Truth be told, my festive style aesthetic falls a little short of the generally accepted vibe. I don't buy things only to wear them once a year, so my party season style tends to lean a little less Mariah Carey holiday special (no disrespect to Mimi), and instead lands safely somewhere that feels as much like me as I can get away with, without being accused of not getting in the spirit of things.
When it comes to what I’m actually going to wear to a holiday party, or an end-of-year dinner, or even on NYE (which usually doubles as my birthday celebration, since I’m a New Year’s Day baby), I do want to have some shimmery fun for a special occasion—so long as it stops short of feeling like a costume. If this sounds like you, welcome to my friendly guide to looking chic versus tacky when dabbling in sparkles. From sequins to crystals to rhinestones, these low-key sparkly outfits (as seen on some of my favorite fashion people) all fit the bill.
This is absolutely the winner of the most elevated, fun, and festive outfit award—bonus points for secretly being so practical and cozy. A long, slouchy sweater dress worn over trousers feels very cool—and this works just as well with black, brown, or grey instead of red, if you want to dial it back even more.
Free-est
Faye Sweater Midi
Jeffrey Campbell
Gambol Slingback Pointed Toe Pump
If you ever really want to just do the least, a sparkly handbag is where it's at. This on-trend JW Pei bag, as seen here on Jen Azoulay, does the trick for under $150.
Donna Salyers Fabulous Furs
Goldie Faux Fur & Faux Suede Long Coat
Toteme
High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
JW Pei
Mini Abacus Embellished Top Handle Bag
J.Crew is secretly a great source of low-key sparkly, party-ready pieces. Like J.Crew's creative director Olympia Gayot, I love to style sparkles back with classic tailoring, to make it all feel more like me.
Mango
Structured Suit Jacket
Zara
Long Sleeve Bodysuit
J.Crew
Collection Embellished Crystal Slip Skirt
J.Crew
Jules Cross-Strap Pumps in Suede
If you require an office-to-holiday party outfit change that can happen in 30 seconds or less, you can't beat the immediate upgrade that a pair of sparkly chandelier earrings has on even the simplest outfit—and honestly, they're impeccable atop the tailoring of a corporate look.
SourceUnknown
Long Rhinestone Earrings
Cos
Single-Breasted Wool-Satin Coat
Whether you're worried about cold legs or getting the ick over being too dressed up, layering your little black dress is over some chill blue denim immediately takes the edge off a sparkly party outfit.
Agolde
Clara Baggy Low-Rise Flared Organic Jeans
Bottega Veneta
Teen Jodie Intrecciato Suede Bag
I don't want to start anything, but shorts and tights are having a whole moment. This couldn't be more perfect for NYE, especially with a long coat for a little added drama.
Mango
Structured Wool Coat
Falke
Invisible Deluxe 8 Tights
Jeffrey Campbell
Executive Ankle Strap Pointed Toe Slingback Pump
Le Specs
Outta Love Sunglasses
Mango
Patent Leather-Effect Shoulder Bag
Shop More Chic & Sparkly Clothing & Accessories:
J.Crew
Sparkle Bow Hair Clips Set-Of-Two
Mango
Knitted Dress With Sequin Detail
Zara
Mini Sparkly Floral Bucket Bag
Stems
Crystal Back Seam Tights
Zara
Rhinestone Heeled Shoes
Rabanne
Sparkle Mini Crossbody Bag
Deepa Gurnani
Jody Earrings
Mango
Puffed Sleeves Sequined Dress
H&M
Embellished Mini Skirt
City Chic
Solar Sequin Sleeveless Dress
Zara
Shimmery Mini Bucket Bag
Zara
Rhinestone Ballet Flats
Rotate
Sequin High Collar Top
Prada
Re-Edition Satin Mini-Bag With Crystals
Sabina Musayev
Nalani Dress
J.Crew
Lace-Trim Camisole Top in Sequins
Dôen
Cici Crystal Barrette
J.Crew
Collection Circle-Sequin Mini Skirt
Madewell
The Medium Crystal Embellished Oiled Suede Top Handle Bag