I am attending my 10-year high-school reunion in South Africa in October. The event will probably be a barbecue that continues into the night. I used to be the arty, overweight eccentric, but I¹ve lost a few stone since then (I¹m a size 10 now) and look much more polished. I haven¹t, however, lost my bohemian style. My legs are my best asset and I would like to get them out. I need a dress that will make an impression and show my success since my school days. What do you advise?

A Something like the patterned minidress (right) from the Missoni pre-collection will play to your bohemian tastes and show off your legs (£995; net-a-porter.com). It comes in trademark Missoni zigzags and is a recognisable designer piece, which is a subliminal way of saying: "I've made it." Other designers working the boho look include Matthew Williamson, who has a great silk minidress. You should look at Pucci, also designed by Williamson, for more short, patterned frocks. For a less expensive label, try Antik Batik's minidresses (from £120) or Anna Sui's printed frocks (from £275, from Fenwick). Embellished and printed silk dresses by Day Birger et Mikkelsen start at £150 (from Harvey Nichols).

I am attending two country weddings (both with the option to camp). I would like to wear chunky heels, but the invites suggest wellingtons in case of rain. How can I work them into an outfit, without looking like a trustafarian festival-goer or the Queen? I am a tall size 10.

A Take your chunky heels - it might not rain. And buy chic black wellies, not green ones. Burberry has some, or try Wellieart.co.uk for Hunter wellies (£50) and Ilse Jacobsen lace-ups (£65). Assuming you have to wear wellies, you have two options: hide them or wear them with pride. A maxidress would cover them, but it might get sodden and muddy, while a minidress would sex them up. A short frock is more versatile - you could wear it with skinny trousers or tights if the weather turns nasty. To avoid the festival look, choose something sleek and structured in a block colour, such as this dress from Oasis.

I am trying to find a pair of Louboutin-style silver peep-toe heels. Unfortunately, I cannot stretch my budget to the designer himself. Can you recommend a high-street version?

A You will find a few inexpensive pairs of silver peep-toes at asos.com. Next has silver peep-toe platforms for £25 and Peacocks has a pair for £15.

FASHION NEWS: SHINE ON

The fashion/jewellery love-in continues apace. Giles Deacon has hooked up with Evoke to produce a range of statement pieces studded with Swarovski crystals. “I love the way Peggy Guggenheim and Elizabeth Arden wore jewellery in the 1950s and 1960s,” says Deacon, who took these glittering grandes dames as inspiration. “Accessorising is an affordable way to get a designer item with a lot of impact.” Available from Sept 1

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