"It’s the sartorial equivalent of a SAD lamp”
I am not one of those people who saves things for best. In fact, I save my favourite pieces for when I feel my worst. Like when I know I have a day full of things that scare me, or, you know, Monday. That’s when I pull out the velvet leopard print, the luxurious cashmere jumper or (as we are gathered here today to discuss) the sequin skirt.
I’m thrilled that A/W 24 seems to be the season of the sequin midi skirt (or midaxi, which Marks & Spencer seems determined to make happen – are they not, I put it to you, the same thing?). In fact, this winter, sequin skirts have had a glow-up, if that’s even possible. Now they come with added fringing, oversized sequins or in every colour of the rainbow.
And unlike a novelty Christmas knit, you can get away with a sparkly skirt all winter – arguably, all year – long. Wear it with trainers, a tee and a leather jacket to Pret and you barely elicit a glance over the falafel and halloumi wraps. Pair it with a chunky knit and boots for the office and your colleagues either don’t bat an eyelid (too many open tabs, too busy screaming into the void) or whisper, “I love your skirt,” in the lift. Either way, it’s a bit less jarring than a bright red jumper that screams “Tinsel tits”.
It is true that sequins are not good for the environment. They’re generally made of plastic with a metallic reflective coating, and because they can fall off easily, you’re essentially shedding microplastics as you go. Add to that the fact that after the party’s over, many sequin items are discarded, only to be replaced the following year.
If you want to wear sequins but are keen to minimise the impact, either buy secondhand or find a piece you love and rewear it, preferably all year round. I couldn’t resist the swishy gorgeousness of the M&S Autograph fringed sequin midaxi/midi (midixi?) skirt this winter and I’ll be wearing it from now until New Year’s Eve and next year, too. Because when your Monday morning meeting is going south, at least you’re sparkling on the outside and, let me tell you, it exits a boardroom beautifully.
Another favourite in my wardrobe is a black sequin and feather skirt I bought from Mint Velvet last year (shown below, modelled inexplicably with a portion of McDonald’s fries). It has already had a lot of wears (and compliments). Trust me, it’s hard to have a bad day when you’re dressed in oversized sequins and feathers.
And that’s the sequin skirt’s superpower: it’s eminently wearable and joyful at the same time. I see it as a sort of modern-day armour against gloomy days and an even gloomier news cycle. It’s the sartorial equivalent of a SAD lamp.
So, prepare to shine through party season and beyond with my pick of the best sequin skirts on the high street right now, and ideas on how to style them year-round. Because, like puppies and panettone, sequin skirts aren’t just for Christmas.
Sequin Midaxi A-Line Skirt
This is a total show-stopper of a skirt, which also appears in the January issue of Good Housekeeping, just FYI, so you're hearing it here first. It also keeps selling out online, so if you like it, we recommend snapping it up. From the teal colour to the oversized sequins, it really stands out from the crowd. Keep it really simple on top, add some kitten heels, and you're ready.
Sequin Midaxi Pencil Skirt
Yes, have another midaxi (sigh) pencil skirt from good old M&S. I love the gorgeous bold red of this one. I’d probably wear it with a tonal chunky, roll-neck knit and some brown boots, but it would look equally gorgeous with a crisp white shirt and black kitten heels.
Magalia Skirt
This is a classic straight, mid-length skirt from my favourite French brand, Sézane, which makes pieces to last, so you’ll be able to bring it out year after year. I’d be tempted to dress it down with a simple white T-shirt, trainers and a red lip, Parisian style. You could add a smoking jacket and heels for evening.
Sequin midi skirt
It’s the colour I love with this one – oxblood is the shade of the season and goes beautifully with grey, so you could add a fine soft grey knit, although I love the sheer blouse and kitten heels look, too. You could always add a blazer over the top or a cami underneath to spare any blushes.
Embellished Mermaid Maxi Skirt
While Mint Velvet hasn’t got anything similar to my favourite sequin and feather midi this year, this maxi skirt, which has small, sparkly embellishments and a mermaid-tail hemline, is another show-stopper. This is a bit more dressy, although you could tone it down a little with a fine black polo neck. Alternatively, a simple shell top or cami and low strappy heel will let the skirt do the talking.
Arwen Sequin Leopard Velvet Midi Skirt Black
This one had me at velvet, sequin-adorned leopard spots. Wear with a T-shirt or fine knit and some slouchy black boots, and add your favourite gold jewellery.
After more wardrobe heroes?
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