Never underestimate the power of top-to-toe sequins: the sartorial equivalent of popping open a magnum of champagne. How to make the look feel grown-up? Firstly, make sure the sequins are densely packed so the fabric is reassuringly weighty; what you want to avoid is a sparse sprinkle on sheer fabric. Ideally, each sequin should be individually affixed. More flattering than a form fitting pencil skirt is a swishy tasselled sequined skirt, or wide- legged trousers, which shimmy as you move. The best way to wear these: with a luxurious sweater, a camisole top, or a simple black silk T-shirt or tuxedo jacket.

Main image (left to right): Heist, Oscar de la Renta.

Dotty silk scarf (worn as hair- kerchief), €110; www.kdk.ie.

Black off-the-shoulder top, €340; www.self-portrait-studio.com.

Rhinestone bag, €59.99, at Mango.

Black crystal-embellished ribbed-knit dress, Mach and Mach, €1,095; www.moda operandi.com.

Ostrich feather mini-shoulder bag, Sorcha O’ Raghallaigh, €400, at Brown Thomas.

Gold Scilla paillette-embellished chiffon midi skirt, Dries Van Noten, €650; www.net-a-porter.com.