"Even if it is a smaller group of people at a (holiday) event, you just want to dress up and to wear those heels and bright lipstick," says Sharon Lehman of LifeStyles Women's Wear.

Navy is the new black, and this jersey dress is party-ready with mesh revealing a bit of skin at the neckline.

She adds that while lounge wear will still be a wardrobe staple due to the legacy of lockdown living and working from home, customers do not want to keep wearing casual clothing during the holidays.

Rachel Ryan, of Hangar9, agrees: “With more than a year without events, no one wants anything casual, and they are done with sweatpants.”

So, when shopping for a festive frock or fabulous gown, you will see high-end fabrics and designer clothes on display.

“People want luxury,” says Ryan, “so they’ll see lush, rich colours and some sparkle.” Deep jewel tones and rhinestones will be on display. She also predicts that “velvet will be big.”

Though Lehman cautions that many will “not go over the top out of respect for the times. We’re not out of this yet.”

But she acknowledges that “getting out at all is fun,” since we haven’t experienced ‘dress-up’ events for a year and a half. Feel festive, dress up and kick up your heels; it is party season.

LBD now means ‘little blue dress.’ Worn alone or with the embellished mesh overlay, it is perfect for a party and versatile enough for a future cruise.

Shades of aubergine are big this season and this midnight- coloured gown’s sparkly overlay gives it a fluid, flowy look.

These garments are Frank Lyman designs and can be sourced through LifeStyles Women’s Wear.