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It seems dress codes have gone the way of the white rhino – technically still alive, but rarely sighted in the wild. But even if invitations don’t spell out what to wear any , don’t be lulled into thinking that means anything goes. It doesn’t. Even if they aren’t written down, dress codes are still very much still enforced, with eyes sweeping over you the moment you arrive at the Christmas drinks.

Don’t panic. We’ve distilled the season’s sartorial savoir faire into five simple rules that will keep you impeccably ahead of the fashion pack no matter how opaque the invitation.

Velvet dresses are out, but suits are definitely in

Do not wear a velvet dress – it has to be a suit. I’m just going to come out and say it: a velvet dress is naff. The fabric had always given me the ick until Gucci did that velvet suit and revealed its full potential.

Now it’s my cold-weather go-to for special events. A velvet suit is sharp, even with wide-leg trousers and a loose-fit jacket – like Jigsaw’s rich green with satin lapels. Go for deep jewel tones or an inky black. There are plenty of budget-friendly versions on the high street; just add a camisole, a good earring and you’re done.

Opt for flats and keep your dignity

No high heels – swap them for jazzy flats. There is nothing less chic than wobbling around in heels you can’t walk in. I don’t know about you, but I live in flats, which means anything over an inch is basically a costume shoe. This festive season, flat shoes are prettier than heels anyway – think jewelled Mary Janes, slingbacks, embellished ballet flats. They’re also very sensible if things get icy. Your feet, and your dignity, will thank you.

Leave the faux fur at home

Bypass the faux-fur coat – stick to your practical one. You can’t walk into a high-street store without seeing a bit of roadkill on a hanger, but it’s not what you want to be wearing this party season. The classy way to do outerwear is to stick to a proper wool/wool-blend coat – the kind you wear every day, only one with a little pizzaz like Karen Millen’s sparkly black design. If you don’t want to bypass the faux fur trend completely look for something with a trim, like this elegant number from Reserved.

‘Tis the season for sparkles – but don’t overdo it

Sequins should only be worn sparsely. December is always sparkle season, but this year, don’t overdo it. Designers have been playing with sequins in ways that felt new, but distinctly relaxed. Yes, when it comes to anything shiny, less is . Think tops where the sequins are scattered rather than solid – a shimmer, not full disco ball. Try a jacket with a simple jersey T-shirt underneath or team that statement skirt – how fabulous is French Connection’s bright green? – with a relaxed cashmere jumper. High-low dressing at its best.

If choosing red, it’s all or nothing

Only wear read head-to-toe – or with black. I know, I know, it’s a festive colour and you want to wear it on repeat but when red goes anywhere near green your outfit becomes an elf costume. Wear red, but wear it alone, or with black – but never black, white and red, unless Mrs Claus was the look you are going for.