If you buy only one item this winter (or better still, in the sales), let it be a jumper dress. Fashion's answer to the Swiss Army knife, it has brilliant flexibility and will save you in a festive fashion crisis. Before you reach for the next page because a) you aren't pregnant, b) you can't bear the itch or c) your internal temperature control won't tolerate woolly encasement, be aware that designs have moved on from the clunky, chunky affairs that looked like they'd been knitted by your granny.

Just look at the part-knitted, part-sheer Philip Lim offering above.

Woven from fine Merino wool, it skims rather than hugs and certainly pushes sweater dress boundaries. If the sheer skirt is a pioneering step too far, invest in a silk slip. This will also help with the unfortunate stick-between-the-thighs static problem from which many sweater dresses suffer (click on to www.figleaves.com for an expansive range of slips).

Playing with texture and shape is a good way of keeping the sweater dress modern. With its gold sequins and soft cocoon curve, this Manoush dress could easily pass as heavy felt or plush velvet, but has all the comfort and warmth of fine knitted wool.

Historically, the sweater dress did unpleasant things to tummies and hips, but a straight column shape such as this playful Erotokritos dress will flatter. Recent research has proved that horizontal stripes appear more slimming than vertical ones, so this dress will be perfect post-turkey and trimmings. It also has beautiful lace inserts at the neckline, which are an unexpected contrast to the wool.

The sweater dress isn't just good for Christmas parties, it's excellent for the morning after, too, as all you need to do is pull it over a pair of tights and go. If you like heels, then a pair of short boots - look for ones that just scrape the ankle - make for a spiky contrast. Flats work if you're going girlie. Because of their simplicity, jumper dresses are also a great canvas on which to experiment with jewellery. Dazzling costume jewels look extra special against luscious cashmere.

Hair and make-up: Hester at Era Management using Chanel and Paul Mitchell. Model: Teresa Baca at Storm, Styling by Eve Thomas

Times recommends

• The grim reality of life as an air stewardess
• 50 of the world's best design blogs
• Video: Georgia Jagger on fashion and her mum's clothes