This Christmas, it's not just metallics that are dazzling on the dancefloor. Red is a key part of the festive palette - and the colour to stand out in.

"Red is very hot this season. It is a bold statement and is a change from the usual little black dress. It's fun and bright and great for Christmas parties," says Elizabeth Cocozza, Eve's fashion director.

But be warned, it's not always easy to wear.

"You have to be careful not to over-do it," she advises.

"If you wear a red dress, don't match the shoes and bag. Mix and match accessories, or add touches of red to a black outfit. Avoid a whole red outfit, otherwise you might end up looking like a pillar box!"

Skintone also plays a part, Elizabeth explains.

"If you are dark or olive skinned, you can get away with more orangey toned reds, but paler skins need a deep true red that will compliment their skin," she says.

"Brunettes always look great in red, but blondes need to be careful and maybe mix it with another colour."