Changing room S.O.S

We've all been there. After weeks of scouring the shops you've found 'the' party frock to dazzle on the dancefloor, only to find it looked better on the coat hanger.

Saggy boobs, bulging bellies and wobbly bottoms - the harsh reality of the changing room mirror can conjure up all sorts of dilemmas. Not even the A-lister's favourite Herve Leger bandage dress can rein in every lump and bump.

There's no need to let your body woes limit your party season wardrobe once you know a few savvy ways to disguise your demons and flaunt your hot spots.

Gisele Scanlon, author of new book The Goddess Experience, guides us through her fashionable secrets.

STRAPPY CHIC

One shoulder, halterneck or super-strappy, don't ruin the neckline of a festive top or dress with unsightly bra straps.

SOLUTION? "An underwear drawer multi-tasker is a super investment," Gisele advises.

"If your dress is slightly see-through, try a nude padded convertible bra."

TRY: Wonderbra Sexy Solutions Multiplunge, £26 (37.50 Euros); Marks and Spencer Multi-Way Sheer Strap Push-Up, £20; or Panache Inferno Underwired Plunge Multiway, £23.

DIGNIFIED LACE

Fan of Prada-esque lace? No need to flaunt your birthday suit with this season's see-through styles.

SOLUTION? "If you're wearing pale colours, then stick to underwear in whites and nudes - and look for a secret support vest if you have ample girlies," Gisele recommends.

"Black looks best under dark colours, but Prada added extra interest to this area by placing nude high-neck collars inside lace dresses."

TRY: Intimate vest with bra support (pack of two) £24 at Littlewoods; or John Lewis JL nude roll neck jumper, £35.

BACKLESS BRAVERY

Sexy backs are where it's at but don't forget about your front. V.N.A (Visible Nipple Alert) is never going to be a fashion trend.

SOLUTION? "Okay, harsh reality. Unless you're small and pert a backless dress can be disastrous," Gisele warns.

"Fashion First Aid Concealits, £8.95, will hide any nipple action while sagging girlies can be lifted using Liftits, £9.95 for a D cup or smaller." Both are available at www.hqhair.com.

VANISH V.P.L

It's the stuff of party frock nightmares. A visible panty line can turn a show-stopping frock into a pointing fest at a party. Put a stop to embarrassing stares.

SOLUTION? "Try seam-free knickers - they won't show through even the slinkiest of skirts," Gisele says.

TRY: La Senza seam-free Firm Control brief, £14; or BHS No Show thong, £5.

SUPPORTED IN STRAPLESS

Unless you're Kate Moss, not many of us can go sans brassiere. If the dress of your dreams is strapless but you need added support, there are bust-enhancing saviours.

SOLUTION? "If ample boobs mean you need straps, try this: go onto www.figleaves.com, type 'clear straps' into the search box and it'll spit back pages of strapless bras in all sizes with clear straps as an option," Gisele says.

CELLULITE SHOWDOWN

Cellulite showing through a clingy frock? Forget the lipo and take action via your undies drawer.

SOLUTIONS: "So you've tried the gym and gallons of water. Now try a pair of Spanx tights - they're all you need for a bump-free bum," says Gisele.

TRY: Spanx Super Control Tights, £20 at Figleaves; Damart Slimline Leggings, £35; or Next Control Short, £25.

PARTY TITBITS

Still having wardrobe predicaments for the party season? Gisele has these handy hints for dressing to impress:

Invest in some fabulous jewellery to draw the eye away from troublesome areas and towards your face, neck or wrists.

Lift buttocks that are spreading and heading south with strategic support panels. Try Trinny & Susannah's Magic Knickers, £35 at Debenhams.

If you want support and can't go braless in a deep-v neck dress, make a feature of your front with a diamante detail bra.

Treat deodorant stains by gently rubbing a Miss Oops Dry Sponge, £6 (www.victoriahealth.com) onto the annoying white marks and they'll disappear.

Want to go custom made? You can get a list of of professional dressmakers in your area from Sew Direct for £1 (wwwsewdirect.com).

STOCKISTS

Damart: 0871 882 1111/www.damart.co.uk

Debenhams: 08445 616 161/www.debenhams.com

Figleaves: www.figleaves.com

HQ Hair: www.hqhair.com

John Lewis: www.johnlewis.com

La Senza: www.lasenza.co.uk

Littlewoods: 0844 822 8000/www.littlewoods.com

Marks and Spencer: 0845 302 1234/www.marksandspencer.co.uk

Next: 0845 600 7000/www.next.co.uk

Panache: 0114 241 8888/www.panache-lingerie.com

Wonderbra: 01475 504175/www.wonderbra.co.uk

ASK THE EXPERT

Q: I love dancing but I'm crippled by sore feet half way through the night. Is there such a thing as a comfortable heel?

A: Kick up your high heels and rejoice: dance-friendly skyscrapers do exist. Not only are Mascaro's towering platforms and stilettos party perfect, each pair of heels contains a magic 'Flexiwedge' with a cushioned footbed and flexible platform sole. Check out the new Mascaro flagship store at South Molton Street, London or visit www.panacheshoes.co.uk.

BUY IT NOW

Shoulder grazing dazzlers are essential earwear for the party season. The Earring Boutique have added three new styles for Christmas, from £60. Visit www.theearringboutique.com.

FASHION FLASH

MANGO GIRL

Move over Penelope Cruz - Dakota Johnson Griffith is Mango's latest celebrity poster girl. The 19-year-old daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson is fronting Mango's denim line next season.

"I'm a massive denim fan, I own at least 30 pairs of jeans. The new Mango collection is very chic and cool," she says.

DESIGNER DEAL

Prepare for much shoulder barging in H&M next summer. British designer Matthew Williamson is set to create an exclusive collection for the high street store. His colour-drenched collections will be available in selected shops from April 23, with further high-summer pieces in mid-May. In an exclusive for H&M, Williamson will also debut his first ever menswear pieces.

UPCOMING

Dec 4: FASHION LBD: Embrace the season of the staple little black dress. With pictures.

Dec 11: FASHION Statement Red: Revel in the hottest shade of the season. We show you how to rock red looks. With pictures.

Dec 18: FASHION Christmas Countdown: Your very own fashion advent calendar for the festive season ahead. With pictures.

The Goddess Experience by Gisele Scanlon is published by Harper Collins, priced £14.99. Available now.