Party like it's £19.99

The summer party season is in full swing. Unfortunately, so are the sales, which means that searching for that perfect party outfit among rails of unwanted fluorescent racer-back vests is enough to put you off shopping for life. But if you look in the right places, there are still stylish bargains to be found.

Harvey Nichols has some chic clothes left, including a Zac Posen floral dress for £960 (reduced from £1,920). Koh Samui (65 Monmouth Street, WC2; 020 7240 4280) also has a good sale on. Choice picks still to be found include a Julien Macdonald pink cocktail dress with a sequin ruffle (was £316, now £158) and a blue floral cotton dress by Cacharel (was £265, now £133).

On the high street, Zara has a good selection of feminine, summery outfits on sale. Printed tops and dresses start at just £9 and floral chiffon tops are £19. Everyone knows that the best way to update an old outfit is with a fabulous new pair of shoes.

The Manolo Blahnik sale (49 Old Church Street, SW3; 020 7352 3863) has not even started yet. Get there early on the 25th for a certain bargain.

If you still can't face the sales, go for vintage. Liberty Ross wore a black chiffon dress from hip vintage boutique Virginia to the Ossie Clark party on Monday. You can always find gorgeous dresses in One of a Kind, and Steinberg and Tolkien all year round.