Trend Alert: All-Over Sequins

Next time you pack your going-out bag, don't forget to leave room for sunglasses. You're gonna need 'em to beat the glare of all the sequins you'll be seeing. That's right: sheets of shiny sequins are in for fall and that's good news if you like versatile, dress-up or dress-down pieces with lots of sparkle.

As reported in our Hot List, Blake Lively's Serena Van der Woodsen rocked Tory Burch's Kylie shift ($750 @ Bloomingdales.com) in the pilot of Gossip Girl. Paired with a jean jacket, tights and a scarf, she made it the perfect first-date outfit. Looking to dress things up a bit more? Go all out with Betsey Johnson's magenta v-neck dress ($216 @ Bluefly). The notice-me color and spaghetti straps make it the ideal dress for a cocktail party.

The sequin trend isn't about subtlety, but a hint of glint will do the trick if you're not up to taking a full-on fashion risk. Wear a little sheen with your jeans by picking a shiny top like Arden B.'s sequined racerback tunic in sunny yellow ($68) or INC's baby-doll top with shimmery silver sequins above the empire waistline ($49 @ Macy's).

This look is ultra-versatile, but there is a right way to wear sequins. When shopping for dresses, avoid looking like a walking disco ball by opting for short styles that show lots of skin. And remember to pick lots of tiny sequins over randomly-placed pailettes (big circular sequins) — those can be unflattering in the wrong light.