There's something about sequins that makes us think of Christmas parties, New Year's Eve and a little festive glamour. But why should all that sparkle be packed away for another twelve months once the decorations come down?



A little sparkle, a little sustainability

Before we dive into all things glittery, let's talk about sustainability.

Most traditional sequins are made from plastic-based materials, such as PVC or PET, which are not biodegradable in the natural environment. They can persist for a very long time, and sequins may also shed tiny plastic particles as garments are worn, washed or discarded.

That doesn't mean we have to banish sequins from our wardrobes altogether. Instead, it's another reason to buy well and buy to last.

Choose something that genuinely fits your personal style profile, rather than a high-fashion piece that feels exciting today but might not see the light of day next Christmas. Think about the colours you love, the shapes you feel fabulous wearing and the occasions when you'll realistically reach for it.

Could you wear those sequin trousers with a beautiful knit in January? Would that embellished jacket work for a birthday dinner in March? Could your favourite sparkly top come out for next year's Christmas celebrations, too?

If head-to-toe sequins aren't normally your thing, there's absolutely no need to invest in a full-on glittering outfit. A pair of sparkling earrings, a jewelled bag, a sequin headband or some embellished shoes can add just the right amount of festive magic without taking you too far outside your comfort zone.

The golden rule? Buy what you love, wear what you buy and make your sparkle work for you for years to come.

How to wear sequins: five ways to find your sparkle

The beauty of sequins is that there are no rules saying you have to wear them in a particular way. Whether you love making an entrance or prefer a more understated approach, there's a way to embrace the trend that feels like you.

1. Go all out with head-to-toe sequins

If you love glamour, why not embrace it?

A sequin dress, matching co-ordinates or a full-length sparkling outfit can make a fabulous statement for a Christmas party or a special evening out. You don't have to hold back if this is where your personality and style naturally lead you.

The trick to making a statement outfit feel like you is choosing the right silhouette, colour and finish.

• Love a romantic, feminine look? Look for softly draped fabrics, a defined waist or a flowing skirt.
• Prefer a dramatic, striking style? Try a sleek column dress, a tailored jumpsuit or a beautifully cut trouser suit.
• More relaxed and contemporary? Consider a sequin co-ord with a comfortable fit and clean lines.

Pay attention to the scale of the sequins, too. Smaller, more delicate sequins can create a subtle shimmer, while larger, more reflective designs tend to make a bolder statement.

And remember, the most important accessory is confidence. If you feel fabulous, let yourself shine!

2. Try the hi-lo approach

Not everyone wants to sparkle from head to toe, and that's where the hi-lo approach comes in.

The idea is simple: combine something glamorous with something more relaxed or understated.

Think a sequin skirt with a soft cashmere-style knit, a sparkly jacket over your favourite jeans, or a sequin top worn with beautifully tailored trousers.

This combination makes sequins feel less like a special-occasion uniform and more like a natural extension of your everyday wardrobe.

It's also a great way to get more wear out of a statement piece. A glamorous skirt that might otherwise only come out for parties can look completely different when styled with a simple jumper and boots.

Our tip: Think about balancing textures. Sequins are reflective and eye-catching, so matt fabrics such as wool, cotton, denim and soft knitwear can provide a lovely contrast.

And don't feel that everything else has to be plain. If your style personality is bold, creative or dramatic, you might love mixing sequins with other interesting textures, prints or accessories. It's about finding the balance that feels right for you.

3. Make sequin trousers your statement piece

If dresses aren't your thing, sequin trousers could be the perfect way to introduce some sparkle.

They can be surprisingly versatile, depending on their cut, colour and finish.

For a party, pair them with a silky blouse, a beautiful top or a fitted jacket. For a more relaxed look, try a fine-knit jumper, a simple T-shirt or a softly structured shirt.

The key is to choose a trouser shape that works with your proportions and feels comfortable to wear.

Wide-leg styles can create a flowing, glamorous silhouette, while straight-leg or slim-cut trousers may appeal if you prefer a cleaner, more streamlined look.

Consider the overall balance of your outfit, too. If your trousers are heavily embellished, a simpler top can allow them to take centre stage. Alternatively, if you love a maximalist look, you can absolutely add more detail.

And don't automatically reserve them for December. Styled with a beautiful knit and ankle boots, the right pair could be worn throughout the winter season.

4. Let your top do the talking

A sequin top is a brilliant option if you want the impact of sparkle without committing to an entire outfit.

You can find everything from subtle shimmer to full-on disco glamour, so there's plenty of choice depending on your personal style.

Try a sequin camisole with tailored trousers, a sparkling blouse with a midi skirt, or a statement top with your favourite jeans.

A sequin top can also be a useful wardrobe investment because it offers several styling possibilities. Wear it with a jacket for a smarter occasion, or let it shine on its own when you want a more dramatic look.

When choosing your top, think about the neckline and sleeve shape as well as the colour. These details can make a real difference to how a garment works with your features and overall silhouette.

If you're buying something you hope to wear for years, look beyond what's fashionable this season. Choose a neckline, shape and colour that you'll continue to enjoy.

5. Add sparkle through accessories

Perhaps sequins aren't usually part of your style vocabulary. Maybe you prefer natural fabrics, understated outfits or a more minimalist wardrobe.

You can still join in!

Accessories are a wonderful way to experiment with sparkle without making a big investment in something you might rarely wear.

Consider:

• Bags: A sequin clutch or embellished evening bag can transform a simple outfit.
• Shoes: Sparkling flats, heels or trainers can add an unexpected twist.
• Jewellery: Glittering earrings, necklaces and bracelets can bring light and interest near your face.
• Hair accessories: A jewelled clip or embellished headband can be a lovely finishing touch.
• Belts: A sparkling belt can add definition and a little festive glamour.
• Scarves: A scarf with a subtle shimmer can be an easy way to introduce a touch of sparkle.

Accessories are also a great way to test the waters. You might discover that you love a little glitter after all! And because smaller pieces can be easier to style with clothes you already own, they can be a practical choice if you're trying to make your wardrobe work harder.

Which sequins suit your style personality?

This is where we believe personal style really comes into its own.

Two people can wear the same sequin dress and create completely different looks. The difference isn't simply their body shape or colouring. It's also about their individual style personality.

If you're naturally drawn to romantic details, you might prefer soft shapes, delicate embellishment and a little shimmer rather than a rigid, angular design.

If you love a classic look, you might choose a beautifully tailored jacket with subtle sequins or a simple, elegant dress.

If your style is gamine, you could have fun mixing colours, textures and unexpected combinations.

If you're drawn to a natural, relaxed look, try a sparkly top with denim, a softly textured jumper or accessories that add interest without feeling too formal.

And if you love dramatic, glamorous fashion, then a statement sequin suit or a head-to-toe sparkling outfit might be right up your street.

Of course, these aren't boxes to squeeze yourself into. Your style may combine several influences, and your choices can change depending on the occasion.

The point is to use your understanding of your own style to make choices that feel authentic. When you buy something that genuinely reflects who you are, you're much more likely to love wearing it again and again.

A little colour theory goes a long way

Sequins reflect light, which means their colour and finish can have a particularly noticeable effect on an outfit. If you've had your colours analysed, use that knowledge when shopping for your next sparkling purchase.

Cool-toned palettes might lend themselves to silver, icy pink, cool blue or jewel-like purples, while warmer palettes may find gold, bronze, copper or warm reds more harmonious.These are starting points rather than strict rules. The exact shade, finish and contrast all matter, and there are variations within every colour family.

If you're choosing a sequin top, jacket or dress that sits close to your face, consider how the colour works with your natural colouring. If you'd rather experiment with a shade outside your usual palette, try wearing it further away from your face or introducing it through a bag or shoes.

And don't forget that the colour of your sequins can change the whole mood of an outfit. Silver can feel cool and contemporary, gold can bring warmth, while deep teal, burgundy, plum or midnight blue can create a rich, sophisticated effect.

The best colour is ultimately one that makes you feel fantastic.

We’ve done the hard work for you:

We are Jo and Wendy and every month we bring you a little inspiration. Our sequin picks this month can be found here all in one place. While you’re there check out our previous recommendations and get your Winter wardrobe sorted.