What is your first reaction when you are invited to an event or party of some kind? Do you start looking forward to it, or do you start panicking over what you will wear?

If you fall into the second group you're not alone. Many women struggle to find an outfit that they feel comfortable in and that suits their figure, but if you follow a few simple rules you can get a big head start whenever you need to buy something new for an upcoming occasion.

The first thing you should think about is your figure. Do you like to wear figure hugging outfits or would you prefer something looser and more flowing? Most women have something about themselves that they would prefer to hide, and by carefully choosing what you are going to wear you can create a look that accentuates your best features and takes the attention away from those you'd rather keep to yourself!

Another point to think about is colour. Some women automatically go for black to try and hide a larger figure, but sometimes a well tailored and comfortably fitting outfit in a lighter colour can enhance your figure a lot more. It also looks a lot brighter during the summer months when you really need a light colour to help keep you cool in the sun.

Don't forget what you wear on your feet either. Heels are wonderful for making you stand up straighter - keeping your back straight and your tummy sucked in - but don't wear anything higher than you feel comfortable in. If you buy new ones especially for the occasion it can be a good idea to break them in before you go out, since you don't want to be contending with blisters and sore feet while you are having fun.

Accessories are also important since they can provide a stunning finishing touch to any outfit, regardless of the colour or style. Fashion jewellery is a good way to complete the look without spending a lot of money doing so, but make sure you buy your outfit first. You can then match your jewellery to what you are wearing. This is especially advisable if you are trying to match colours.

Another point to think about is what kind of outfit you are going to opt for. Do you feel more comfortable in trousers? Or do you always head for the section of the store which has all the party dresses on display?

Party dresses are certainly more feminine and can keep you looking and feeling cool during summer parties and get togethers. Coupled with a few accessories they provide a quick and easy way to get ready in no time and you can still turn plenty of heads when you arrive!

Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.