Go Full on Glitterball this NYE: Few would disagree that 2022 should go out with a bang

After a year of more trials and tribulations than anyone cares to remember, few would disagree that 2022 should go out with a bang.

When it comes to party dressing, nothing gives more bang for your buck than sequins. When it comes to standing out, they’re peerless. When it comes to embracing the party spirit, they’re as effective and effervescent as champagne. And this year, they’re one of the most popular looks of the season.

Black dresses are always popular for parties but there has never been a better argument for embracing colour. While it’s tempting to choose a safe hue when shopping for sequins — they’re loud enough already without adding fuchsia into the mix — to enter the true spirit of the New Year’s Eve Party, otherwise known as Out Out, it pays to go bold.

And you’ll be spoilt for choice, both in terms of budget (once pricey, sequins are now available at a snip from all the big High Street brands) and designs.

And you’ll be spoilt for choice, both in terms of budget (once pricey, sequins are now available at a snip from all the big High Street brands) and designs

Dresses run the gamut from mini to maxi, in styles that range from simple sleeveless shifts to more voluminous creations with full skirts and dramatic bell sleeves (check out the stripy number, £40, from Debenhams).

An alternative way to do evening glamour is without baring any flesh (Warehouse’s silver number, £89, is a winner). And if a dress feels too OTT, consider a jumpsuit (£25, River Island) or a pair of wide- leg trousers. Whatever your choice, keep your accessories simple — it doesn’t pay to compete with sequins.

Twitter: @LauraCraik Instagram: @lauracraik

Design Doubles  

This week FUCHSIA PLATFORMS

Fuchsia satin with a crystal-adorned ankle strap, these Versace platforms (£1,100, net-a-porter.com) epitomise the unashamed decadence for which the Italian fashion house is known. But worry not, ankle-breakers these aren’t. That said, we’d advise against running for the bus in them . . . 

Fuchsia satin with a crystal-adorned ankle strap, these Versace platforms (left) (£1,100, net-a-porter.com) epitomise the unashamed decadence for which the Italian fashion house is known. Designed with those who don’t travel exclusively by taxi in mind, these dupes (right) (£59.99, mango.com)

If spending four figures on shoes is not something you’d do, even if you won the lottery, Mango has stepped in. Designed with those who don’t travel exclusively by taxi in mind, these dupes (£59.99, mango.com) have a slightly lower platform while still injecting plenty of Cher-esque glamour.

 

THEN & WOW 

Laura Whitmore: The women who look better now than ever before

BACK in 2009, the TV presenter was a little heavy-handed with the eyeliner and brow pencil, which made her peepers look small. While the shimmering lipstick does nothing to enhance her pout.

CUT to today and Laura’s blue eyes are expertly framed by a wash of bronze eyeshadow and lightly defined but fuller brows. The side-parting lends pure vintage glamour, as does the perfect red lip. 

Laura Whitmore: The women who look better now than ever before

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