Inside the ‘Unexpected Sequins’ Trend Fashion People Can’t Stop Wearing

Yes, all things sparkly are practically made for the holiday season. But there’s a new sequins trend slowly taking over among A-listers and fashion insiders alike, and it’s a novel riff on the material—call it “unexpected sequins.”

The hubbub started this summer, when It girls started pairing unassuming tops with shiny skirts for day and night, and embellished jeans became the hottest denim trend. During the most recent Fashion Month, insiders wore sequined tops and paillette-encrusted skirts paired with simple slingbacks and trench coats. The fashion trend has also spilled over into the world of celebrity dressing; see Katie Holmes’s shimmering caftan, Lindsay Lohan’s goth-lite gown, and Bella Hadid’s beaded rodeo look.

Glamour’s unexpected sequins trend wish list

• The Top: J.Crew Sequin-Embellished Button-Up Shirt, $168 $100
• The Skirt: Scoop Paillette Sequin Miniskirt, $24
• The Dress: Wayf x Chérie Madeleine Danse Dress, $108 $81
• The Bag: RomanticDesign Sequin Purse, $23
• The Shoes: Sam Edelman Trent Slingback Pumps, $150

Sequins trend on the runway

Fall and winter’s best runways also pushed sequins into new territory: Stella McCartney splashed them over straight jeans, Louis Vuitton dressed paillettes down in a boho way, and Dries Van Noten paired a shimmering skirt with a simple gray sweatshirt. No longer relegated to nighttime, unexpected sequins turn the quotidian into something special. (And they’ll keep going strong into spring 2025, according to Burberry, Loewe, and Erdem.)

With holiday parties on the horizon—and an entirely new year to dress for beyond them—we’re committing to unexpected sequins for the season ahead. From glittering office tops to beaded, brunch-ready ballet flats, these editor-approved pieces are the best way to add some shimmer to your wardrobe.

Best sequin tops

The beauty of these tops is that they introduce some glamour to whatever else you’re wearing without overpowering the entire look. (The high-low effect is very Prada; just saying.) Try wearing these pieces with worn-in jeans and slim loafers at the office or on a lunch date; switch to a satin skirt and slingbacks for fancy dinners or cocktail parties.

Best sequin bottoms

Fashion people are obsessed with sequin skirts—especially ones with sheer layers underneath opaque paillettes—so these picks are basically cheat codes to look like a Condé Nast employee. Each of these slinky skirts, plus the sparkly pants below, would pair nicely with a trim cashmere sweater (perhaps layered over a striped button-down shirt) or a tank top and a wool coat.

Best sequin dresses

Okay, okay, sequined dresses aren’t quite unexpected—if you’re wearing them to a New Year’s Eve party, that is. But we challenge you to take these pieces somewhere you’ve never worn sequins, whether that’s to a wedding, an office party, or brunch. Leave your hair messy and wear your quietest flats and daintiest jewelry with these midis; try knee-high boots and an easy updo with these minis. See? We’re right back in unexpected territory, just how we like it.

Best sequined accessories

Not ready to commit to sequined clothes? We get it, and that’s where these glittering accessories come in. We love sequins on a bag, be it Tory Burch’s textural gold or a drawstring purse in the same purple shade as Carrie Bradshaw’s Fendi Baguette. But you can also try the material in a subtler way, such as with a headband or heels with sequined trim. Beaded necklaces, meanwhile, are a close cousin to sequins—and a foolproof way to dress up white T-shirts and sneakers.

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