Go all out
If Mariah Carey can do it, so can you. A full sparkly look screams Christmas and can be uber glamorous. Whether you plump for a sequin dress, or a glittery two-piece, the secret is to pull the rest of your outfit back, to avoid looking overdone.
Go for a simple but elegant evening shoe (I love strappy sandals even in midwinter) a smooth leather or satin clutch and understated jewellery to avoid competing with the Christmas Tree.
A sequin trouser or skirt
This is my favourite way to wear the humble sequin, as a shimmering skirt or pair of trousers instantly puts you in the party mood and offers more flexibility than the whole ‘rolled in glitter’ aesthetic.
For a contemporary look, team your party piece with a more casual garment, (think disco on the bottom, dinner on the top) a soft slouchy knit, oversized tuxedo shirt (always half tucked for the most flattering effect) or even a well cut Tee spruced up with a statement necklace can be effective.
Adding a small shoulder pad can provide (something we tend to need more of in mid-life) and balance out larger busts, hips and tums.

vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
A Statement Top
Whether it’s a Tee, Tunic or blouse, a sequin top can look fabulous and has the added advantage of lifting your tired complexion thanks to that light-reflecting sparkle.
The options for pairings are endless, you could add some evening-y, bum-lifting (it’s-all-in-the-pocket-placement) pair of dark indigo jeans with a pointed kitten heel but my preference would be a pair of high-waisted black or navy tailored trousers complete with satin side stripe for an extra leg-lengthening effect.
Sparkly tops demand subtle jewellery, even in December but a sparkly shoe would balance the look and add some extra cheer.
Just A Touch
Still unsure? Then why not literally ‘dip your toe in’ and lift a trusty old favourite with a sparkly accessory or two?!
Whether it’s an embellished party flat, a glittering clutch, a sequin skinny scarf, or even a glimpse of a sequin camisole under a velvet blazer, a little extra sparkle might just give you that little extra va va voom you’ve been looking for.
Miranda Holder is a fashion and royal expert. You can follow her TikTok channel for the best style hacks