ASPIRE

Halston Heritage

Price: $595

The label was born when Sarah Jessica Parker - of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex And The City fame - was approached by Halston, a high-end brand from New York, to have a hand in setting up its secondary label.

In the second movie, Parker appeared in at least two of the brand's pieces - a metallic purple pleated dress and a white deep-V cocktail dress. Her status as a fashion icon makes the pieces all the more lust-worthy.

This romantic red embellished shoulder mini dress was not love at first sight for me. I had doubts on whether or not the shoulder embellishments were tacky.

But I was sold on the V-shaped neckline and the sash, which ultra defines the waist.

The dress adds curves where lacking, and flattens where needed. The cut is flattering and the embellishments, which I initially disliked, upped the luxe factor.

The material - polyester and elastane - is soft and luxurious. And it drapes nicely so there is no chance of your skirt lifting with the wind.

Halston Heritage is available at Retail Therapy (#03-13 Wheelock Place).

AFFORD

River Island

Price: $119.00

We looked for more affordable dresses with the same look: V-shaped neckline and cinched waist. This River Island find was a gem. It's sexy and accentuates womanly curves.

Every girl must have heard the fashion mantra that to avoid appearing slutty, one should either flash legs or cleavage. Not both.

This mini dress could flaunt too much for more conservative shoppers.

If the sexy deep V neckline is too much, a boob tube can help cover up.

We also recommend flats so that one does not look too tarted up especially in an office-to-evening scenario, lest your bosses start complaining about your dress sense.

A similar blend of material also makes for flowy draping despite the sheath-like cut of the skirt.

Chersamme.com

Price: $29.50

This yellow-and-blue combination gives off a casual vibe.

It comes with a sash that defines the waist. Tying it into a bow at the back completes the cute look. A variation would be to tie it in front, to the side.

The V-neck does not slip down too low, flaunting some cleavage but not too much that it becomes distractingly crass.

This is much more casual than the Halston Heritage piece - there are two pockets at the side, around the hip area.

Featuring a similar cap-sleeve and loose-fitting skirt design, this cotton floral design reminds me of the good old vintage-esque trends. It'll be great for a day out in the sun.

I had a problem with undoing and doing up the buttons though. The loops were frustratingly too snug.

While the skirt does not drape, it can help to hide a large hip or create a curvy silhouette.

Topshop

Price: $106.00

This pretty little thing does not seem like much.

Made of polyester, the nude piece has drapes on the front with some pleats.

It looks bare without a belt, but that's nothing a black sash cannot fix.

The gathered sleeves provide extra material that gives the illusion of slender arms.

The entire dress is rather straight-cut and at the same time, slightly loose-fitting. That gives the wearer a smaller silhouette.

The top was rather baggy, and from online reviews, it seems that I was not the only one to have found it so.

But fashion tape can quickly solve that problem.

Or, just go bold with a pretty bra.