Fashion: Razzle dazzle them in bling

Festive season or no, a girl can never have too many sparkly dresses.

Actually, a quick look in my wardrobe tells me that’s not strictly true (so many sequins, so little time), but there are oodles of bargains about, so it would be silly not to invest in a little more glitter and giltz. You never know when it might come in handy, and daytime shine (sequins and shiny fabrics for daywear) is here to stay. Sequin and embellished dresses and skirts look fabulous with a roomy knit layered over the top.

Look out for lace, especially in gold, bronze and silver, although red is rather fabulous for the festive season and never goes out of fashion. Also look out for embellished, beaded and sequinned statement necklaces and collars, because these are a simple and stunning way to glam up a little black dress or silk tee.

Many of the dresses here are in the sales and at bargain prices, but you’ll have to be quick.

Bethanie Lunn, seasoned sales shopper and fashion adviser for Meadowhall Shopping Centre, has some advice for bargain hunting in this winter’s sales.

“Look out for colour pop coats, especially in bright colours like red, yellow and indigo – they’re going to stay around for a while yet and if you spot any macs, they’re fantastic transitional pieces taking you through the April showers and into the warmer months,” she says.

“Denim is going to be big news for spring/summer 2015, as is the ’70s vibe, so anything bohemian such as floaty maxi skirts especially in white. Good news for cosy toes too – sneakers will be championed in spring, adding comfort to the fashion priority list.”

Bethanie adds that flat shoes and sneakers that are embellished, bejewelled or prettified will be big news, so look out for them in the sales and snap them up fast (easy if you’re a size 3, less so for size 5 and 6).

On the matter of when to shop, Bethanie says: “If you’re willing to risk losing out on the entire selection and keener on just bagging a bargain, leave it until late January when prices are reduced even further. If you hate crowds, avoid peak times such as lunch time and late morning.

“Make a list of the items you need to buy to avoid wasting money on pointless impulse buys.” Sound advice indeed.