Ready to wear: FANTASY SHOPPING . . .

With parties going on everywhere, it can be a little difficult if a dress is not for you. Yves Saint Laurent created the tuxedo suit for women in 1966, the same year that he launched his Rive Gauche shops. His suits have to be seen to be believed - they are cut with a genius's eye and nothing can compare with them for class and style. This one is in wool crepe with satin lapels but each season, Saint Laurent changes it slightly. It is the perfect suit for the woman who loathes party dresses; very stylish, very comfortable and boy will you stand out (and you don't have to remember to keep your knees together). Try wearing it with a polo neck and flat shoes, a vest, or just your bra, oooh la la. AB

Yves Saint Laurent wool crepe tuxedo suit, jacket pounds 915, trousers, pounds 335 from the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche shops at 137 New Bond Street, W1 and 33 Sloane Street, SW1. Tel: 0171-493 1800.