10 Ways to Sparkle Without Looking Like You’re Wearing a Costume

It’s nice to wear a little sparkle around the holiday season.  The problem is, there is always a chance I’ll end up looking a little like this:

 Name: Kiira Korpi Country: Finland Free Skate score: 108.61 Overall score: 161.57 Place: 11th Fashion score: 3 We're torn here. Yes, it's tasteful, but the Olympics is not the time to just throw on your little black dress. Photo: Stockman/Getty

Photo: Stockman/Getty 2010

Only, you know, less coordinated.
Since the uncoordinated figure skater look doesn’t exactly work for me, I thought I’d round up some of the best ways to add a little sparkle to your wardrobe (that you won’t need to pair with skates).

Understated Sequin Dress

sequin line dress madewell

Sequin Line Dress
Madewell  // $298

Didn’t think you’d ever see “understated” and “sequin” in the same sentence? I didn’t either… until I saw this dress from Madewell.  Let’s break this down:  reasonable hemline: Check. Accentuates the waist: Check. Vertical lengthening stripes: Check.  I can’t think of a holiday function where this won’t be appropriate.

Hostess with the Mostess

Starlight hearted modcloth

Starlight Hearted Dress
Modcloth // $202.99

Looking for the perfect dress to ring in the new year?  I might have a problem when it comes to my love for confetti so of course this dress is going to make the list. Ivory and gold sequins on a stormy grey mesh… sigh…

Anti-LBD

sleevlesssequin asos

River Island Sleeveless Sequin Dress
ASOS // $108.89

This drapey dress doesn’t cling and has slightly longer hemline so you won’t feel like you are on your way to a club at your next Christmas party.  This dress has a slightly open back for a flirty style.

Big Bash Party Dress

yournamelight ruche

Your Name is Light Dress
Ruche // $79.99

“… I like large parties. They’re so intimate.  At small parties there isn’t any privacy.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby.  I love this dress for a bigger bash.  Keep the accessories simple for this one, the dress shines on it’s own.

Classic and Elegant

embellished peter pan coller boden

Jeweled Tunic Dress
Boden // $148.50 (sale price)

Tired of neutrals? Try this easy shift dress updated with an embellished Peter Pan collar. Perfect for a holiday concert, service or play.  Simple and elegant.

Budget Bling

cocktailhoursdress f21

Cocktail Hour Beaded Dress
Forever 21 // $29.80

Yes, I went there… my cheap-o obsession. But enough about my dirty little secret. I love the beading just around the neckline in this one.  The beading breaks up the nude being too close to your face, and at under $30 it’s an absolute steal. Pair this with long black coat and envelope clutch for a chic holiday look when the dress code is slightly ambiguous.

Plus Size

deco curve asos

Skater Dress With Deco Sequin Top
ASOS // $81.67

I’m not gonna leave my curvier girls with out a little sparkle.  Sure, it’s got “skater” in the description but I love the figure-flattering A-line fit and fitted bodice on this dress– and yes, there’s that deco pattern again. I just can’t get away from it.

Sparkle, Mama

Bow sparkle dress h2br

Bow Shift Dress
Hip to be Round // $132.00

It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t take care of my pregnant mama’s too. After all I’m mildly maternity-clothes obsessed. The bow on this dress brings eyes up and away from your belly, which is great when you feel like you’re constantly saying “Hello! My eyes are up here!”

Everyday Sparkle

merona sequin target

Merona® Pullover Sweater with Sequin Shoulder Detail
Target // $24.99

Let’s face it: you need to brighten up your Tuesday. Pair this with a pencil for a night out or with dark skinnies for, you know, a Tuesday.  Best part about this sweater is that you can treat yourself with it when you need to go get some new white socks and a half a gallon of milk.

The Statement Necklace

statement jcrew

Crystals Triangle Necklace
J.Crew // $135

Not sure you can go all out sequin? That’s alright. Start small with a (removable) statement necklace like this one.  Pop this puppy on with a tired crew neck LBD for an instant cocktail-worthy outfit… but don’t stop there! This necklace looks just as awesome paired with a tee jeans and a blazer (you’re never over dressed for the bus stop).

 

So will you be wearing something with a little shine this holiday?
I may have already decided on my New Year’s Eve dress.  Which one of these is your favorite?

 

Sarah Cole

Sarah is a full time working mom of three boys, Max, Hudson and Marlowe. In addition to working and parenting, Sarah has also been seen as an actress on the Richmond stage (and screen). She blogs lovingly but sporadically at SarahsMotherBlog.wordpress.com

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