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If I had written this last year it would have been brief. Can sequins be stylish? No. They should be avoided, even at Christmas.
But as I write this at the end of 2025 I am contemplating the purchase of a pair of sequin trousers. This is very not me. I have (and recommend) a minimalist-wardrobe-you-wear-on-repeat. It’s a sequin-free space.
But suddenly, the dazzling lure is strong. Why? The sequins have changed.
They are no longer the cheap-looking, lazy shortcut to party dressing. Instead, the sequins that appeared on the AW25 runways were cool, modern, and easy to wear. And, most importantly of all, this season sequins are for life, not just for Christmas. At Chanel the sparkles were stylishly scattered on boucle suiting, Dries van Noten had sequins peeking out under tops, and at Chloé the shimmer was softened with knits and tailoring.
So while sequins can now be stylish, the key is how you wear them (especially for those of us on the other side of 40…).
Less is more
Blink and you might miss the scattering of black sequins trimming the three-piece suit from Marks & Spencer: wide-leg cropped trousers, an A-line sleeveless top and a cropped jacket. Worn together it’s a real statement outfit but worn separately they become brilliantly versatile wardrobe pieces.
Black jacket, £60, top, £36, and trousers, £40, all marksandspencer.com; sling-back heels, £275, russellandbromley.com
A scattering is chic
The gold sequinned flowers that decorate this black velvet strapless dress are little works of art. Ok, so this one is less easy to introduce into your daytime wardrobe but it’s a seriously show-stopping addition to your eveningwear wardrobe – and one that isn’t going to date.
Black velvet dress with sequin applique, £180, asos.com; sling-back heels, £275, russellandbromley.com
Go for muted mattes
Sequins on trousers are surprisingly easy to wear and a matte finish will feel more like a texture than a full-blown sparkle. Stick to a simple top and basic accessories and let the trousers do the talking.
Sleeveless top, £85. asos.com; silver sequin trousers, £99, stinegoya.com; flat pumps, £60, marksandspencer.com
Dress them down Another trick straight off the catwalk – pair your sequins with a knit. A relaxed boyfriend jumper works brilliantly to make what could be an intimidating sequinned skirt seem suddenly wearable.
Cashmere jumper, £199, and sequin skirt, £79, whistles. com; silver sling-backs, £89, johnlewis.com
Skip festive hues
If you want to wear sequins top-to-toe it’s best to shun traditional Christmas colours (bright red, green or gold and silver) to avoid looking like a piece of tinsel. This dark green sequin set from Albaray delivers oomph without going over the top. And you can mix up the sequin shapes too – these oval drops are a refreshing take on the normal circle. When the party season is over, the top will work brilliantly with jeans on a night out and the skirt paired with a simple white shirt is office appropriate.
Green sequin top, £89, and matching skirt, £120, albaray.co.uk; gold heels, £89, dunelondon.com
Perfect patterns
A design on your sequin makes the item less brassy and instantly more classy. This midi skirt from Zara is the perfect example. Add your favourite knit and a tall boot and you’ve got a grown-up look that will work for any event.
Cashmere cardigan, £199, whistles.com; pattern skirt, £219, zara.co.uk and boots, £150, russellandbromley.com
Stick to one statement piece. Like this gold mini skirt – there’s something wonderfully liberating about embracing mini later in life – especially when it’s sequinned. Wear it in a way that feels effortless with the skirt being the focus and everSything else dressed down and minimal.
Rollneck, £95, marksandspencer. com; gold mini, £34.50, monsoon. com and boots, £150, russellandbromely.com