As we move into those cold winter days and long winter nights the pressure is on to look good without feeling miserably cold by what will inevitably be increasingly bad English weather.  Winter events can always put some stress on what to wear when you want to look good without exposing yourself to the elements.  However, long sleeved dresses are the perfect way to steal a bit of warmth while still looking glam.  Whether you choose long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves, you’re sure to be suitably stylish in some of our long-sleeved dresses.

For a glitzy occasion we love America Retro’s Luna Dress.  This silver paillette covered dress will sparkle all night long.  Its padded shoulders provide an Oscar worthy structure that will ensure your look remains glamorous from start to finish.  Perfect for the colder months, the Luna dress has long sleeves so you won’t be required to take a coat.  Team with black tights for those extra cold evenings, show-stopping platforms and a simple clutch and all your missing is the cocktail.

For an ultra glamorous frock, we love Thakoon Addiction’s Jersey Dress.  In black jersey, the ruching down the front allows this dress to cling to your body in all the right places.  Its v-neck and tulip hem gives it just the right amount of sophistication allowing you that chic and elegant look with minimal exertion.  Its long sleeves ensure this dress is perfect for the holiday season.    Team it with black platforms and a clutch with a pop of colour for a wow-effect.

Finally we have Christopher Kane’s Yellow Orchid Dress.  Treat yourself to a piece of art with this bold number.  Its long sleeves and body-con fit, makes this frock the perfect choice for any cocktail event.  Team with black tights, ankle boots and a  white clutch for a fashion forward look.

Olivia Phillips of mynewfavouritething.com gives us an insight into the past, present and future designer dresses she’s crazy about.  Here we take a peek into the wardrobe of this London fashionista to find out all about her favourite things…

Your first ever dress was:

A Kermit-green number covered in giant hot pink polka dots that came with a little matching jacket. Ah, the 80s. I think it must’ve cost a fortune as one of my earliest memories was my Dad manically scrubbing pen marks out of it in a desperate bid for my mum not to find out.

Your oldest dress:

A tailored grey wool-silk pencil dress with bra straps from Joseph that my mum bought me when I was 14. I’m pretty chuffed that I can still fit into it. Just. The wonder of Spanx, eh?

Your most expensive dress:

A white ruffled Temperley cocktail dress. It has tiered scalloped edging and plaited straps – it’s utterly beautiful!

Seen the most dancefloors:

A scandalously tight bright purple bandage dress from Reiss.

Favourite dress:

My silk-jersey Elizabeth and James LBD. It’s 4 dresses in one, really – you can wear it sleeveless, strapless, asymmetric or off-the-shoulder and every which way it looks amazing. I’ve had it mistaken for Lanvin, too which can never be a bad thing!

What was the last event you wore a dress to and what did you wear?

My birthday! I wore a bright orange draped H&M number that looks straight out of Studio 54. I paired it with sky-high leopard-print platforms and too much gold jewellery. And I wore it in the daytime, too. Well, if you can’t overdress on your birthday, when can you?

Mini or Maxi?

I love mini dresses but don’t like my legs so I wear maxis quite a lot. I like the sense of drama they create, too. Rachel Zoe can rock a maxi like noone else.

Who are your red carpet idols?

Ashley Olsen, Diane Kruger, Eva Mendes, SJP. None of them are afraid to experiment and they also all know what suits them and what will photograph well.

Who always gets it right?

Very few people! Christine Centenera and Miroslava Duma are two of my ultimates – can’t hurt that they’re both fashion editors!

What is your most memorable dress moment?

Probably my cousin’s wedding when I was maid of honour. I know the day was all about her, but I still felt like a princess walking down the aisle after her in my floor-sweeping cobalt Tibi gown and red Louboutins.

Which dress would be top of your Girl Meets Dress lust list?

There are so many! It’s a tie between the sapphire Gorgeous Couture Harlow maxi and the Alice + Olivia blush mini wrap Goddess dress. I think I could get into a whole world of trouble in either. In a good way, of course.

As someone who always has a new event to attend – how would Girl Meets Dress complement your life?

I’m so fickle, get bored of trends so easily, am constantly on the hunt for the next thing – it’s part of the reason I called my blog My New Favourite Thing. A service like GMD instantly solves all my bratty problems – ingenious!

Right now we are going crazy for the Australian high-end fashion designer Amy Boers.  With her unique take on 1930s and 40s fashion with a modern twist we have seen ostrich feathers, chiffon flounce and mini trains featured on her delicate designs.  Her latest collection After 5, under her label Amee Lou, debuted last year at the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and has been globally renowned.  Her feminine frocks have reached the shores of the UK, Ireland and the USA.  Most recently her Eilidh Dress graced the red carpet donned by the beautiful Jessica Knappett for the premiere of the The Inbetweeners. Accented with a beautiful red pair of Vivienne Westwood heels, this outfit was so perfect you could easily mistake Knappett for a red carpet regular.

The Amee Lou collection is filled with romantic colours such as black, champagne and plum endowed with drapes and ribbons that will add just the right amount of glamour to all of your special occasions.  With cocktail dresses such as our Floris dress, Violet dress and Winona dress you’ll be sure to make that jaw-dropping entrance. Retailing for £300 to £400, at Girl Meets Dress we are able to offer these dresses to rent from just £49! Perfect for the Autumn/Winter party scene-add gold accessories, a metallic clutch and sky-high heels for head to toe chic!

Did you know you that when you hire a Girl Meets Dress dress (try saying that 5 times fast!) you get to keep it for 2 nights? Why would I want to wear the same dress 2 nights in a row, you ask? Well with a little clever styling and some celebrity inspiration, you can take your dress to a whole new level for a second night running – unless, of course, your first night was so raucous the thought of leaving your bed is more than you can handle.

Take this gorgeous Fendi dress – just £169 for 2 nights. Luscious and luxurious in 100% silk, this stunning dress has real red carpet credentials.

{Sleeveless Silk A-Line Dress by Fendi}

Carey Mulligan is Hollywood’s darling, and her red carpet style is coveted by editors of glossy magazines the world over. Pictured here in Miu Miu, she unexpectedly pairs her sweet dress with opaque black tights and leg lengthening black heels finish the look. Accesorise with a pixie crop, or a cute up-do if you have longer hair. And remember – when channelling Mulligan’s style, less is more: no need to go overboard with accessories, the simple belt is enough.

Pair your classic pastel Fendi from our collection with Wolford tights, taking this dress from spring to bitter, English winter in one fell swoop. Towering black heels are a must, keeping your toes inches away from puddles, or go for a shoe boot if you feel like upping the ante.

This sophisticated yet sweet dress would be perfect for a date, special dinner, office party – you name it! The options are endless.

For a true red carpet look, bring a date whose pockets are extremely useful for all your essentials – lipstick, phone, etc. Celebs never carry a handbag on the red carpet, why should you?

Alexa Chung is truly the Queen of Cool, and the perfect inspiration for our ‘day after’ outfit. Alexa’s quirky cool style lends itself perfectly to ‘the second night out on the trot’ – and, if you ask me, I am sure she is more than partial to a good knees up!

As much as this Fendi is the perfect glamourous outfit for that special event, it is also ideal for a relaxed day or evening spent with friends. Make like Alexa and pair with last nights opaques, or go for some patterned or deep jewel-coloured tights.

‘Borrow’ your date’s cardigan, swap the removable belt for a vintage find and throw on a a cosy, knitted scarf. Luckily for you, tousled hair is part of the look, and last night’s make-up is more of a do than a don’t. For the true Alexa experience, don’t forget your brogues!

Head to the pub for some ‘hair of the dog’ or have a brisk stroll around town to perk you up (bacon sarnie, optional). Your friends will all be dying to know your secret – go on, share the love: Girl Meets Dress £20 gift vouchers bought now are worth £50!

{L-R Wolford Tights, Kurt Geiger Evie Courts, ASOS Tobago Shoe Boots, Topshop Knitted Tip Cardigan, ASOS Mini Doctor’s Bag, Topshop Zig Zag Snood, Pieces Ulf Double Wrap Belt at ASOS, Topshop Kamille Brogues}

By Catherine Sprunt.