How to Wear Sparkle Without Looking Like a Disco Ball

Sequins and embellishments are making a fierce comeback on fashion runways this season – we show you how to adapt the look for your everyday (or night!) style.

While sparkles add an instant touch of glam to any outfit, too much can be too much. Here’s how you can pull off the trend without looking like an extra from an 80s show.

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Sequins create a dramatic effect on their own, so keep the cut of your clothing item simple – we love the clean lines of of this sparkly dresses. A modest neckline or loose fit also reduces some of the Showgirl-esque aspects of your outfit.

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Alternatively, opt for shiny separates like pencil skirts, tank tops, and leggings or even a cute co-ord set. The key word here is moderation.

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A busier piece – like a gold sequin blazer or an elaborately beaded A-line skirt can be toned down with basic separates in neutral colours. Pair your blazer with a white tank top and jeans, or a heavily embellished top with a plain black skirt.

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As always, neutrals and dark colours keep your look grounded and mute the showiness of the sequins. We also love sequins in pastel colours as the daintiness allows you to take the look over the top in ways that might seem tacky with stronger hues. A sequin top with tulle skirt? Yes please.

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Be smart with your colour pairings. If you’re wearing a bright lavender sequinned top, for example, pairing it with a yellow skirt might not be the best idea even if those colours complement each other the rest of the time. Instead, keep your separates within the same monochromatic family or pair with a neutral shade.

Matte sequins reflect less light than their glossy or metallic counterparts, and are a great way to wear a fully sequinned outfit without appearing gaudy. You can also opt for nude or transparent sequins that blend seamlessly into your outfit.

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Look for sequins that are incorporated into lightweight knits and satin pieces for a more contemporary look – you can even wear these to the office or for a festive brunch!

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Instead of a fully sequinned piece, look for an item of clothing with sequin details – a top with sequinned sleeves, a dress with a sequinned bodice, or a jacket with a sequin collar trim. These give you more room to play around with accessories and styles as the overall look is decidedly less dramatic.

Accentuate with black jewellery or not at all – your sequinned outfit is all the accessories you need.

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Or how about embellishments instead? We love blouses with detailed gold or silver bits around the neckline and shoulders – they can be classy and understated when done right.

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Alternatively, skip the beads and bits for shiny satin fabrics in metallic tones. We especially love them in pleated A-line midi skirts which are currently on trend.  Pair with a crop top of spaghetti strapped tank for an I Can’t Believe It’s Shiny And Demure look.

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Still too much? Keep it classy with knitted fabrics that have gold or silver strands threaded through them for just a weeee hint of shimmer.

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If you’re still in doubt, leave the sparkle where it’s always sure to belong… in your accessories! Sparkly clutches, shoes, and – of course – jewellery, will have you shining. Classily, of course.

Cover image from ireneccloset.com.