Images: Imaxtree
The holiday period is a season of excess, crazy crowds, “ugly” sweaters and waaaay too many tasty treats. It’s also the season of sparkle. Shimmer is everywhere from holiday decorations to makeup. And while many of us save our glittery looks for one of two special occasions (that “cocktail attire” holiday party and New Year’s Eve), we say that it’s time to wear glitter and rhinestones all season long in an effort to spread festive cheer and look fabulous.
Don’t save the sparkly and metallic pieces for certain “special” occasions. Make every day of the holiday season feel special by incorporating some shine into your outfits. Not only does it reduce the cost per wear of the sparkly garments, it can transform old wardrobe staples. When we start worrying less about automatically pairing a sequin dress with heels and start exploring other options, it can lead to some interesting looks.
While experimenting, remember not to limit things to dresses. Eye-catching skirts, trousers, jackets and sweaters will work. One more tip: Do not be afraid to glisten in the few precious hours of sunshine. The holiday season and life are too short not to dazzle all day.
Ahead, 18 runway and street style looks that will inspire everyone to add more sparkle into their wardrobes.
[ Next: How to Wear Glitter From Head to Toe (No Matter Where You Fall on the Sparkle Spectrum) ]
18 Dazzling Ways to Wear Sparkle All Holiday Season
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Daytime Drama
Yes, you can wear a sequin maxi dress during the day. Mix formal and more casual pieces for a head-turning mash-up. Case in point: This patterned slip paired with a turtleneck, yellow shoes and structured black purse. Wear one dangling earring if you're still craving drama.
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Lo-Fi Glitter
This is definitely not your boring black winter coat. Temper the drama of a long sequin coat for day with track pants, tousled hair and casual shoes. Those in proper arctic climates can wear booties instead of flip flops.
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Back in Black
Worried about looking too done? Wearing all black is a good way to go. Choose more casual pieces with a hint of shimmer, like this rhinestone-embellished crop top and high-waisted pants. Tie in the shine with glittery boots and hoops.
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New Color Combo
Forget red and green, we're obsessing over red and navy as the new holiday color combination thanks to this look. Pair a favorite holiday sweater with a shimmering skirt like this star-spangled paillette version. Incorporate red into the outfit via footwear and a bag.
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Silver Shine
Puffer coats are staples in winter. Upgrade yours for a prismatic silver version and coordinate it with a high-neck top and sequin trousers a la the Sally LaPointe Fall 2018 runway.
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Sheer and Sparkly
Move over sheer socks. Embellished see-through coats are here. Decorated versions add major shine and still allow people to see the layers underneath. Finish with comfortable metallic heels.
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Choose the Shoes
Hold up. Do not pair that metallic sequin minidress with heels this time. Rock the frock with trendy chunky sneakers and a micro bag for day or for more casual events. The shoes add a playful sporty feel to formalwear.
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Unicorn Magic
An iridescent paillette-adorned tunic is a next-level way to dazzle this holiday season. Elevate the look further by embracing the sheer trend. Instead of the default see-through dress or skirt, try trousers. The longer length of the top is great for those who don’t want to show off their underwear.
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Beyond Dresses
There are so many ways to shine. Those who can't resist a rock ‘n’ roll vibe can go in an unexpected direction with studded patent trousers and a coordinating biker jacket. The obligatory graphic T-shirt and statement boots create a look that could go from holiday shopping to festive brunches.
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It's a Cinch
Lace, rhinestones, glitter and tulle are traditionally fancy fabrics, but they can extend beyond cocktail hour, even in one ensemble. It’s about choosing less formal silhouettes. See: this longline cardigan, belt, ankle boots and encrusted fishnet tights.
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Wrapped Up
Many people dress up outfits with glitzy accessories, but no one does it quite like Gucci. See this look from the Fall 2018 runway as an example. It has sparkle and the brand’s signature mishmash in the form of a metallic dress, ornate body harness and headband. Don’t underestimate the value white lace tights and sneakers add to the entire look.
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Christmas Colors
Enjoy traditional red and green? Keep the red sequin dress, but look for a style with contrasting black details. Add green via on-trend sock boots. A sporty black bomber jacket draped over the shoulders counters the glitz.
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Close yet Far
One versatile way to sport sparkle is to select pieces where the drama is in the details. From far away, this appears to be a zigzag sweater and slim pants. Up close, we see it’s a tinsel-like metallic sweater and coordinating zigzag glitter pants. Who doesn’t love a good surprise, especially during the holidays?
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Runway Red
Now this is the runway-approved way to rock holiday red. Ditch the festive dress in favor of a glittering skirt and cropped knit cape. Don’t forget the red lip and sheer gloves.
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Layer Up
The LBSD (little black sequin dress) continues to prove its versatility with this casual and seasonally-appropriate ensemble. The layered white blouse and scarf balance chic and cozy. And we can't forget about the fishnet tights, sock sneakers or the embellished baker boy hat.
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Dressed Up Staples
There’s nothing basic about a top and safari jacket made entirely out of chain mail-like fabric. The casual silhouettes provide greater options, but it’s the ripped jeans that give the outfit true versatility.
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Masterful Mash-Up
Sparkle lovers will find an occasion to wear this head-turning ensemble this holiday season. The baseball cap and camo jacket couldn't be more on trend. Plus, they make the silver sequin shirtdress that much more exciting.
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Snowy White
Shades of white can most definitely be worn in winter. For an elegant holiday look, style a creamy pleated maxi skirt with a coordinating turtleneck and bag. The soft shades are the perfect backdrop for an ornate jacket.
