If you define yourself as a safe dresser, then the approaching Christmas season – and the shimmer and sparkles that go hand-in-hand with it – may seem daunting. The key to pulling off sequins is to ground the light-refracting embellishment with sensible, frill-free pairings, like a basic knit or a checked oversized blazer (or both). If you’re new to the shiny world of sequins, here’s a fool-proof guide to wearing them with style this winter.

Tone down with luxurious knits

You’ve made the move and bought your first glitterati piece of the season, but you’re anxious it might be too standout-ish. Tone down your shine with gorgeous, luxurious knitwear. A knit not only adds an interesting layer of contrast, but it is a more modern approach to wearing a sequin midi skirt; particularly if you’re in your 30s or 40s.

This pastel, feather-trimmed knit from Uterque, below, is equal parts glamorous and elegant. A pair of black leather Vetement pumps gives soft feathers a tough edge, while sparkly hoop earrings, from Topshop, perfectly tops- and-tails the entire look. And when party season is over, each piece works independently too.

Sequinned midi skirt, €39.95 at zara.com, pastel feather-trimmed sweater, €125 at uterque.com, leather pumps by Vetements, €424 at theoutnet.com, Christmas sequin link drop earrings, €16 at topshop.com

Sparkle up your beauty regime

Apart from Halloween, the festive period is the other time when it’s totally acceptable to experiment with more avant-garde trends. But even so, high shine make-up doesn’t always end up looking polished and chic. That was until make-up icon Pat McGrath sent her models – like the Hadid sisters and Karen Elson – down the runway at Versace SS17 wearing immaculate, shimmering wine-red lips. I really love how natural this make-up is except for a slight brush of mascara and then, of course, high-voltage lips. If you’re not quite ready for glitter lips, then a chic and subtle glitter liner along your top lid will do just nicely.

Bella Hadid for Versace

Path Mc Grath Lust 004 Lip Kit – Everything, €162 at Netaporter.com. Yves Saint Laurent Babydoll Mascara, €32.50 at Boots

Form desk-to-dancefloor

The inevitable party season means our wardrobe and beauty kits need to be ready to go from desk-to-dancefloor in a flash. A sequin dress or trousers, paired with a smart blazer, is a simple and effective way to help you look the part all day and long into the night. I love this party-ready sequin dress by Love Moschino, below. Paired with a classic Prince of Wales blazer, it’s the perfect office ensemble for early-morning meetings and briefings. For dinner hour, lose the blazer (or let it drape over your shoulders) for a sultry, out-of-office vibe. I finished this look off with a pair of pink Ganni pumps for a pop of colour.

Prince of Wales wool-blend blazer by Irish & Ink, €226, sequinned cotton-blend mesh mini dress by Love Moschino, €259, both at theoutnet.com, bow kitten heel pumps, €239 at ganni.com

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