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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shop More Chic & Sparkly Clothing & Accessories:
-
5 Rich-Looking Accessories I'm Copying From Chic Scandi WomenEasy outfit elevators.
-
My Vibe is "Paris After Dark"—6 Elegant Going-Out Outfits From French Women I'm TryingChic.
-
If I See You Wearing Any of These Cashmere Accessories, I'll Know You Have Expensive TasteCozy and chic.
-
7 Anti-Trend Denim Outfits I See Every Day in LondonThese looks will save you time in the morning.
-
10 Ways to Style a Cashmere Sweater That Feel Very 2025Trust us. These tweaks will make you look elegant.
-
It's Functional-Dressing Season—5 Winter Buys That Are Secretly So PracticalChic is just the beginning.
-
6 Chic Winter Outfits From Madewell That'll Have People Believing You Hired a Secret StylistI won't tell.
-
This British Style Muse Is Always Ahead of the Curve—5 Cool Pieces She's Wearing Right NowThese will bring your looks to the next level.
