Look chic (not cheap) in sequins: Tess Daly’s stylist reveals the golden rules for Strictly showstopping sparkle

Nothing says festive glamour like a big helping of sequins and sparkle. And if there’s one woman who knows how to wear them (and still look chic), it’s Laury Smith.

The British celebrity stylist is the fashion force behind Tess Daly’s dazzling looks on the latest series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. So what’s it like dressing one of the most glamorous women on TV?

‘We have a lot of fun at the fittings,’ says Smith. ‘Tess has her own sense of style and knows what she likes, so it’s about finding unique pieces that she loves and that also look great on screen.’

Mission accomplished. Strictly might be known for its camp kitsch, but 55-year-old Daly has cut a notably more sophisticated figure this season in a series of stylishly va-va-voom outfits.

‘Studio 54 was a big reference point. Especially when it comes to the jumpsuit looks we’ve done, like the navy sequinned all-in-one [in week three] from Australian label Nookie,’ says Smith.

This is the first Strictly season Smith has worked on, and her aim has been to steer the presenter towards a more fashion-forward look: 

‘Obviously Strictly itself is really entertaining, so I wanted to dress Tess to complement the staging and set, but at the same time to pick outfits that look cool and not too costumey.’ 

Stand-out looks have included a red tailored jumpsuit from Alexander McQueen and a hot pink velvet suit from Nissa.

But best of all is the glitz and glamour – the perfect last-minute party inspiration. And you don’t need to spend a fortune to find stylish shimmer. M&S, Karen Millen and H&M are among Smith’s High Street go-tos.

Is there an age limit to wearing sparkle? ‘There’s no rule. I don’t think anything has to be “age appropriate”. As long as it suits you and your body shape then it doesn’t matter. Go for it.’

Here are Laury’s five rules for finding sequins that will put you in the spotlight…

GO FOR NEUTRALS

Some well-placed sparkle can create a youthful, complexion-enhancing glow – it’s all down to picking the right colour.

‘A champagne hue suits most skin tones,’ says Smith, who recommends the shimmery Sosandar suit (jacket, £110; trousers, £69, sosandar.com) Tess wore in week five as a flattering option: 

‘The boyfriend cut makes it look more relaxed. It’s easy to chuck it on with a cream, chunky knit jumper or a white T-shirt.’

Opting for neutrals has additional benefits: ‘You don’t necessarily have to avoid bright colours, but muted tones are easier to wear because they mix more effortlessly with the other pieces in your wardrobe.

‘Silver, gold and lighter tones look great in the summer, too, and black can be worn whatever the season. Reds and greens are more Christmassy. 

‘Less is more when it comes to sparkle, so a simpler palette looks more refined and a bit cooler.’ 

To that end Smith warns against wearing printed sequins: ‘They look far too busy.’

DITCH THE DRESS

To extend the shelf life of your sparkles, Smith recommends a bedazzled jumpsuit instead of a dress: 

‘You get your money’s worth with a jumpsuit, as you can wear it in more ways than any other piece. Dress it up with a heel and a blazer, or down with a knit and a pair of trainers.’

Look to Alice + Olivia for the silver showstopper Daly wore during the Strictly Blackpool weekend, if you’re willing to splurge (£825, farfetch.com). It’s a guaranteed entrance-maker for New Year’s Eve.

For a more accessible version, ease into sparkle and shine with Smith’s fail-safe formula: ‘A cool sequin jacket dressed down with jeans and boots is a safe way to go if you’re nervous.’

Busby & Fox’s silver blazer (£169, busbyandfox.com) and Mint Velvet’s black fringed shrug (£125, mintvelvet.com) are Smith’s picks of the season. 

ADD GLAM ACCESSORIES

With accessories, go for a subtler sparkle. Smith likes Cos’s silver sequin clutch (£75, cos.com) and Kurt Geiger’s black crystal embellished platforms (second from right), which she’d use to pep up classic cocktail tailoring.

The other style pitfall to avoid is over-accessorising: ‘Play down your jewellery when doing sparkle, and let the sequin speak for itself. Keep your chunky gold jewellery and other statement pieces for a plain outfit.’

When styling Daly, Smith says she teams spangly outfits with small diamond earrings: ‘You probably don’t notice Tess’s jewellery on TV, but those details matter as they finish off her look.’

GIVE BARGAINS A LIFT

If the garment is on the cheaper end, you can make it look more expensive with a luxe shoe and a handbag. 

‘I always think a good blow-dry makes an outfit look more expensive, too,’ says Smith.

Mixing more than one embellishment together is a fashion faux pas: ‘A shiny top under a sequin jacket cheapens the look.

‘Make the decision of which type of sparkle you’re doing – beads, crystal, sequins – and stick to that one thing.’

NEVER SKIP SHAPEWEAR

‘Shapewear is always a necessity for my clients,’ says Smith. ‘A pair of high-waisted thong pants will hold a belly in. Wacoal has the best selection.’

For added perkiness under lower necklines, Smith uses Boux Avenue’s self-adhesive tape: ‘You just tape under your boobs and up to your shoulders and it gives you great lift.’