How to shine for eight nights
GE T O U T t h e g l i t z a n d g l a m! Wi t h the party season well under way, dramatic d r e s s e s a n d s t a t e m e n t accessories are going to be the perfect partners in shine. From sequinned silhouettes to bejewelled embellishments, this is the season to be seduced by gleam. Night-time glamour gets a glittering makeover, pairing slinky dresses with long drop earrings, a beaded bag and lustrous shoes.
Luxury lace is leading the way, with a reveal-yet-conceal appeal to all age groups. Sometimes teamed with tactile satin, silk or plush velvet, these fabrics present the perfect backdrop for bold jewellery and intricate clutch bags.
Modern glamour doesn’t always have to mean opting for the short sheath or classic cocktail dress.
If you have the height to carry it off, this could also be the moment for a maxi. Look for ankle-grazing gowns thatdrape the body in shimmering, light-catching fabric, designed to accentuate curves. Just add a fabulous crystal necklace and gemencrusted heels and you’re good to go. Or flirt with panels of beads and sequins and add drama by degrees. Dangling earrings look great if you have a fuss-free neckline, just as a striking watch with a diamanté face or shiny strap adds class to a sleeveless dress, or statement rings and bangles look good with bare arms or a short sleeve.
A beautiful bag is always an asset but keep proportion in mind — the smaller you are, the smaller the bag should be. Emmeline clutch, Accessorize, £65
Heidi shoe, LK Bennett, £210
Macbeth pewter mesh shoe, Lucy Choi,
£245
Right now, clutch bags reign supreme; the more decoration and gleam, the better they seem. Shoes too, are all of a-glitter, adorned with beads and sequins or a flash of mirrored heels. High heels, worn with a short dress, evening trousers or a silky jumpsuit, are essential for instant impact and a polished finish.
Gleam is the dream enhancement to a beautiful black dress, though the more embellished it is, the less bling you’ll need.
It seems the little black dress is always going to be the fashionable favourite, though rival colours are making a serious bid for attention.
Silvers and golds vie with rich red shades and deep midnight hues of blues and purples, all stylish and
Harper clutch, Monsoon, £45
Otazu Amalia cuff, Cadenzza, £219
tempting alternatives to black. Blackdress devotees could try breaking their dark addiction by mixing in a pop of colour.
Or take a less classic approach with your accessories and use touches of texture for some wow factor. Try adding some quirky earrings made from oversized fake jewels, or wear some feathered accessories — a hot catwalk trend.
If you have a narrow waist, a beaded belt looks sensational, or even a couple of metallic belts in a contrasting colour to your dress. Make an entrance with a diamanté-trimmedcapeorfurtippetand pin on bold jewellery for extra drama.
Excess can be fun — but, to stand out from the crowd, make accessories a dazzling addition rather than an overload error — and balance the bling with a whole lot of attitude.
Luz stole, LK Bennett, £185 Feather clutch,
£25
Magic Fireball ring, Konplott, £30.50