Sequins Are Trending for Summer, and Not Just for Nights Out on the Town

Black and white and beige, oh my! Styling your metallic sparkles with wardrobe staples in neutral hues, including gray and navy, is an easy way to tone down their party vibes for day. Keep your accessories simple as well—gold hoops, a black leather shoulder bag, pointy-toe flats.

Colorful sequins like lime green, lilac or red feel inherently less flashy than gold or silver, making them a bit easier to style for day. A simple white tank top and strappy sandals is all you need to make a sequin midi feel appropriate for brunch. And don’t be afraid to add another pop of color with a bold accessory or two.

Speaking of accessories, swapping your beige shoulder bag for a gold sequin one is a super easy way to start incorporating this flashy trend into your regular wardrobe. Just be sure to add another metallic touch somewhere in your ‘fit, whether it’s standout gold hardware on a jumpsuit or a pair of oversize gold earrings.

Shorts will always have a casual summer vibe, even when done up in luxe materials like faux-leather, wool or, in this case, sequins. Pair your sparkly shorts with an oversize tee, button-up shirt or sweater and some retro sneakers or classic loafers to create an ensemble that is both comfy and incredibly chic.

Anna Wintour caused a stir with her very first Vogue cover in 1988 when she chose a photo of the cover model, Michaela Bercu, in a heavily bedazzled jacket with casual blue jeans. Pay homage to the historic fashion moment with your own combination of sequins and denim, a duo that works with just about any color or wash. If you really want to lean into the OG look, style your hair with loose waves and keep your makeup and accessories clean and simple.

If you want to style a dressier sequin item for day—like a sexy skirt with a slit or a mini dress—you’re going to want to break out some go-to casual basics. Think plain cotton T-shirts, denim jackets, linen button-ups and flat sandals or basic white sneakers. If all the other elements of your outfit are super-down-to-earth, those party-ready sequins will suddenly feel much more low-key.

Try using your sequin pieces as layering items that offer a peek of sparkle rather than stealing the whole show. A silver cami can be worn under a strategically unbuttoned blouse, a minidress can be layered over blue jeans and a midi skirt can be styled under a dress whose hem is just a few inches shorter than your skirt.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: You can never go wrong with a monochrome outfit. This is especially true if you mix and match items of one color but vastly different textures, like pairing sequins with soft suede and delicate silk.