The problem: My daughter finishes her A Levels soon and needs a dress for the end of term and a stunning gown for the leavers' ball. She wants to try a personal shopping service.

The solution Planning ahead is a good idea, especially if your ideas of what constitutes “stunning” are likely to differ. Two of the best personal shopping services are Liberty (020-7734 1234) and Harvey Nichols (020-7259 6638). Both provide unbiased, useful and unintimidating advice without the hard sell, so don't feel bad if you don't buy anything. Both also stock an enticing assortment of younger designer labels and diffusion lines which are quirky, fun and don't cost the earth. It's particularly worth checking out Eritokritos (shown above), Vanessa Bruno and Diane von Furstenberg, who do dresses from about £200. Topshop's own range might not be dressy (or special) enough for a leavers' ball but it's worth looking at its vintage concessions with one of the store's highly rated style advisers. Next, you need to consider lengths. Eighteen is a great age to wear minis, but if your daughter's legs are not her strong point, she can take consolation from maxis now being ultra-fashionable. Team them with thick wedge sandals rather than spindly heels.

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