The Best Ways To Style Sequin Fashion

Nowadays, you can buy bedazzling kits on Amazon. But in the 1480s, sparkles were in short supply. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Leonardo Da Vinci designed one of the first-ever sequin-making hole punches. Though the device only existed on paper, it proves a deep-seated human desire for glitz and glamor, which can also be seen in everything from 1970s disco fashion to the remnants of King Tut's wardrobe.

These days, sequins are back and brighter than ever (literally). According to Vogue, they've been incorporated into the fall collections of designers like LaQuan Smith, Gucci, and Prada. In part, this trend is a reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Jessica Testa, style reporter for The New York Times, explains to NPR, "People know the world hasn't gone back to normal. However, people are trying to go back to their lives, and when the world around you is still very dark, and you decide to dress to the nines, I think there's something very like the middle finger in the air about that." These days, part of "dressing to the nines" involves loud colors, clashing patterns, and (of course) lots and lots of sequins. Here's how to incorporate the style into your wardrobe.

Celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie are rocking the oversized blazer trend, according to Vogue. Put your sparkly spin on the look by investing in a truly-special bedazzled blazer like this starry design from Asos. Best of all, you can easily repurpose it by wearing it solo or as part of a set — pair it with leather trousers, jeans, or your favorite little black dress. Match it with similarly-sequined tailored pants and dress up with heels for a unique going-out look. Alternatively, find a sequined blazer dress like this bright red design from Anthropologie for a stand-alone look. As noted by Elle Australia, the oversized aesthetic has allowed fashion and comfort to merge. Just as loose-fitting, breathable dresses were popular throughout the 1920s, baggy pants and blazers are wardrobe must-haves in the 2020s.

Sparkling fashion isn't just nightwear; it can also be adapted for daytime looks. "I mean, I've seen people in sequin tops at the grocery store. I've seen people in sparkle shoes on public transportation," says Kate Bellman, lead fashion editor for Nordstrom. As she tells NPR, "I think we're just starting to see it be more reflective of how people feel, just wearing it sort of in this versatile way ... " Adapt a sequined mini skirt — like this Urban Outfitters low-rise design – by styling it with a plain tee and leggings for warmth during colder months. Finally, pair it with your favorite platform boots or even sneakers.

Y2K fashions are making a resurgence, according to Harper's Bazaar. Yes, that means showing off some midriff and maybe even a belly button piercing or a lower back tattoo. Pair a shining tank top with low-rise jeans and an oversized blazer, like this pink Asos design. Alternatively, layer the tank over a white button-down for a pop of color. Going out for the night? Match with statement heels and a micro mini. Finally, further, accentuate your 2000s low-rise bottoms with this deep plunge sequin top from Nasty Gal.

Kim Kardashian's Skims may have started as a size-inclusive shapewear brand, but now it's much, much more (via Vogue Business). For instance, This sequined bra and panty set retails in sizes XXS to 4X. Let these bright pink sparkles shine through underneath a sheer shirt like this SNDYS design, or even layer the triangle bra on top of your favorite wardrobe items. Alternatively, hit the waves (or simply bask in the sun) in a disco-style bikini from Montce.

Business casual dress codes are dominated by blazers, sensible footwear, and (of course) the classic button-down shirt, per Business Insider. However, check out this Anthropologie sparkling design to put your spin on the button-down. Wear a full-coverage cami underneath, and pair it with tailored trousers, pleather pants, or tuck into a high-waisted midi. This look is perfect for a festive office party or a post-work drinks date. Layer a solid-colored oversized blazer on top to keep those sparkles hidden throughout the workday. 

According to British Vogue, cowboy boots (along with platforms) were one of the most popular footwear styles this past year, worn by the likes of Emily Ratajkowski and Dua Lipa. Now, it's your time to shine – literally. Put a "Wizard of Oz"-style spin on the trend by adding sequins. Style these Free People silvery western boots with everything from a dress to vintage jeans or dress-up platform heels with sparkle. For starters, check out these checkered River Island Sandals available on Asos. "Years ago," Elizabeth Semmelhack, the director and senior curator of the BATA Shoe Museum, explains to The Zoe Report, "I made a very off-the-cuff observation that women's footwear designs become more extreme during times of economic and political strife." It makes sense that today's shoes are higher and shinier than ever.

Hair gems were largely popularized on social media, according to Elle. However, they've since moved beyond our screens and onto the red carpet, worn by "Abbot Elementary's" Sheryl Lee Ralph at the 2022 Emmy Awards (via InStyle). Try the trendy look out for yourself with these Urban Outfitters face and hair gems – yes, you can also use them to decorate your lids or even your brows. Alternatively, invest in 1920s-style hair jewelry like this Free People barrette or even an intricate Ettika mesh hair tie available on Revolve.