovely Beth from StyleGuile

In black silk  £138



Or in a slightly more casual jersey which I still think could be dressed up for a smart occasion. 

Pia Jersey Dress in Ink £98


And in khaki marl



Lastly we have my current favourite.  I've featured this before actually, but I keep coming back to it.  I totally adore it. 

Pocket Swing Dress from Me+EM £198


And if I looked, I could probably go on forever.  But I reckon I'm near to making a decision on which to get.  So how is everyone else getting on with their Christmas Party outfits?  Would love to hear what you've decided on, or if you're still looking.  Trousers and a top, dress? Or maybe a skirt and a top?  And shoes - good lord, what shoes?  I think I still need to explore shoe options actually - especially for those that you can wear with skinnies and capri pants.  And don't get me started on bags.  The perfect item to start the Christmas list off with no? 

So much to get going with! 

Finishing as per usual with my outfit from today.  All day spend marizapanning (which I'm not sure if it's actually a word but it should be - to put marzipan on a cake before icing - that's on Thursday.  Mini Christmas cakes for the school Christmas Fayre.  And lots of them.  Lots)