Cover It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... (Photo: Net-a-Porter)

Christmas cheer is in full swing and New Year’s is just around the corner, so we look at how you can incorporate sparkle into your looks

Sequins, glitter, metallics, lamé—everything is on the table when it comes to party season, and it can feel daunting deciding how to wear such a statement fabric.

See more: Naomi Osaka Serves a Festive Metallic Look—And Here’s How You Can Too

The secret is in the styling, and there are different degrees of incorporating shimmer and shine into party looks, from beginner to expert. Here’s a guide on what pieces to choose for what kind of celebration, based on how much you want to sparkle…

Beginner

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Photo 1 of 7 Prada logo sequinned bucket hat (Photo: Matches Fashion)
Photo 2 of 7 Miu Miu faux pearl embellished sequinned leather pumps (Photo: Matches Fashion)
Photo 3 of 7 L'Agence Chamberlain sequin embellished metallic tweed blazer (Photo: Net-a-Porter)
Photo 4 of 7 Paco Rabanne sparkle mini sequinned crossbody bag (Photo: Matches Fashion)
Photo 5 of 7 Bottega Veneta crystal 18k gold plated earrings (Photo: Matches Fashion)
Photo 6 of 7 Dries Van Noten sequin embellished short sleeved wool jumper (Photo: Selfridges)
Photo 7 of 7 Maje Inatella sequinned high-rise tweed shorts (Photo: Selfridges)

You like a bit of sparkle, but prefer to keep things on the subtle side. Maybe it’s a casual drink with colleagues, an unofficial Christmas outing with friends, or you simply want to brighten up the atmosphere in the office. Select small accessories, like a funky handbag, hat or earrings to bring holiday cheer. A playful heel is the best way to add oomph to any look, and will pair well with neutral pieces you already own. 
 
If you want to be adventurous, choose a top with sequin details, or a tweed blazer with sparkles incorporated into the fabric. Fully sequinned shorts may seem like a lot, but when paired with a knit sweater and tights, it’ll look celebratory without being too loud.

Intermediate

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Photo 1 of 7 Osman Cesca puffed sleeved sequinned jacket (Photo: Selfridges)
Photo 2 of 7 Lapointe feather trimmed sequinned Georgette tank (Photo: Net-a-Porter)
Photo 3 of 7 HVN Lindy sequin embellished tulle dress (Photo: Net-a-Porter)
Photo 4 of 7 Ashish argyle sequinned Georgette tank (Photo: Net-a-Porter)
Photo 5 of 7 Commando sequinned stretch jersey leggings (Photo: Net-a-Porter)
Photo 6 of 7 Rotate Birger Christensen Aurelia cropped sequinned stretch jersey wrap top (Photo: Net-a-Porter)
Photo 7 of 7 Tibi Eclair pleated sequinned silk crepon midi skit (Photo: Net-a-Porter)

This isn’t your first rodeo, so amp up your wardrobe with more embellished pieces. A top, a jacket, or a vest are great options to add spice up top. Go for a fully sequinned bottom, such as a maxi skirt or leggings, if you prefer to draw the attention elsewhere.
 
Experiment with sheer panelling on a dress to add interesting texture to your look, or introduce other fun materials into the mix, like this feathered top.

Expert

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Photo 1 of 7 Rhode Priya silk blend lamé mini dress (Photo: Net-a-Porter)
Photo 2 of 7 Oscar De La Renta sequin embellished tulle and silk blend lamé gown (Photo: Net-a-Porter)
Photo 3 of 7 Ashish ruffled sequinned tulle mini dress (Photo: Matches Fashion)
Photo 4 of 7 Dries Van Noten Cuzco fringed lamé top (Photo: Net-a-Porter)
Photo 5 of 7 Halpern laced bodice sequinned midi dress (Photo: Matches Fashion)
Photo 6 of 7 Kalamanovich bow embellished sequinned woven gown (Photo: Selfridges)
Photo 7 of 7 Pinko Apogeo sequin-embellished midi dress (Photo: Selfridges)

You want to look like tinsel straight off the Christmas tree, and we fully support that! Go for gold (or silver for that matter) and opt for a top-to-toe dramatic look. If you’re a maximalist at heart, there’s no reason you can’t embody the spirit of a firework with this tulle dress, or perhaps you prefer celestial inspiration with a gown like the night sky. Maybe you want to embody a vintage theme, something inspired by Barbie, or maybe winter isn’t your thing at all and you just want to be rainbow. The sky is the limit and you can express the holiday spirit in abundance.

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