The vogue view: warm partywear

Why the chill needn’t dampen your evening style

IN fashion stakes, the next few weeks (or potentially months) present a dilemma: how to stay warm and chic after dark?

The red-carpet looks at the recent British Fashion Awards offered up a novel solution - meet the long-sleeved, ankle-skimming party dress. Old-fashioned elegance is having a moment and there's a lot to be said for the new demure style.

First, when it comes to sinking temperatures (and increasing Uber waiting times), it pays to be out and about in more than a minidress - that is, unless you're Kate Moss and can make even a pair of black opaques look like couture.

Let's start with Alexa. While ordinarily a champion of the super-mini, AC opted for a ladylike, high-neck Emilia Wickstead dress (note the centre split, a big trend for next summer) and mid-heeled slippers. Why it works? The space age silver fabric keeps it modern, while a cinched waist outlines the model body beneath. Vogue contributing editor Laura Bailey also glided down the BFA red carpet in one of Wickstead's princess gowns - this time a hot pink, full-skirted number.

The look is English rose 2.0 and Poppy Delevingne is, naturally, also to the front of the pack. Her recent appearance in one of Osman's ethereal full-length dresses lent a measure of conservative glamour to the model's ordinarily ultra-relaxed look. Suki, too, in her transition from mod girl to LA red-carpet regular has moved over to the demure side, recently stepping out for the evening in a classical cap-sleeved Burberry dress that subtly riffs on an Edwardian silhouette.

How to make the look work? Rule one: unless you're very tall, invest in pointy footwear - the spikier the better. Bionda Castana and Tabitha Simmons (subtly) sex-up even the most reserved dresses. Rule two: keep jewellery un-fussy (anything that looks like an heirloom will seem too literal). And rule three: if in doubt, add a sweater - Victoria Beckham (pictured) harnesses the grown-up appeal of a super-luxe knit. There's no reason to freeze in the name of fashion this season: the great cover-up begins here.