If 2018 Could Be Summed Up in One Trend, It'd Probably Be This One
There was a time not so long ago when too much bling was considered a big fashion no-no. But that was then and this is now, and this party season, crystals are officially trending. From subtle, jewel-embellished slingback heels to standout shoulder bags covered in rainbow gems, designers have been experimenting with the sparkly stuff and adding crystals to virtually every piece in their collections.
The easiest way to wear the trend? Start from your feet and work your way up. Look to a pair or embellished velvet mules to update your go-to denim, and then add earrings or a chic hair slide. To avoid overload, we recommend sticking to a maximum of two crystal pieces per outfit.
So whether you're a minimalist looking to dip your toe into the trend or a maximalist thrilled that brands are finally catering to your biggest vice, let us introduce you to the chicest crystal buys to wear right now. Keep scrolling to see who's wearing them, and then shop our edit of the best buys around.
Style Notes: Swap your block colour off-duty sweatshirt, tee or jumper dress for something glitzy and covered in crystals.
Style Notes: Whether your button-down shirt is plain, checked, oversized or denim, it'll feel instantly chic when teamed with a pair of giant crystal earrings.
Style Notes: What's better than a pair of bright-yellow Manolo Blahnik mules? A pair topped with crystals, of course. Offset yours with a pair of checked trousers.
Style Notes: Every wardrobe needs a perfect pair of party heels, and according to Instagram, your festive season style should come complete with a scattering of crystals.
Style Notes: Extend the trend to your sunglasses collection and dare to wear crystal topped cat-eye sunnies with floaty dresses and trainers now, and chunky knits and coats later.
Style Notes: If you're in a maximalist mood, take your cue from Style Heroine and don sparkly shoes and baubles together.
Key Buys
Take your cardigan obsession to the next level with a souped-up sparkly style.
Style this blazer over jeans, or pair it with sheer tights to wear it as a dress—we promise it's long enough.
Related: Winter 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know
Crystal buttons make this faux fur coat feel ultra-fancy.
Related: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss
Use florals and rhinestones to make the ultimate statement.
Make any outfit 10x more fanciful with this crystal denim cover-up.
This bag looks so much more expensive than it actually is.
So what are you waiting for? These sparkly pieces aren't going to buy (or wear) themselves.
Opening Images: Style Heroine
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
-
Every Fashion Girl Will Be Searching for This Chanel Item in 2019
Us included.
By Joy Montgomery
-
Influencers Keep Finding the Best Pieces From Your Teenage Shopping Haunt
I spent most of my youth in this place.
By Maxine Eggenberger
-
This Winter Colour Pairing Just Looks So Damn Expensive
Take note for 2019.
By Joy Montgomery
-
I've Discovered the Secret to Making Fashion Boots Super Cosy
Stylish, and now practical.
By Maxine Eggenberger
-
These £60 Tights Are the Definition of an Insta-Bait Accessory
Peak cool.
By Maxine Eggenberger
-
The Free Layering Trick Fashion Editors Have Been Doing Since September
Bring it on, winter.
By Joy Montgomery
-
8 Items Every London Fashion Girl Has in Her Winter Wardrobe
The ultimate capital capsule.
By Maxine Eggenberger
-
Forget Trainers—I'll Be Wearing This "Ugly" Boot Trend Instead This Year
This classic deserves attention.
By Harriet Davey