How to get the look: Sequins

This gorgeous gilded jacket from Day Birger et Mikkelson (£310, mywardrobe.com) should be paired with plain and minimal pieces, such as smart black jeans

Roll up, roll up! I take it the circus is in town?

Well, I suppose a scintillating pailleté here and there always has hints of the spectacular about it. And that's a large part of the appeal, actually.

Thinking of running away to join?

It's more that certain finishes and textures are a short-cut to glamour, although that isn't to say I'd endorse a sequinned gown. When applied to a garment that's a little more casual, however, you have a killer concoction of high and low. So you get some glitzy va-va-voom that ups your daytime look or a not-trying-too-hard- but-fabulous-nonetheless evening vibe.

So no 'Strictly'-style head-to-toe sequins with thigh slash then? Boring!

Sorry, you are going to have to exercise restraint on this one.Scandinavian brands do the low-key luxe as excellently as you'd expect; this gorgeous gilded jacket from Day Birger et Mikkelson (above, £310, mywardrobe.com) should be paired with plain and minimal pieces, such as smart black jeans.

Something a little less serious?

Jaeger's Boutique diffusion line has a cute 1960s-style black shift with sequinned flowers that would do a day-to-night transformable Barbie proud (£180, jaeger.co.uk). Just add heels at 8pm.