How To Wear Sequins And Sparkle When You’re Over 40

The holiday season is the time for all things shiny and sparkly. And while all that glitter can definitely be perfect for holiday outfits, it can also read as too juvenile, too eighties, too costume-y, too mother-of-the-bride, or simply too much for the occasion. No one really wants to look like they borrowed their daughter’s wardrobe, like they are still wearing their Halloween costume, or like a dowager matron, right? And many sequin holiday party outfits for women can veer in those directions pretty easily if you’re not careful Since this is the time of year where we reach for all things blinged out, here’s how to wear sequin outfits and get it right for the 2019 holiday season.

How To Wear Sequin Outfits Over 40

Keep Your Sequin Outfits (Kind Of) Casual

Sequins paired with denim, textured fabrics like tweed or bouclé, chunky knits, or other more casual pieces can be festive without going over the top. For instance, this colorful striped sequin top would be great with black denim or underneath a leather jacket. Or try something even simpler like this white Mango button down with sequin trim. Or pair a basic tee or turtleneck with a sequined variation on a classic print like this houndstooth pencil skirt from INC International Concepts at Macy’s and let the sequins make the statement.

Choose Only Classic Metals Or Neutral Sequin Tops and Pants

Gold, silver, bronze, and rose gold tend to look more sophisticated than bright colors. This rose gold sequin top from Express is a great way to try out this look (we’d love it paired with ivory, or a rich green or blue). Or try sequin pants in black, like these anything but basic black pants with a sequin side tuxedo stripe, also from Express.

Matte Sequin Holiday Party Outfits

Matte sequins or paillettes have been on our radar for a while now, and they can be a good subtle way to incorporate the texture of sequins into your wardrobe of festive holiday outfits. This Ted Baker snakeskin skirt is a wonderful way to wear sequins (and incorporate another major trend with the snake print), and this sleeveless white Ganni top is definitely one of the most elegant ways to wear sequins right now – or ever!

Stick To Sequin Accessories

Statement shoes and purses are a more subtle way to rock some sequins and glitter, and you can find great pieces for a steal. Try a fun sparkly hat like this one available from Elliot & Oliver Co., this firework print clutch from Fawziya, or this bold colored peacock clutch from Uborse (all available from Amazon). Sequin shoes can also be fun. These Franco Sarto booties are ideal for adding some sparkle to an all black ensemble; they’d also look great with any shade of gray.

Go For Modern Silhouettes

A sequined skirt in the now nearly ubiquitous midi style like this one by Needle & Thread, a sequined tee like this Levis logo tee worn under a trendy plaid blazer, or even a sequined sweatshirt or hoodie with jeans can all help keep things contemporary. Note: if a sequined piece reminds you of the outfits from Dynasty or a figure skater’s competition dress, put it back on the rack and try again.

Wear Your Sequins On Your (Outerwear) Sleeve

Sequined coats can be an awesome way to add some sparkle to your winter ensembles and brighten up even the gloomiest weather. This Mackage puffer is perfect for the holidays as well as the post-holiday season while you could use a little extra glamour, or go over the top with this Badgley Mishka sequined trench.

There’s nothing quite as celebratory as sequins, glitter, and sparkle, and it is definitely possible to wear sequin outfits after 40 – or at any age – and look stylish, festive, and most importantly, fun! Just follow these guidelines – keep the rest of your look somewhat casual, try matte sequins or neutral hues for a more elegant look, and go for super current shapes and styles to avoid looking dated or like you’re wearing a costume.

Go forth, sparkle, and make merry in sequins this holiday season!

Shop Holiday Sequins And Sparkle

–Jacqueline Zenn

You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s styling posts like How To Do Winter Athleisure When You’re Over 40 and How to Wear Sneakers When You’re A Grown-Up.

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