Grown-up glitter for New Year’s Eve

December is not the time to exercise restraint: the number of calories nestling within your Christmas dinner stands as a testament to that. It makes perfect sense then, that New Year's Eve is peak excess where our wardrobes are concerned, with so many of us reaching for the glitter and sequins in the same breath that we do our favoured glass of sparkling. 

Yes, while the period from January to November may have been a low-key love-in (think navy knits and minimalism), now is the time to go full pelt and style it like a Strictly pro. Truly, if you can’t channel your inner glitter ball on New Year’s Eve when can you? The challenge is doing so with your style integrity firmly intact – and thankfully there are a whole host of ways to do so this winter. Embracing grown-up glitter, and by that I mean the sort of sparkle unlikely to induce a migraine and a stinking hangover, is key. 

For those who like a jazzy skirt, and frankly, who doesn’t? The grown-up glitter options are endless with Whistles’ Suki sequin skirt among the most masterful examples on the high street. Wear with a merino knit in a similar shade – a funnel neck is a wise idea – and your favourite pair of boots for a New Year’s Eve-at-the-pub ensemble of which dreams are made. Those seeking a more put together result should try adding a silk tank top and a tuxedo blazer to their party skirt of choice. 

Begin with a focus on separates. A fine gauge knit in a metallic shade – Pure Collection’s sparkle sweater is a perfect example – is the anti-glitter wearer’s way to shine this season. Team with low key trousers – dark jeans are perfect. Similarly, a long sleeve metallic top worn layered under a crew neck sweater or denim shirt will add a hint of party spirit to your look.  

Of course, as we’ve already established, restraint isn’t an imperative here so if you do feel the need for head-to-toe sparkles, don’t hold back: the heart wants what it wants. A jumpsuit, such as Ted Baker’s Twigga metallic style, offers a chic way to indulge the party girl within – team with tailoring and a velvet court shoe.

And of course, a dress with sparkle appeal remains a worthy contender for any New Year’s shindig with French Connection’s leopard sequin number among the sassiest ways to stand out on the dance floor when the big countdown commences. Team with sheer tights and a giant pair of hoop earrings and wear it like it’s 2020.