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How to Wear Sequins — Dos and Don’ts

Three years ago, I talked about sequins as a boomerang fashion trend. Those sparkly discs were in the spotlight in 2010 and then returned with a vengeance in 2018. Well, guess what? Sequins are back and better than ever.

That means it’s time for a refresher on how to wear sequins. They’re kinda complicated, after all. An understated sequin vibe could easily go unnoticed. But overdo it and, well, people will talk. It’s that hero-or-zero dilemma that comes with any bold fashion trend. The stakes are high. But when you nail that sequin outfit, you’ll be the sparkle (and life) of the party.

I’ll start with the biggest takeaway for wearing sequins: Keep it classy. Here’s how to do it.

5 guidelines for wearing sequins with class

1. Don’t double-up

As with most trends, don’t overdo it. Yes, it’s easy to get hypnotized by all that shimmery splendor. But if you have a chic, shiny skirt, say no to the shiny clutch and shiny sandals.

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Instead, choose understated classics to surround your shiny pieces. A soft, cashmere-like sweater, for example, would balance nicely with the harshness of a sparkly skirt. Add solid-colored pumps to the mix and you’re golden. Pun intended.

Model wears white cami and black sequin skirt from Lulus.
Black sequin skirt paired with a white bustier and strappy sandals. You can shop this versatile skirt at Lulus.com.

2. Do tone down your daytime sequined looks

You can rock sequins during the day. Just wear them more sparingly than you would at night. I’m not sure on this, but I’ve heard too many sequins in daylight hours causes cornea burns in your onlookers and admirers.

For the daytime, try a burnished gold sequin cami, under a cream cardi or blazer with wide-legged, tan pants. Platform pumps in the same color would anchor that outfit nicely.

3. Play up your nighttime sequins

At night, go ahead and rock that sequin pencil skirt or mini-dress. Same goes for the shiny handbag. And since we’re on this topic, a handbag with sequins should never be anything but a clutch or wristlet. No fully adorned gym bags or totes. Please. 

For date night, you could pair a long-sleeved, sequin top with dark-wash, straight cut jeans. The dark denim provides nice, balancing contrast. Finish the outfit with a subtle pump.

4. Don’t wear sequins in bright patterns or colors

A black sequin sheath for a holiday cocktail party? Yes. It’s a fabulous take on the traditional Little Black Dress. You could easily add a stylish evening jacket to the mix, too. But a flashy fuschia dress with a poufy prom-esque skirt? No. Adorable on the mannequin, but nearly impossible to pull off unless you’re 17 and heading to the Sno Ball.

Model wears dark grey sequin top with faux leather pants.
This sequin top from Lulu’s goes beautifully with your best skinny pants. Check today’s price at Lulus.com.

Sequins by themselves standout. Don’t pair them with a bright color unless you want your clothes to feel like a visual assault to everyone around you. Stick with neutral, solid colors. That’s your style safety zone.

5. Do buy knowing everyone will remember it.

If you’re shopping with cost-per-wear in mind, a sequin dress is hard to justify. You can use a sequin handbag over and over again, but a dress? Not so much. If you have a whole season of parties to get through, and a limited budget for party-wear, skip the dress. Everyone will remember you wore it party to party. You’ll get tired of it fast, too.

Instead, pick a sequin clutch or skirt. Then you can change up your style with brightly hued tops and versatile shoes. You’ll stand out for all the right reasons.

6. Don’t wear sequin minis or pants, unless…

You’re feeling BOLD. Embellished short skirts and pants look wrong more than they look right. More versatile sequin pieces are skirts, dresses, handbags, and tops.

Catherine Brock wearing sequin dress.
Here is where I’ll confess: I own a very short sequin dress that I adore. So, you know, feel free to bend the rules when it feels right.

7. Do sub in metallic.

If actual sequins feel like too much, reach for metallic pieces instead. They’re as stylish and easier to wear.

5 ways to wear sequins

Here are five sequin outfit ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

  1. Wear a sequined skirt with a white surplice top and nude pumps.
  2. Slip a soft sweater over a sequined dress.
  3. Try a sequined button-down shirt over jeans and a silky cami. Leave the shirt unbuttoned and anchor the outfit with heeled sandals.
  4. If you dare, wear faux leather leggings with a loose-fitting, partially sequined top and conservative black pumps.
  5. A cropped jacket with sequins would look great over a soft t-shirt, boyfriend jeans, and ankle boots.
Smiling model twirls while wearing a sequin dress.
Looking for a gorg sequin dress? This one has it all. Shimmer, shape, and style. Oh, and a budget price too. Find this sequin dress at Venus.com.

How to wear sequin FAQs

Can you wear sequins in the summer?

Yes, you can wear sequins in the summer. For your own comfort, reach for the shiny stuff at night only. In all other, cooler seasons, say yes to sequins. November, December, January, February…you get the idea.

How to wear sequin pants? And where?

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a pair of sequin pants I liked. But if I had to wear them, I’d pair those pants with a soft, draped top in white or cream. A lightweight blazer and pumps would be nice additions, too. You could also apply the same outfit conventions to a sequin mini skirt.

You’d wear these outfits to dressy, but fun occasions with friends. Try NYE parties, cruise ship formal nights, girls nights out in a big city, or cocktail parties. Avoid any dancing events, though. The close contact may destroy your garment and scrape anyone near you.

How do you wear sequins casually?

Here’s the best way to wear sequins casually: your favorite jeans with a pretty top, heeled sandals, and a sequin clutch. You could also don a cami or top that’s partially embellished with the same jeans and sandals. This time, reach for a plain leather (or faux) clutch.

Shine on, friend

What else do you want to know about how to wear sequins? Reach out and ask. Otherwise, I’ll see you out on the feeds, sparkling with confidence.

The Look Clothing Company

Tuesday 8th of November 2022

Sequin are great for summer as well as for autumn. Easy tips for sequin.

ADC Fashionista

Saturday 29th of October 2022

We like the comment about not overdoing sequins with too much bright colors in the day.

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