It's a wrap

But finding a wrap that is glamorous and warm - and goes perfectly with your party frock - can be time-consuming.

Once, a long cloak did the job but now wraps and shawls of all shapes and sizes are in the stores and are immensely popular this year according to Elizabeth Cocozza, fashion director of Woman's Journal.

"There's such an extensive range around - practically everyone, everywhere has one. They can range from the expensive hand-embroidered ones to the sequin versions from somewhere like Top Shop.

"The wrap can add that touch of glamour. If you're going to a party and you don't want to wear a jacket, it's something to throw over your shoulders. A wrap can dress something up - it can make something plain appear to be very glamorous. It really can change an outfit.

"They look glamorous and lady-like. Most women get sick of taking a coat to a party, taking it off, and standing there in bare arms. You need something to make sure you don't freeze and that looks like part of the outfit.

"If you buy a coat, it's something to wear during the day - it's rare that it goes with a little black dress."

While the pashmina is a staple favourite, warm, practical and glamorous, she says there are other options.

"A lot of people are going for faux fur wraps this year. It's the 1940s look and has been one of the key trends this year," she adds. "There are expensive wraps, obviously, but the high street have done versions of the fake fur wrap too."

Instead of tying a pashmina round the neck, drape it round the shoulders like a shawl. Pashminas seem to be getting cheaper and cheaper and for an all-purpose scarf, wrap and winter warmer, they can't be beaten. It is the combination of silk and wool that gives the pashmina its distinctive look - Marks and Spencer's pashmina is good value for £99.

M&S also has an oversized gold scarf for £15, a pashminetta (yes, it is a small pashmina) scarf in gold for £15 and an embroidered deep red and silver scarf for £25. Another good buy is the padded velvet stole for £25 which comes in both black and purple and is bound to keep you as warm as toast.

Supermodel Kate Moss has been spotted out in Kookai's spider web-thin black and silver shawl. The shawl, which she wore slung over a black dress, is available in gold, silver, black and red, for £19.99.

Shawls start at £14.99 and prices go up to £24.99. Black and gold are proving popular this year and there are sparkly shawls and wraps to be worn over slinky dresses - or even a pair of jeans.

Episode has a fuchsia wool scarf with rhinestones and sequins for £79. Next, too, has some attractive shawls. There is a purple velvet and lace shawl, decorated with beading for £29.99 and a multi-coloured sequin scarf, in black satin-look covered with brightly coloured sequins for £19.99. Team them with this year's brightly coloured bags, jewellery and shoes from Next.

House of Fraser has a wonderful selection of evening wraps. A rust fur cape costs £60, a black scarf with sequin detail is £30 and a magenta shawl with tassels, £70.

A thick Linea padded velvet wrap from the department store is £40 and a lovely Hof green and blue velvet shawl in a patchwork look with sparkling gold tassels is £70. A Guarisco silk and satin black crinkle shawl with tassels is £80.

Accessorize is an obvious place to go for wraps and shawls. There are feather boas if you want to be glamorous as well as beautiful silk shawls.

An enormous pure silk berry coloured shawl with embroidered sequin detail is the favourite, for £39.99. Also stunning is a gold shawl made of lurex and silk, as fine as gossamer for £34.99. Both would be perfect for a black tie do.

And one final note of extravagance. Not many of us could afford it, but if you can, a pleated cashmere wrap from Holland and Holland (020 7499 4411 for stockists) in sky blue, rose, cream and burnt orange is a dream purchase.

Be warned, this fabulously glamorous and luxurious wrap is the price of a holiday somewhere hot and exotic (£595). The scarf is only' £225. Oh well.