Now, there’s a fun dilemma. Here’s hoping they want old Hollywood – Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Jayne Mansfield and their screen goddess looks – and not new Hollywood – which would mean Harry Winston bling, borrowed couture and botoxed armpits.

Rolling with the former for anyone heading off for that ball or looking for a femme fatale look for a special night out, here are some tips:

The hair

Luscious, lustrous curls are a must. Every strand must be tamed to glossy perfection and tumble in a sexy cascade. Covering one eye a.k.a “the peek-a-boo bang” ala Veronica Lake (or Jessica Rabbit) is an option. Take old black and white stills of Hayworth or your favourite old time starlet with you to the hairdresser. The look is well-groomed seduction – save the Brigitte Bardot bedhead for a more casual occasion.

The eyes

Pump up the glamour and drama with false eyelashes topped with a couple of coats of mascara. Make sure the look is all boudoir-beautiful and not Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

The skin

Make sure you’re perfectly exfoliated and moisturised. Fake tan is probably not your friend (that’s more new Hollywood than old Hollywood); a pale complexion that contrasts against gorgeous hair and a splendid dress is more on the money. Just look at burlesque queen Dita von Teese.

The lips

Nothing says screen siren quite like a perfect red lipstick pout. Match ruby lips with glossy red nails.

The shoes

Stilettos, of course, to emphasise a sexy walk. Avoid wooden floors.

The dress

Simple as possible but in a deluxe fabric. Choose a classic shape that suits your figure – strapless, perhaps, or with a beautiful neckline, and wear the dress time and time again. You can’t go wrong in basic black, or for the more daring, try making an entrance in red. Dresses should skim and cling to all the right curves. Show off with a glimpse of skin – the shoulders, perhaps, or some cleavage, or a beautiful back or gorgeous legs with a well-placed slit. Not all at once, of course.

The accessories

Here’s where you can have the most fun. A faux fur wrap is very old Hollywood and wards off the evening chill. A pair of elbow length gloves adds drama. The bag can be a bit fun and frivolous – a vintage bag can be cute and beaded and sequined little numbers are easy to find. A simple clutch can be carried at formal and cocktail events for years.

The jewels

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but faking it’s more fun (for starters, you can relax and not worry if an earring goes missing). Go over the top with ropes of pearls (real or fake) or hunt in vintage shops, antique shops and op shops for fun rhinestone pieces from the 1950s.

The attitude

High drama style needs an attitude to match. Put on your sultriest voice and best come-hither stare and sip champagne and break hearts all evening.

Shops to try

Soho Dezigns/Momento Dezigns – for evening dresses and cocktail wear plus plenty of beautiful accessories

The Canberra Antiques centre – for loads of rhinestones and other vintage bling, plus gloves, furs and handbags

St Vincent de Paul in Philip – a smaller op shop it has lots of treasure on a good day