white lace mini dress with sleeves The Kiara in Chantilly 4 / White Chantilly Lace draped side adds texture and movement to this leggy Lace Sleeve Cowl Satin Mini

However, for formal occasions, traditional dress shoes with tailored trousers are a safer bet

Whether you're a fan of elegant mid-lengths, playful dresses or vintage knee-length dresses, Azazie has a wide range of sizes and styles to make it easy to find your ideal cocktail dress

Owner Stacia Smith has been sewing since she was 9 years old and opened her store in 1998

If you still prefer to blanch the florets beforehand, it is easy to do

Read the Blucher & Derby guide Pick: Beckett Simonon Dunham Derby Why we like it: A perfect example of traditional build quality, offering elegant open-lace comfort that works with both suits and smart separates