Christmas sparkle: Seven stylish ways to wear sequins

December is fast approaching and it is, without a doubt, the sparkliest month of the year. After all, party season is the time to shine. But how do you sport sequins, spangles and all manner of shiny bits and bobs without looking like something best suited to hanging on a tree? We’ve come up with seven modern and elegant ways to sport the shiny stuff – without looking like a disco ball.

1. Party Sleeves

Whether full, bracelet or three quarter length, sleeves represent the most novel and chic way to wear sequins on a dress. A quick fix for all your worries, sleeves reduce the amount of flesh on show, dial your look down a bit and mean you can play with higher hemlines, should you wish.

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River Island sequin jacket, €60

Pink sequin dress, €245, French Connection

2. A little dab will do

The main difference between a polished, chic sequin dress and one that resembles Liberace’s King Neptune costume is the number of sequins. So, stick to a bare scattering of the shiny stuff – and opt for a dress with a classic, flattering shape.

Pailette shift dress, €395, LK Bennett, Brown Thomas

3. Loosen up

If bodycon isn’t your style, you’re not alone. Short and tight isn’t the only option, instead look for looser cuts such as T-shirt or tunic with longer hemlines. Flow and movement will stop the sequins looking too nightclubby and you can experiment with layering.

Sequin T-shirt dress, €120, Asos

4. Pair with pastels

Instead of basic black, contrast metallic or sparkly fabrics with soft pastel shades and comfy, knitted textures. Try sporting silver or gold sequins with blush pink, soft gray, white and other neutrals for a look that’s pure ice princess. The end result? Striking.

Sequin jacket, €60, River Island

5. Create contrast

Pairing something uber-glam with something totally casual, is the contemporary way to do sparkle. Rather than conflicting, each brings something to the table. For example a crisp white blouse suggests sophistication while a high-wattage sequin overlay offers the fun factor.

Sequin V-neck top, €55, Warehouse

6. Top it off

While an embellished dress or skirt will always hit the style mark, skip the full-on sparkles and instead work the festive beads into your look with one statement piece. Look for everyday shapes given the special treatment: T-shirts, trousers or a bomber jacket. Team it with classic, simpler items for maximum impact and to temper the high-octane shine.

Sequinned silk top, €85, & Other Stories

7. Go Dark

Resist the usual festive shades of red and green or any bright colours and instead think of forest green, gunmetal, deep burgundy, and midnight blue. A darker palette is more sophisticated, and will easily mix in with the rest of your winter wardrobe.

Sequin bomber, €60, V by Very, Littlewoods

Sequin dress, €49, F&F, Tesco