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.
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.
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.
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.