It doesn't matter if you are an early bird who has already completed your Christmas gift list in October, or if, like me, you are now starting to think about what you would like to give, and to whom. I see you as you pass in front of shop windows in the town centre, I see you scrolling through your favourite e-shop and stopping transfixed by a flash of fashion: I WANT that red dress, sequined all over, cut like a mermaid and draped over your bust to reveal your shoulders.

I also know what you're thinking right after: Come on, why do you need a gala dress if you only wear it twice in your life?

I've made the mistake in the past of turning to shopping to make up for something I was missing, and then, when I realised I had useless items in my wardrobe, I invited my closest friends over for tea.

We chatted, had a good laugh over the latest gossip and then I brought out a specially prepared bag for each, filled with clothes, handbags and accessories I thought would suit their style. Of course, each was free to take or leave what she wished, and I can’t tell you how delighted I am when, even now, I see them wearing one of those pieces.

But let's get back to it, the magic red dress mentioned above (or whichever one you like best), and let's try to think about it a bit.An evening dress is born with a vocation for exceptionality, otherwise I doubt it would make our hearts beat so fast. No one's stopping us from walking around the house dressed to the nines, although I suspect the wow factor would be drastically reduced if we wore it every day while preparing meals.

There are looks I’ve worn more than once, thanks to a trick inspired by Little Women by Louisa May Alcott—to whom I’ll always be a devoted fan: I remember who I met that evening and wear the dress again with a different circle. For me, it's easy to remember what I was wearing, where, with whom, and when; if you tend to occupy your mind with other notions, jot down a quick note and the problem is solved.

Sooner or later, the day will come when you'll have run out of gala occasions, but certainly not the life of your beloved dress. At that point you have two options: discuss the possible transformations with your trusted seamstress, or have fun decontextualising it by toning down the accessories. Personally, I favour the second approach, as I always regret altering the silhouette of a dress, while I love the idea of a playful, irreverent style.