Q Someone put a cigarette burn in my favourite black silk dress, but, to be honest, it was getting a little tatty anyway. I liked it because it was chic and it gave me a good shape. I would like something similar that I can wear for years. Can you give me some ideas?

A You couldn’t have picked a better season to update your LBD. So many good designers are channelling classic cocktail wear that there are lots of amazing ones around at the moment. The most covetable are by Balenciaga, such as one, £1,695, from Harvey Nichols.

It’s a sculptural version of the classic cocktail frock, accessorised with glittering paste jewellery, and would certainly give you a good silhouette. It is made from foam-backed silk that gives it extra shape and definition.

Other hot designers for LBDs include Lanvin, or if you’d like classic with an edge, try Alexander Wang. This young New York-based designer is winning stylish fans with his sharp, modern silhouettes. His tulip-skirted LBD has sheer flesh-coloured straps. Also edgy is Jean-Pierre Braganza, a London-based designer whose signature is sculptural tailoring. His LBDs start at £220 (from start-london.com ). For something sexy, try Hervé Léger. A favourite with Hollywood’s junior red-carpet brigade, this label specialises in stretchy bandage dresses that hug and support your curves. They don’t come cheap (starting at about £665). You could cheat and get a good version of the Léger body-con look for £45 from Julien Macdonald’s range, Star, for Debenhams.

Q I’m looking for a new handbag. It needs to be a good size as I like to carry a lot of stuff around, but still look presentable. I would consider something colourful, but it would have to go with my wardrobe of muted tones. I don’t want a shopper (I’ve been pickpocketed in the past, so a zip-top bag would be preferable) or anything that looks like an It bag (I can’t afford one). What would you advise?

A A leopard-print, zip-top bag, £360, from Joseph could work for you. The shape won’t date quickly and the straps are long enough for you to wear it over your shoulder. It is a good size, and the leopard print will liven up your dark-coloured wardrobe. Gap has some of the best value-for-money bags on the high street, so another option could be its smart, zip-top bag in patent leather, £35.

POWDER PUFFERS
Giambattista Valli, favourite with glamour-loving Hollywood types and chic socialites, has teamed up with the skiwear specialist Moncler. The result is a range of embroidered and sculptural quilted jackets and evening cover-ups - high-tech sportswear meets haute couture. Fashion insiders are beside themselves with excitement, putting their names on the waiting list before they’d even seen them. Appliqué puffa, £1,215; left: cape puffa, £1,080, both by Moncler at Harvey Nichols

Times recommends

• Babyboomers still partying on in their sixties
• Do I have a chance of finding love again?
• Video: How to do party make-up