WALK into any clothes shop at this time of year and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an explosion in the Strictly dressing room.
You can’t move for sequins or gems . . . and I have had enough.
I know — bah humbug.
But there is simply no escape from the smothering avalanche of glitter and sparkles that cascades into stores in November.
In the same way we’re bombarded by cheesy Christmas music blaring from supermarket speakers, in high street clothing stores it’s row upon row of sequins.
Last week, fashion brand Karen Millen reported that searches for sequins had skyrocketed by more than 5,000 per cent.
Take a stroll down any high street — if you can manage to avoid the crazed customers still on the hunt for their perfect party outfit.
And if you dare to enter, you’ll be met with the retina-burning glare from sequins, itch-inducing tinsel fabric and other jewel-encrusted horrors.
In fact, if you go into any shop that sells clothing, you’ll struggle NOT to exit looking like a festive bauble.
Now, don’t think I’m the Grinch quite yet. I love Christmas.
I think it’s fantastic that everyone makes an effort to get dressed up.
But some don’t always get it right.
It’s not our fault — it’s the shops.
Unlike all other trends that hit the high street, this festive phenomenon doesn’t come from the catwalk.
After all, you don’t see the chic runways of Chanel, Prada or YSL dripping in sequins do you?
OK, they may have a statement crystal-embellished dress, or a bejewelled pair of trousers.
But they’re not sending supermodels out in fringed sequin, are they?
The same goes for most style-savvy celebrities — unless that celebrity is Coleen Nolan (sorry Col, but we know you’re partial to a sequin blazer).
They’re glitter-free zones.
Take Hailey Bieber, one of fashion’s current ‘It’ girls.
She went to an A-list party in LA earlier this month wearing a fabulously festive dark-red velvet blazer dress.
Velvet feels and looks expensive, decadent and luxurious, not to mention Christmassy.
There’s no escape from the avalanche of glitter
Clemmie
Once you’ve waded through the high street’s sparkly offerings, you should be able to find velvet — so snap it up.
This year M&S featured a blue teal velvet tuxedo-style suit in their autumn/winter TV campaign.
It was a sell-out and the co-ord (blazer, £75, and trousers, £45) proved so popular they have re-released it, in black and green.
If velvet makes your teeth itch — and it does for some — then there’s another sumptuous fabric that does the luxury-looking trick, and that’s satin.
While Victoria and Harper Beckham may favour designer silks, you can get the look for less (and in a washing machine-friendly fabric) with satin.
Whether you opt for Beckhamesque icy shades or go for rich hues like brown or burgundy, satin feels opulent, without the effort.
Deep ruby reds and emerald greens also look festive and chic.
If you’re thinking of ditching the glitz, check out the ultra-flattering ‘Carly’ frock from the Fabulous Fuller Bust clothing range.
And you don’t have to be shopping on a celebrity budget either — just look at the Princess of Wales.
Earlier this month, Kate attended the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey, re-wearing a red double-breasted coat by Alexander McQueen.
But she gave it a festive spin by attaching a large bow hair clip to the collar that cost just £20 from Jigsaw.
While we’re on the subject of bargains, although some sequins are cheap, they are still not cost-effective.
You won’t be wearing your party outfit for the rest of 2025 and by the time Christmas comes around again, you’ll likely be after a new spangly creation.
As I said, I’m all for getting glammed up at Christmas, but take this time to look amazing — not like you’ve had a fight with your Christmas tree . . . and lost
