Q I want to look pretty at my boyfriend’s sister’s wedding. It’s going to be a stylish London affair (Chelsea registry office followed by dinner and a party). We’ve not been dating long, although I’m convinced he is the one, so I want to make a good impression as this will be the first time I meet his family. What would you advise?

A The precollections are arriving in store now and there are some great dressy frocks around. Shopping “pre” is a good way to get your hands on a designer outfit for a much more manageable price than a catwalk look. This pink dress (left) from Dolce & Gabbana’s pre is very feminine and dressy and wouldn’t look out of place at a chic London wedding. It is similar to a dress from the spring/ summer catwalk collection, but at £520, not so taxing on the wallet. For a high-street version, try Warehouse, which has lots of pretty dresses in store at the moment, including this silk frock (below centre) at £65.

Q I stole my sister’s brand-new coat and it was promptly stolen from me at the dodgy nightclub I wore it to. It was a thigh-length beige trench from Topshop.

I want to replace it, to soften the blow when I confess. It only cost her £55, so I am reluctant to spend more than £100 on the replacement, particularly as I will never be allowed to borrow it after this incident.

Having said that, it will probably cost me my life if I don’t get anything she likes. She is a size 6.

A You’ve broken a key fashion commandment: thou shalt not steal, especially from thy scary-sounding sister. Patch things up with Banana Republic’s classic trench. At £110, it’s at the top of your budget, but the cut is very good. A less expensive option is this classic trench from the Debenhams petite range. It’s £35.

Q My boss gave me a £200 Selfridges gift voucher as a leaving present. I’ve never bought anything designer so this is a good opportunity. What do you suggest?

A Your timing is perfect, as the Selfridges sale is now on, so you’ll get far more for your money. As with all sales shopping, think about the kind of item that would fit into your life before you splurge. A bargain is not a bargain if it sits in your cupboard. This Marc by Marc Jacobs chalk leather bag is very stylish, won’t date and will work with smart and causal things. It was £380; it’s now £190. Other smart sale items include a Vince black leather jacket. It was £607 and is now £175. There’s also a Paul & Joe paisley-print one-shoulder dress (was £433, now £216.50).

METAL DETECTOR

Can anything beat the smug satisfaction of finding an accidental bargain? In Urban Outfitters the other day, I spied a cut-out cuff very like a chic gold one from Yves Saint Laurent I’d been on the verge of buying - exactly the thing to pep up my favourite grey cardie. The store is great for cute jewellery, too. Let’s just hope the cheap metal doesn’t turn my wrist green. Cuff, £14, bow necklace, £22, and pocket-watch bracelet, £24, all from Urban Outfitters

E-mail your questions to wardrobe.mistress@sunday-times.co.uk

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