If you’re like us, you love adding a little sparkle into your life whenever you can—especially around the holidays and fall and winter seasons. And more specifically, you like incorporating that sparkle into your outfits! Sequins can take an outfit from drab to fab in an instant, and while they’ve always been in style, sequin outfits are especially trendy right now—and work for all ages! If you’re looking for some inspiration on sequin outfits ideas, we’ve got you covered. We tapped a top celebrity stylist for all her tips and tricks on how to style sequins, as well her favorite sequin pieces at the moment.
Why you should wear sequins
If you’re already a sparkle-lover, you probably don’t need much convincing when it comes to incorporating sequins into your wardrobe. On the other hand, if you’re not typically one to jump on more “out there” trends, let us explain why trying out sequins may be perfect for you.
Celebrity stylist Samantha Brown is all about subtly adding sequins into your outfits. “My favorite way to wear sequins is to mix them into an otherwise casual outfit,” she affirms. “If you’re feeling sequin shy, try an accessory like a sequined handbag to work in the trend.” Sequins are actually very versatile, and you can go as big or little as you want with them thanks to accessories and other subtle accents.
Sequins can also be a great layering piece or underlayer—especially if you’re wondering how to style sequins without them looking overwhelming. “Use them as a texture to add visual interest, instead of reserving them for formal occasions. If you have a sequin top but it feels like too much, wear it underneath a blazer, leather jacket or even a sheer blouse to tone down the shine,” Brown suggests.
Even more, while sequins are especially great during the holidays, they really can work all year round, Brown says. “Many people defer to sequins for their holiday season sparkle, but they can be worn all year round. Rather than keep sequins in a ‘fancy’ corner of your closet, try mixing them with other textures in your wardrobe. Sequins pair well with denim, knits and even cotton T-shirts,” she says.
20 sequin outfit ideas to sparkle all year long
Keep reading for the best sequin pieces to use as inspiration for all your sequin outfit ideas.
J. Crew Sequin-Embellished T-Shirt
This is Brown’s pick, and we’re all on board. J. Crew Sequin-Embellished T-Shirt is a prime example of how you can take sequins and make them casual, like they did by adding them to a cute and comfy T-shirt. Brown calls it “unexpected,” as you would never think to mix a T-shirt with sequins—but it works beautifully.
Loft Sequin Top
Talk about a versatile sequin piece, Loft Sequin Top is just that. First of all, it comes in the most stunning bronze-y shade, making it look expensive without making a heavy dent in your wallet. But even more, you can easily dress it up or down. Pair it with dark wash jeans for a more casual ensemble, or for a dressier occasion, a black satin midi skirt or black slacks.
By Stacy London Sequin Pull-On Midi Skirt
Speaking of midi skirts, we couldn’t be more obsessed with By Stacy London Sequin Pull-On Midi Skirt. What we like about this pick is that it’s not tight or constricting, but still highlights curves. It effortlessly flows down past knees without any uncomfortable clinging, and hits at the perfect spot on our legs (a few inches above your ankles). Plus, it’s available in three shades: a beautiful grape hue, elegant forest green and classic black.
Express High Waisted Knit Sequin Wide Leg Pant
Comfy sequin pants with an elastic waistband? Count us in! Express High Waisted Knit Sequin Wide Leg Pant is everything we could ever want in a comfortable pair of pants thanks to its rayon and spandex fabric and stretchy waistband, but even more, it is so elevated and chic with its sequins. Plus, its neutral color makes it easy to pair with any solid-colored tee or sweater.
Elle Tahari Sequin Stripe Tuxedo Pants
This piece, Elle Tahari Sequin Stripe Tuxedo Pants, is another great example of donning sequins through accents. While the main portion of the pants is solid black polyester, they’ve subtly incorporated sequins by adding a sequin stripe down the sides. It dresses them up just a tad and makes them more visually interesting than your typical pair of black slacks.
White House Black Market Sequin Drape Bolero
Looking for the perfect sequin layering piece? White House Black Market Sequin Drape Bolero is the answer. Add this to a sleeveless dress or top for more coverage and also extra warmth. It is also a great way to dress up a more casual ensemble.
Anne Klein Faux Wrap Dress With Blouson Sleeve
Anne Klein Faux Wrap Dress With Blouson Sleeve is the perfect fall or winter wedding guest dress or cocktail dress. Its elegant wrap-style design is flattering on just about everyone, and the sequined, dark floral pattern looks so luxurious—all while costing just $40 at TJ Maxx (score!).
Loft Sequin End On End Cotton Relaxed Shirt
A sequin button down will instantly step up your work outfit game, and Loft Sequin End On End Cotton Relaxed Shirt is sure to make you the best dressed in the office. I personally own this piece, and when I say I get countless compliments every time I wear it, I’m not exaggerating. I love pairing it with beige slacks for work and dark wash denim for dinner with friends. Plus, it doesn’t feel scratchy or uncomfortable.
Express Sequin Crew Neck Puff Sleeve Sweatshirt
This sweater, Express Sequin Crew Neck Puff Sleeve Sweatshirt, is the perfect piece for those warmer fall days where you don’t quite need a long sleeve, but a thicker fabric would be nice. It comes in this gorgeous gold shade, and can be worn with black, brown, tan, white—you name it—bottoms.
Free People Gold Rush Printed Sequins Long Sleeve Top
This is a great example of how sequins can work all year round. With the light colors of Free People Gold Rush Printed Sequins Long Sleeve Top, it can be worn in spring and summer, but with the long sleeves, it could be worn in fall or winter as well. For the colder months, just wear it under a trench or blazer for added warmth.
Rain + Rose Shine Sweater
Another statement sleeve piece, Rain + Rose Shine Sweater is so chic and stylish, and can be worn with anything from jeans to a midi skirt or slacks. The contrast of the knit bodice with the sequin sleeves make for a visually appealing style. Best yet, it’s just $25 at TJ Maxx—talk about luxe for less.
Chico’s Sequin Plaid Pullover Sweater
What screams fall and winter more than plaid? Chico’s Sequin Plaid Pullover Sweater is a great pick to add to your wardrobe for the upcoming chilly seasons. With its festive red color, it can make a great addition to your holiday party outfits. Pair with a black sequin midi skirt for double the sparkle, or for a more casual occasion, throw on a pair of black jeans.
Maurices Edgely Sequin Twist Hem Short Sleeve Tee
We’re obsessed with Maurices Edgely Sequin Twist Hem Short Sleeve Tee because of the twist knot design at the bottom hem. It spices up the regular ‘ol tee, and looks so chic under a blazer or jacket. Plus, thanks to its relaxed fit, it won’t feel too tight or clingy.
Express Super High Waisted Sequin Midi Pencil Skirt
In need of something for your next office holiday party? We love Express Super High Waisted Sequin Midi Pencil Skirt. It’s the perfect length for work, and its pencil skirt fit makes it look professional and elevated. Pair it with a solid blouse and blazer, or make it a matching set with Express Skimming Sequin Crew Neck Long Sleeve Boxy Tee.
Anthropologie Sequin Button Down
Another button down option, Anthropologie Sequin Button Down is a classic sequin piece that can be styled so many different ways. Wear it open over a solid tee and jeans for a casual occasion, or button it up and pair it with leather pants or a skirt for a dressier occasion. We also like that it comes in standard, petite and plus sizing.
Alex Evening Three-Quarter Sleeve Sequin Pantsuit
This is another great fall wedding guest option, but instead of a dress, it’s a pantsuit! Alex Evening Three-Quarter Sleeve Sequin Pantsuit is so comfortable and roomy, and you can trust that you’ll be able to dance the night away in comfort. It comes in this gorgeous plum shade, perfect for fall and winter, and has a beautiful drape-y neckline.
Maurices Sequin Sleeve Drop Shoulder Blouse
If you can’t tell by now, we’re big fans of a sequin statement sleeve. Maurices Sequin Sleeve Drop Shoulder Blouse is the perfect sequin top for the season, offered in four different shades from a neutral gray/silver to this stunning navy hue. And with its affordable price of $35, you can try out a few different colors!
Chico’s Juliet Sequin Front Ankle Pants
These sequin pants—Chico’s Juliet Sequin Front Ankle Pants—are oh-so-fun and stylish, and better yet, are a pull on style (meaning all-day comfort!). They’re stretchy and feature the brand’s slimming technology, and are available in regular and tall sizing.
Rumored Vintage Slip Maxi Dress
Rumored Vintage Slip Maxi Dress screams elegance, and is absolutely stunning for any holiday gathering, cocktail party or even black tie events. For the fall and winter, toss on a shawl or dressy cardigan for a bit more coverage. Best of all, we love that it has adjustable straps for the perfect fit.
White House Black Market High Neck Embellished Top
A high neck top is a classic and staple to have in your closet. Spice it up with sequins! White House Black Market High Neck Embellished Top could easily be worn to the office under a blazer or out to dinner with dark wash jeans.