YOUR inspiration for the party season this year? A glitterball. Specifically from an 80s dancefloor.
Catwalk designers, once again, revived the decade for the whole of the autumn/winter 15 season – and there's no better time to embrace the look than right now, when you can go wild with sequins and Quality Street-inspired colour.
Lurex, sparkle, metallics and frills: this is Material Girl for 2015. The 80s trend is a licence to relinquish your everyday style and dress specifically for D-I-S-C-O!
Accessorise with a Wham! soundtrack and sparkling Babycham (crimped hair optional...).
GLITTER GIRL
Sparkle comes in many forms, but you can't beat sequins for this disco resurgence. Depending on your dazzle level, they range from microscopic to disc-like paillettes. The coolest way to work sequins this season is with rainbow colour. Slim and shimmer with the vertical lines in Marks & Spencer's Speziale Striped Sequin Embellished Shift Dress, currently reduced to £54.50 from £190 (available in selected stores only while stocks last; call 0333 014 8000).
For more of a scattergun approach, shine in this V by Very High Neck Sequin Bodycon Dress, reduced to £50.15 from £59 (very.co.uk). Or take a casual, low-key approach with black, in Next's Stretch Sequin Pull On Leggings, £30 (next.co.uk).
SLINKY CLUB
Re-spin the 80s love of lurex sparkle and form-fitting silhouettes. (Though this might be best avoided if you're planning a heavy festive meal!) To keep things streamlined, ensure the base colour is dark, like black or navy, then go wild with metallic threads or sparky prints on top. New Look freshens up lurex with a co-ord two piece Silver Metallic Animal Print Crop Top, £17.99, and matching Skirt, reduced to £13.49 from £17.99 (newlook.com).
Primark has disco lurex in droves. Try the Silver Stretch Dress, £10, for a mini hemline, or keep limbs under wraps with the Black Glitter Lurex Jumpsuit, £17 (in stores only; primark.com).
MOLTEN METALLIC
If black is off limits during party season, try liquid metallics. In sweet wrapper-style foil fabrics, these are the ultimate statement-makers. Opt for a dress, or break up the high-shine in separates. Contrasting foil lame with a matte piece will pare down the OTT factor.
This winter, popping into Topshop is the equivalent of dipping into a Quality Street tin. For 'The Purple One', pick the Foil Pleated Midi Skirt, £60. To go 'Coconut Eclair' blue, try the Metallic Ballet Wrap Top, reduced to £25 from £38; or for 'Toffee Finger' classic metallic, opt for the Unique Livonia Dress, £225 (topshop.com).
FRILL SEEKER
The 80s trend isn't just about slightly garish finishes, there's a defined silhouette too. Expect structured shoulders and frills aplenty. This season, the girly detail varies from subtle fluted hemlines to oversized power frills. Add frills to the area where you want to add some volume, such as to boost a smaller bust. Go for gold (and black) with the Maje Rezzano Honeycomb-knit Dress, £260 (Selfridges.com).
For the Wonderbra version of a dress, try Boohoo's Sana Bandeau Metallic Frill Midi Dress, £18 (www.boohoo.com); or for volume on your lower half, opt for Joseph Ribkoff Black & Pewter Frill Dress, £249.99 (5thavenueclothes.co.uk).
EXTRA SPARKLE
Need more 80s excess? Try one of these dazzling accessories:
:: Lulu Guinness Mirror Ball Perspex Orb Clutch, £295 (luluguinness.com)
:: Ted Baker Savenni Pointed Leather Court Shoe, £130 (www.tedbaker.com)
:: Oliver Bonas Disco Striped Beaded Clutch, £32 (oliverbonas.com)
:: New Look Silver Sequin Skinny Scarf, £7.99 (newlook.com)
GET THE LOOK
May the (woolly) force be with you. Star Wars actress Zendaya Coleman gives a masterclass in how to rock knitwear on the red carpet. Team a similar sci-fi sparkly skirt with this Wallis Grey Rib Polo Neck, reduced to £20 from £28 (wallis.co.uk).
BUY IT NOW
If you're already thinking about new fitness togs for detox season, give yourself a pat on the back and treat yourself to Lululemon's chic new Lights Out kit. Ideal for calorie-dropping outdoor winter runs, it has true 360-degree reflectivity. Prices start at £35 for the Ear Warmer Headband (www.lululemon.co.uk)
FASHION FLASH
:: STOCKING THRILLER
What will you find alongside your clementine this Christmas? Almost a third of partners can expect socks this year, according to a festive survey by insurance company AXA. While the most popular stocking-filler is by far and away chocolate (64 per cent), clothes or shoes came in fourth place (28 per cent), and jewellery sparkled in sixth (22 per cent). Research indicates that more than half of us will put a stocking together for their partner this year.
:: STYLE STEAL
Warning: River Island's new tool comes with a potential guilt trip. The online Wardrobe Calculator works out how much your entire clothing collection is worth. We're already taking notes on how much to save (and splurge) for 2016. Visit www.riverisland.com/wardrobe-calculator.
