Left: The surprise of the season is purple, which has sprung into action everywhere. Right: Hues of blue and sexily draped cowls are back. - PHOTOS BY Tanya Ellis

Beautiful dresses are the stuff Christmas and New Year's Eve parties are made of. The search is on to find one that no one else will have. After all, how else will you stand out from the crowd and be remembered as one of the best-dressed women of the night? With the invitations landing in the hands of the island's most enviable partygoers, dress hunting, it seems, has become the nation's favourite pastime.

Subtle incapacitation

With the subtle incapacitation of the little black number, even with its status as 'the famous favourite,' the black dress will take a back seat this party season and give way to more glamorous hues of blues, translucent shimmers of gold, as well as an irresistible cocktail of colour. If the choice is to do otherwise, be prepared to have a guaranteed place among the wall flowers.

The surprise of this season sees the return of purple, in every shade, as a key colour to be seen in. The difference is that unlike last year, it has been transformed from boring evening gowns to the kind of brave, ancient yet classical style that dreams are made of. Add delicate accessories to the mix and the ensemble will be irresistible.

Left: Translucent shades have replaced traditional darker shades this season. Right: Iridescent and flowing all the way to the floor.