Sparkle is a state of mind – and the party season is the perfect time to dare to wear what you might forgo at other times of year

The allure of sequins is timeless and whatever your age, there’s a way for you to look great in these glittering adornments.

Solid gold sequins sewn into royal garments were found inside the tomb of Tutankhamun and, luckily for us, they’ve never really gone out of fashion, being a perennial party go-to across the centuries.

“Nothing exudes high-octane glamor quite like sequins,” says fashion writer Frankie Graddon, “so even if you have only five minutes to get ready, a sequin piece is going to make you look like you've put in the effort.” Sequins are surprisingly versatile too: “Dress them up with heels and a red lip, or take them down a notch with a leather jacket and flats. Add just a pop of party to your outfit with a sequin scarf. Whatever the dress code, sequins fit the bill.”

If you’re a little unsure about diving headfirst into the world of sequins, there are a few entry-level ways to gain your sparkle. “Start small with accessories,” says Graddon, “a petite sequin clutch bag can be chicly tucked under your arm, elevating even the most simple little black dress.” Or add a touch of sparkle with a sequin hairband or clip to elevate your favorite midi dress.

A sequin-embellished wrap cardigan is another excellent entry point: “Just throw it on with jeans and boots, and voilà – suddenly, you're ready to shine.”

When worn around a neckline, glittering sequins can help improve your natural features. They bounce light onto the face, creating a flattering effect. “Think of them as a golden-hour filter in fashion form,” says Graddon.

When wearing sequins, it’s worth considering your skin tone: “Cool tones look great in silver or pewter colored sequins, like this sequin midi dress, while warm tones work well with golds and bronzes,” she says. “Blush and rose gold sequins are universally flattering, so if in doubt opt for these.”

Maybe you want to incorporate sequins into your ensemble without going overboard. A modern approach is to pair one dazzling item with understated pieces, in a fusion of high and low fashion. “Try a sequin top with wide-leg slacks and ballet flats or layer a sequin skirt under a chunky cardigan and add loafers,” Graddon suggests. Think jeans, a boyfriend blazer, or a cozy cashmere crew neck alongside your sequins.

“The glamor of sequins pairs wonderfully with masculine lines,” suggests Graddon. Consider a matching shirt and pant two-piece, an organic cotton sequin bib shirt, slipping a sequin vest under a sleek ‘le smoking’ style pant suit or casually draping a bomber jacket over a sequin slip.

When it comes to the color palette, remember to keep it classic. “Black, silver, gold, and navy exude sophistication, while overly bright sequins can border on gaudy,” Graddon says.

If you’re seeking celebrity inspiration, look no further than the red carpet. Countless celebrities have dazzled in sequins yet they have one thing in common: they look simultaneously opulent and understated. Whether making a statement on an awards night gown or as part of a more wearable everyday ensemble, dialing down the sequin color palette is the way forward.

If you do want to push the boat out, you can embrace your inner diva and join the comedian Dotty Winters for her annual Sequinvent, which encourages people to post pictures of themselves in sequins for every day of advent (specifically on Instagram) and, in her words, “break the rules you've set in your head about what you are ‘allowed’ to wear and when.”

Sequinvent, says Winters, “is a celebration of people remembering that they are the special occasion. It is the perfect excuse to drag that sparkly number from the back of your closet, wear it to your dentist appointment and be the party.” Winters says she has more sequins than there are days in advent: “So some days I sneak in a costume change.”

Sequins are a timeless and versatile fashion statement that have no regard for age. Their evolution from being exclusively evening wear to a daytime fashion staple is a testament to their enduring charm. When styled properly and paired with contrasting pieces, sequins can effortlessly elevate your look for any occasion. So, whether you’re a sequin enthusiast or new to dipping your toes into the glimmering waters, remember that sequins can make you shine at any age.

This content was first published as part of a partnership with Telegraph Media Group and published on telegraph.co.uk.