How to Wear Sequins

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Woman in sequin dress

If you’ve been to a shopping mall or browsed online boutiques lately, you may have noticed that sequined items are everywhere this season. Sequins are the perfect way to add some festive flair to your holiday party looks, or just to inject some sparkle into an everyday look. But do sequins make you think of ugly holiday sweaters and other fashion disasters? Never fear – you can absolutely wear sequins without looking tacky!

That’s why I created the ultimate guide to wearing sequins. Read on for some fashion tips, outfit ideas and more:

Related reading: How to Wear Sequins + Metallics (Plus Tips & Outfit Ideas)

Some Simple Tips for Rocking Sequins

  • Stick to only one sequined item per outfit. Any more than that and people might confuse you with Edward Cullen’s sparkling bod. After all, you want the sequins to be the focus – you don’t want to look like a disco ball.
  • Since sequins are such bold pieces, go minimal on the accessories. A sleek bag or a simple piece of jewelry is all you need to make a stylish impact.
  • That being said, don’t be afraid to play with color. Try a sequined item in a bright hue or add a pop of color elsewhere in the outfit.
  • Remember that balance is key. Pair sequined pieces with wardrobe staples like jeans and t-shirts to achieve the perfect blend of glam and low-key.

Three Ways to Wear Sequins

If you need some inspiration before you try out sequins, here are three looks that incorporate a sequined dress, skirt and top.

How to Wear a Sequined Dress:

Sequin Dress

Dress, Coat, Hat, Oxfords, Tights

Although sequined dresses are usually associated with nighttime looks, I wanted to use this pretty peach-colored dress to create an outfit that was appropriate for day. Pairing the dress with these plum tights adds a pretty pop of color, while the gray overcoat makes this outfit warm enough for a chilly day. Accessorize with a knit hat and some oxfords, which help make the outfit perfect for daytime.

How to Wear a Sequined Skirt:

Sequin Skirt

Top, Jacket, Boots, Skirt, Tights, Ring

This skirt is a great option if you aren’t a huge fan of sparkling pieces. It’s still sequined, but since the sequins are matte, it gives off an understated vibe. If you want to make an impact, try wearing a sequined skirt with a basic cotton top in a simple pattern — like stripes. Although I’m usually not a fan of jean jackets, I really like the contrast between the feminine sequins and the rugged feel of denim. Add some opaque tights and lace-up boots to create a stylish everyday look. Finally, accessorize with a simple yet gorgeous oversized ring.

How to Wear a Sequined Top:

Sequin Top

Top, Clutch, Trousers, Earrings, Pumps

Sequins are always a great option to wear at night and this metallic top is no exception. Wear it with some simple tuxedo-style trousers to create an understated yet glamorous look. Accessorize with a sleek black clutch and simple stud earrings. Finally, add some basic pumps in a bold hue, like this royal blue pair.

Other Stylish Sequined Items

Since it was so hard to narrow down which sequined pieces to use in the above outfits, here are some other fab sequined items I came across on my search.

Sequined Pieces

Top: 1, 2, 3, 4 Bottom: 5, 6, 7, 8

I included some alternate options for a sequined skirt, top and dress as well as a sequin-encrusted jacket. If you aren’t ready to wear sequined clothing yet, try incorporating a sequined accessory like shoes, a bag, or a headband. Also, you could try a piece that only has a few strategically placed sequins, like the sweater on the bottom row.

What do you think?

Would you wear sequins? Do you already have some sequined pieces? Which outfits would you wear? How would you wear sequins? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!

15 thoughts on “How to Wear Sequins”

  1. Really loving all the sequined skirts in this post and the second look! There’s been one that I’ve been eyeing (from J. Crew) but I’ve been hesitant to get it because I’m not quite sure how to style it! and lucky me, I actually have all those other pieces in my closet!

    Reply
  2. Glad you all are liking the post– I love hearing how you wear sequins!

    Agent- I’m not asking anyone to buy lace-up boots. It’s just an outfit suggestion in order to give the readers ideas on how to incorporate sequins into their wardrobe. You can certainly wear any type of shoes that you want with the outfit, but I chose to feature lace-up boots because of my personal taste.

    The pair in the look are from Forever 21 and cost less than $35, so they aren’t very expensive. I think the boots are a versatile piece and you could get a lot of bang for your buck before they become “dated.” Lace-up boots are a trendy item, but I believe that CF is all about mixing classic wardrobe staples with a few trendy pieces and I feel like the outfit does just that.

    Thanks for the feedback 🙂

    Reply
  3. I’m not a huge fan of jean jackets either…. but I do really like the second look. Maybe because it’s a darker denim..?

    Reply
  4. I like when sequins are mixed with ‘day’ clothes but it’s hard to pull off if you ask me. But when done right, it’s great!

    Reply
  5. I love sequins, for christmas I asked for a sequined beret.
    and im obbssesd with my purple sequin flats that I love wearing with my black skinny jeans, purple undershirt, white vneck, and with my black scarve or with my dark denim skinny jeans, purple undershirt, white crew neck from h&m, gray cardigan, and my gray bow headband on my hair, I hope im wearing my sequin flats properly =-)

    Reply
  6. I have a great bright blue sequined tank I love to wear under a huge chunky knitted sweater (belted). It looks great!
    I love the idea of sequined bottoms though.

    Reply
  7. I never would have thought to pair combat boots with something as girly as sequin…I love the look though! All of the outfits are great because they juxtapose androgynous pieces with girly sparkle! I love it.

    Reply
  8. Just bought a peach-coloured sequin top for a semi-formal event. Looks great with my simple black pants but I wondered if that was the “right” look. Always totally stumped in accessories but I am in live with the top. THANKS to this site I will now wear my black diamond stud earrings and a simple clutch and feel totally confident in my look!!

    Reply
  9. I have a sequins dress in whit and silver and im not sure on the shoes……
    My choices sequins pink ones or atucoise,kinda teal green ones in which the fabric is a faux suede what do I do?

    Reply
  10. Loved the styling suggestions, And I agree, just one item of sequin when putting together a look. Otherwise it would look so costume-y.

    Reply

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