To sparkle or not to sparkle?

It's that time of the year when the staff Christmas party is edging closer and I still haven't got anything to wear. I have spent (literally) hours searching ASOS for the perfect dress. Then there's the high street shops and their display windows, fully stocked with overpriced sequin dresses that you feel obliged to buy (although you feel like a WAG wannabe wearing one). 

(Topshop £59)

Every year I cave into this pressure and as I search for the sparkly nightmare that will cripple my bank balance, I have a million and one questions running through my head: 

Do I wear something that is drowning in sequins or is a simple smart peplum number or a cheeky chiffon hi-low more appropriate? 

How short can the dress be? 

Do I wear tights?

I literally drive myself mad.

Then there's the financial issue, can I really afford a new sparkly dress when I have a huge family to buy presents for? But then there are already pictures all over Facebook of me in my dresses. 

I didn't see the point in buying a sparkly dress which would only be appropriate attire at Christmas (or possibly my birthday) and would catch on my hair and tights throughout the night. Too much sparkle can verge on tacky. 

So I decided to take the budget route and wear something I already have but change it up. I simply bought a new pair of shoes.  I have chosen to wear a hi-low black chiffon number from Oasis and I will team it with a pair of peep-toe heels from Dorothy Perkins which have a bit of bling to ensure that there is some sparkle in the outfit. (the pressure to look like a Christmas cracker is too much to fully escape) 

So there will be some sparkle, but it will be understated and (hopefully) elegant. 

(Dorothy Perkins £30)