By Adrienne Wichard-Edds

You really have no business going anywhere without sequins this New Year’s Eve. Really. Shame on you for thinking otherwise. The proliferation of paillettes and sparkles at this moment in fashion — be it an outfit accessory or anchor — just makes it all too easy to find ways to stand out, fit in, and shine like the top of the Chrysler Building. The liquid-metal gleam of lame, the mosaic sparkle of beading, a delicate overlay of pixie dust — it’s classy, it’s cool, it’s fun. Give in.

For almost any New Year’s Eve party, there’s an appropriate way to play dress-up. Play it safe in black, white and shades of carbon by pairing smashing trousers — wide-legged or stovepipe, but in a luxe material, like Alice + Olivia’s satin straight-legs, Tory Burch’s sequined palazzos or Nanette Lepore’s ivory Ballroom satin pants — with a glimmering top, like Milly’s polka-dot halter, a sequin T from Theory or a drape of liquid metal with La Rok’s tent T.

Or just find that perfect black investment piece and frame it with accessories that sparkle, like a clean-lined jeweled headband or J.Crew’s twinkle headband and pumps. 

A sequined evening bag is an easy way to up your chic without overcommitting your wardrobe - try Felix Rey’s bow-decked clutch. Need more ideas? Check out our blog posting on the topic for more ideas.

My favorite way to incorporate glam? Make it your centerpiece, with one or two big chunky accessories (like Kenneth Jay Lane’s monster cocktail ring and a pair of mile-high heels. Designers from mall chain stores to Fifth Avenue tastemakers are getting the sequin-dipped look just right. Banana Republic is always good for a pretty party dress, like this gunmetal gray cap sleeve A-line. Although uptown, Iisli’s crocheted mini dress is on sale for just about the same price.

Corey Lynn Calter’s stretchy, sweetheart-necklined minidress is an irresistible homage to the ’80s, as is this deep plum-colored double-V dress from Niteline. A carbon-colored all over sequin sheath by Laundry is both racy and cool while French Connection’s cross-backed dress is a sportier take on glam and BCBG’s sheath is as delicate as spun snowflakes.

But if you’re going to invest in a party piece, make it equal parts timeless and shiny. Tory Burch will steer you in the right direction with her aubergine split-neck tunic. Or pick Carmen Marc Valvo’s floor-length showstopper for your toniest black-tie event.

With all this shine, keep your lines clean and simple - pull your hair back into a chignon, and fasten it with a simple, jeweled clip or comb.

Throw a subdued wrap over your shoulders or stay warm with a mink-trimmed swing coat.

Make sure your accessories balance out - not outshine - your outfit. Wear a pair of glitter-coated platforms with an unadorned strapless dress. But when your dress is the focal point, keep your party heels demure, in gold-piped suede or brushed satin with just the tiniest flash at the toe.