J. Crew sequined deco top, $495. Pretty, but we can do better. Promise.

An embellished top is an easy way to dress up even the most basic pieces — pair a sequined tank with tailored trousers or a sleek pencil skirt for a look that can go from the office to cocktails, or wear the same tank with your boyfriend jeans for a Saturday date night.

But you don’t need a $500 tank to make this look work; here are some more affordable — but no less hip and versatile — options.

Forever 21 paillette mesh top, $29.80. That’s more like it.

Old Navy sequined jersey tank, $17.50

LOFT jewel neck tee, $49.50

Choose a tank or tee that works for your body; if you’re busty, think about a top with a V-neck, or a wider scoop neck. If you’re flat chested (holla!) make sure that the tank fits properly under the arms (you don’t want your bra hanging out). If you’re hippy, look for trapeze or shapes, but nothing too long — the best length is one that hits no lower than the widest part of your hips. Add a belt to define your waist and give your shape some definition.

Layer your embellished top — add a long-sleeved tee and jeans for a casual day look, or a cardigan and skirt for the office. Not a sequined tank kind of girl? Add a few sparkly pins to a basic tee or tank; cluster them together to create a corsage effect, or scatter them across the neckline of your tee.

In a year when we’re all cutting back and counting pennies, it’s worth the effort to sparkle things up a little. How will you bring the bling this year?

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