Shimmer your way through the festive season in the latest party wear, says MAXINE GORDON

JUST as a Christmas tree looks bare without its baubles, no festive outfit is complete without some sequins or a spot of glitter. And while no one wants to be mistaken for a Chrimbo decoration at the office party, you have to admit there's nothing like a bit of sparkly to get you into the Christmas spirit - and I'm not talking about champagne.

Thankfully, the high street is full of suitable party wear - for every occasion.

Whether you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime dress to wear to an exclusive ball, a fun party frock for the office do or a more low-key outfit for visiting the relatives over the holiday season, it shouldn't be hard to find the perfect item.

Bernshaw's collection at Browns in Davygate, York, will ensure that you shall go to the ball.

These are serious dresses...and wouldn't look amiss on a Bond girl - or even a Spice Girl, and they require an equally serious occasion.

For the height of fashion, choose the Botany crimson dress with a single shoulder strap featuring a fake floral corsage with red and purple petals (£240).

If you want something slightly less daring (but not much), you could try Rhapsody, a sophisticated yet sexy shoestring-strap design with a thigh split and a striking detail on the bust line (£180): very Oscar night.

If your budget doesn't stretch that far, there's no need to fret - or decide the kids can't have that extra present in their stocking.

There's plenty of fantastic party wear available in the chain stores.

If you're a sucker for sequins, you'll love a dress in Wallis's winter collection. It's deep purple and guaranteed to get you noticed at a party. It's also a very good buy at £60.

For sheer value it's hard to beat the supermarkets. Tesco has a particularly impressive Christmas range and all at knock-down prices. There is a fabulous gold and gunmetal sequinned skirt for just £29.99. It is teamed with a champagne-coloured lurex top (£12.99) and matching cardi (£19.99), creating a versatile party look which with the addition of a black top and trousers would give you the perfect capsule wardrobe for all your festive outings.

TK Maxx at Monks Cross and the McArthurGlen Designer Centre off the A19 at Fulford are also great hunting grounds for bargains as they sell designer and last season's clothes and accessories at vastly-reduced prices.

If you simply don't do dresses, you can still get into the swing of the Christmas season by picking some choice separates.

How about a new top with some glitter or sequins, or with a fur trim?

If you are more of a homebody at this time of the year, you don't need to miss out on festive fashion.

Why not treat yourself to some cosy yet chic knitwear. A perfect look for Christmas would be the crimson sweater with a fluffy trim from East (£49).

Or you might just decide to update some classic pieces in your wardrobe with a few festive accessories.

Who will notice that you are wearing your Little Black Dress again, if you have a fantastic new sequinned handbag, pretty shawl or new shoes.

And don't forget jewellery when it comes to bringing your old clothes up to date.

Accessorise in Davygate and Parliament Street is a veritable grotto of goodies, full of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bags, scarves and shawls in the latest colours and designs - at affordable prices.

Look out for sequinned bracelets and floral corsages, which are guaranteed in themselves to make your Christmas outfit look very 2001.