Last updated 17:37, Monday, 03 November 2008

The season to be stunning is almost upon us once again. Love it or loathe it, cheer can be bought by tracking down the perfect frock to turn heads at winter parties.

Louise Renucci models a House of Fraser dress

• Slideshow: check out our models wearing the Untold range

With Daniel Craig set to send pulses racing on the big screen in the new Bond, winter party looks are having a 007 moment according to fashion and accessories manager at House of Fraser, Amanda Blackburn.

She said evening wear for 2008 has a dark, sophisticated sex appeal.

“A lot more Cumbrian women are doing the posh events going out for dinner then dancing. Even the younger ones like to have a glamorous feel to their dresses. This season it’s also about fun and being a little dangerous.”

Amanda has been steering style through the English Street store for 15 years.

But with every year there’s something new to get excited about come party season and for 2008, she’s really fired up over a new range in store.

“It’s the Untold line. It got the name after the buyers putting the package together kept the whole thing a big secret,” she said.

“It’s a great line - they’ve gone for a lovely twist on fabrics and patterns. Many of them have come from archives in London dating back to the 1600s.”

Proof of the range’s fashion credentials, the lace detail on Untold’s well-cut shift dresses highlights the gothic romance trend making waves this winter.

But if lace isn’t for you, there’s plenty of scope to add jet black jewellery to vamp up your look.

Diamonds are forever on the party scene, with diamonte and pearl accessories still making the grade and everywhere on the high street.

Patent bags and shoes are also a big story, perfect for livening up an LBD or trouser suit.

For evening makeup, the smoky eye reigns supreme. But for a new twist, think purples for eyes and berry lips. Urban Decay, new to Carlisle’s House of Fraser this month, has sultry plum shadows perfect for the look.

It’s not all back to black for clothing either - opulent jewel tones are also a big fashion story for party looks with regal purples and rich emerald shades glimmering through.

The little black dress is still strong, with hemlines grazing the thigh or dropping to a more demure knee length with a pencil skirt twist.

The kooky prom dress is rocking the shops, but has ditched its frilly florals for winter. At House of Fraser’s Therapy, the prom dress reveals its “of the moment” credentials in a jewel blue with lace overlay.

A high-fashion look, the prom dress is best paired with a shoe boot – Amanda recommends wearing the boot with dark tights if you feel your legs need lengthening and slimming.

But super short isn’t the only option this winter. “The Bardot pencil skirt and the tulip skirt are still big. It’s a fitted look and can be very flattering.

“Strapless dresses are of course still popular with people choosing to bare their shoulders.

“But there’s a shape for everyone this winter.”

Making Bond girl glamour with a Gotham twist your inspiration, evening looks this season are set to both shake and stir the party scene.