If you didn't ring in the New Year donning the perfect festive frock, don't fret! With Valentine's Day just a month away, the party dress season is far from over! Shimmering embellishments and bold eye catching hues make the ideal foundation when looking for your glam garb. Actress Kerry Washington was snapped out this week at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards wearing a blue and white sequin mini-dress by designer Alberto Makali ($330, albertomakali.com). Sparkle like a star in your own sexy hip-hugging sequin mini.

STYLE TIPS
Sequin can be worn day or night. During the day, opt for a sequin tunic or vest-type tops that you can pair with leggings, a cardigan or boyfriend blazer. You want to shimmer subtly during business hours, so little to no jewelry is recommended.

Check out BV's top party-perfect picks of the week.
CHEAP & CHIC


Arden B. Sequin Swirl Dress ($25, ardenb.com); ASOS Rare Sequin Maxi Dress With One Sleeve ($34.48, asos.com)


BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BASICS

Calvin Klein Sequin Tank Dress ($98, nordstrom.com); Single Black Sequin Padded Shoulder v-back Dress ($123, bluefly.com)


HEY BIG SPENDER

Aidan Mattox 'Cold Shoulder' Sequin Dress ($295, nordstrom.com); Parker Three Quarter Sleeve Sequin Mini Dress ($297, shopplanetblue.com)


EDITOR'S LUST LIST

British-based designer Ashish Gupta has to be the supreme present day authority on sequin design. His line Ashish is defined by one single element, sequin. The attraction to sequin, explains Gupta, derives from a fascination of, "taking something really ordinary or traditional and twisting it and making it new." Gupta's designs can be described as sexy with a sense of humor and fans that include Beyoncé and rapper MIA. "I dress loads of pop stars, and sequins look really good on stage. They reflect light and add another dimension of color," says Gupta, whose garments are hand sewn by 12 to 16 dressmakers at his atelier in India. With the versatility of sequin, Ashish, as a line, is sure to remain on the forefront of fashion.

Ashish Turquoise Sequined Silk One-shoulder Dress ($1220, net-a-porter.com) Shown here with Emilio Pucci shoes, Halston Heritage clutch, Lee Angel earrings and a Kara Ross ring; Ashish Sequined Silk High-waisted skirt ($505, net-a-porter.com). Ashish's gold sequined silk high-waisted skirt will add instant glam to any look. Take this shimmering separate downtown with a leather biker jacket and pointed booties.