The Knowledge: Lulu Kennedy on how to get a modern party look The director of sponsorship platform Fashion East gives her tips to nailing a killer evening ensemble. Don't buy a new wardrobe Spruce up an old party dress with a beauty look or a bold accessory. Recently, to update a 10-year-old black dress, I wore an ultra-glam pair of pearl and diamond earrings and showed them off by slicking my hair back with Toni & Guy Stick It Up Gum (£7.20, boots.com). Adding accessories in fun materials or bright hues detracts attention from an old garment. I wear a Katie Grand Loves Hogan fluorescent cross-body bag (hogan.com) to boost outfits, or a baby-blue fur clutch that people go wild for. Get into disco mode I will never forget seeing Isabella Blow at an event with pink glitter dotted over her eye sockets; her make-up said, "I'm ready for a party." My motto is "more is more," so I go shiny with iridescent eyeshadow and glossy lips. Apply a layer of Nanoblur Optical Skin Cream (£19.99, boots.com) over your foundation for a matte base that makes skin look flawless in photographs. Try Dolce & Gabbana's Italian Monica lipstick (inspired by my idol, Monica Bellucci) for a bright evening pout (£25.50, harrods.com). If you're in a rut, research hair and beauty looks from the runway for a wealth of inspiration. Once it is on, forget about your make-up: you don't want to spend your evening looking in the bathroom mirror. Shop for kicks Forget about your age and the trends, and concentrate on buying clothes that make you feel confident and get you in the party mood. I am garment-driven: I buy something that excites me then tailor every outfit around it for weeks. I love fairytale footwear such as Marc by Marc Jacobs hologram shoes (farfetch.com) and the Manolo Blahnik metallic stilettos worn at the Richard Nicoll spring/summer 2012 show. Experiment with garment combinations in front of the mirror to avoid stale or uniform outfits. I dress to please myself, but I like to entertain others with my look too. Recently I have been wearing a big organza bow in my hair. It's so daft and girlie that you can't miss me in it. Wear masculine details With winter encroaching, a stylish coat is must-have: there is nothing worse than feeling cold after a party. This season try an oversized men's coat with a dressy leather skirt and a T-shirt underneath. I feel so feminine in my masculine Richard Nicoll coat (richardnicoll.com). A relaxed-fit biker jacket goes with everything and is a party classic. There are some brilliant ones to choose from at matchesfashion.com. I will be wearing an illustrated Claire Barrow biker jacket for an added bit of fun. Think it through Coco Chanel said that before you leave the house, you should look in the mirror and take one thing off. It's great advice if you are going to a work party and feel a little overdressed. When you're unsure of what to expect, choose an outfit you know works - Simone Rocha's pink wafer-mesh dress (net-a-porter.com) paired with brogues is foolproof for me - and pull it together with a well-cut blazer. Carry a fragrance in your handbag for a confidence-boosting spritz during the evening. I like Orange Blossom Cologne by Jo Malone (£78, jomalone.co.uk). Lulu Kennedy's limited edition Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe range is available now (boots.com)