Get prepared

Decide what you’re going to wear a couple of days in advance and try the whole outfit on – underwear and shoes included. Dry clean or wash anything that’s not fresh. Clothes that haven’t been worn for a while can smell musty even if they’re clean. Make any repairs including sewing on stray buttons, taking up hems and fixing zips. If there’s anything that is uncomfortable either fix it or find something else to wear. Nothing looks less fabulous than seeing someone fiddling with a slipping bra strap or tugging down a creeping hemline all evening.

Best foot forward

Don’t let scruffy shoes ruin a winning outfit. Make sure yours are polished, and have run down heels repaired. Not only will they look smarter, shoes in good repair will be more comfortable and easier to wear for the whole evening. Use gel pads to keep you on your toes for longer.

Eyebrows

One sure-fire way to make sure your face stays fabulous all night long is to treat yourself to an eyebrow tidy. Even when your make up is fading, neatly groomed eyebrows will keep your face looking fresh and make your eyes seem more open and attractive.

Super hands

A professional manicure might last a week but a DIY one can still last a weekend if you remember to don the rubber gloves for housework. The secret is to let each layer dry completely before adding the next. Use a base coat then apply two coats of polish and then a finishing coat. You’ll need to set aside an hour for this but the effects are worth it and you can always do it the night before the party.

Hairspray

Even if you’re wearing your hair loose hairspray is an invaluable way of making your style stay put all night long. Used liberally it will tame flyaways, stop the onset of dance floor frizz, and prevent intricate styles from falling flat. Spritzing your hairbrush before you use it will make your mane even more manageable.

Rouge recommends: New Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Hairspray. Keep your hair touchable and tousled all night with its flexible, sticky-free formula and beautiful violet scent. Find out more here.

Make up to go

You don’t need much in your mobile makeup bag but some face powder like Max Factor’s Crème Puff compact is useful to banish any party shine, and your favourite lipstick to keep you looking photo-op ready. Eye drops are an invaluable antidote against alcohol, smoke and tiredness. A couple of drops into your peepers when you’re beginning to look bleary-eyed will keep you on sparkling form for hours.