’Tis the season to be sparkly

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A model on the catwalk during the Julien Macdonald show at London Fashion Week

Miss Selfridge black sequin disc cardigan, £55

Next leopard sequin jacket, £55, top, £26 for two, jeans, £32 and belt, £10

Per Una at Marks and Spencer Speziale sequin bow dress, £150

Coast Johanna black sequin skirt, £85

Warehouse Liquid sequin blazer, £80

A range of sequin clutches from Accessorize

Office Marvellous sequin boots, £90

FASHION magpies, avert your eyes or risk bankruptcy. This season, the high street practically glimmers with high-shine sequins and bling embellishment by the bucket-load.

Sequins have always been a staple for the party season, but this winter, all that shimmers and shines has really taken hold for both daywear and disco attire.

In response to credit-crunch doom and gloom, designers lightened the fashion mood with 1980s-style good-time dressing.

The likes of Gucci, Balmain, Julien Macdonald and Ashish put the catwalk front rows into a sequin trance with lashings of OTT glamour and glitter.

But whatever your sparkle tolerance level, there’s a sequin style for you to shine in, from oversized pailette discs through to more subtle beaded embellishment.

Make a dazzling impression with show-stopping sequins.

DAYTIME SHIMMER

How many dresses do you have hanging in your wardrobe that you keep purely for hitting the dance floor? Take note: sequins are no longer reserved for your “Sunday best”.

Get extra mileage out of shimmering clothing by incorporating it into your daywear wardrobe. Pick out just one sequin separate – skirt, waistcoat or cardigan, say – and dress around it.

STYLING TIP: Teaming your sequins with denim and knitwear is a great way to tone down high-voltage sparkle. Try throwing a sequin dress or tunic over jeans and team with a chunky cardigan for a hint of daytime dazzle.

TRY: Wallis black sequin waistcoat, £38; Miss Selfridge black sequin disc cardigan, £55; French Connection grey embellished jumper, £110; Evans draped sequin T-shirt, £32.

EVENING SPARKLE

Chuck out the metallic rule book. There’s no need to stick to just one sequin shade.

Designers mixed up silvers, golds, bronzes, blues and greens to create a kaleidoscope of sparkling colour.

If you are self-conscious about your curves, stick to a more delicate smattering of sequins in darker colours, such as black and slate grey, as heavily embellished styles can add bulk.

STYLING TIP: If you are not a fan of girly fashion, ditch sequin dresses and let your legs shine. Try a pair of shimmering harem trousers or sequin leggings for an unexpected occasion-wear twist.

TRY: Next Leopard sequin jacket, £55; Per Una at Marks & Spencer Speziale sequin bow dress, £150; Coast Johanna sequin skirt, £85; Mango black sequin harem trousers, £69 at ASOS.

DAZZLING ACCESSORIES

Sequins aren’t for everyone, but even a hint of embellishment can add the wow factor to a tired party dress.

Think of sparkle as your winter tonic for adding interest to dark ensembles – a contrasting sequinned accessory will give your outfit instant party appeal.

Whether it’s sequin shoes, a sparkly scarf or beaded clutch, choose one accessory for a high-shine statement.

STYLING TIP: Avoid the “explosion in a glitter factory” look. Only wear sequin accessories if you are not wearing even a hint of sequin clothing.

TRY: Office Marvellous sequin boots, £90; F&F at Tesco gold sequin peep-toe heels, £20; Accessorize Union Jack sequin clutch, £30; Dorothy Perkins gold sequin scarf, £15.