I am sequin-averse. There, I said it. Anyone that knows me knows one thing – I’m not a big fan of sequins. So it might seem at odds that I'm about to wax lyrical about sequin skirts, but ever since I saw Alexa Chung wear one with a grey cable knit sweater circa 2010-something, I did a 180. For sequin skirts, I make an exception, and it seems I’m not alone; they’ve become a partywear staple, as synonymous with a shindig as an LBD. And spoiler alert: they always - always - sell out before December, because they are, without fail, the perfect Christmas party outfit. If you're thinking ahead and in need of some Christmas party outfit inspiration, let me your guide.
And I’m not joking when I say for every jeans and a nice top, or LBD, there’s a sequin skirt worn at a festive party. Sequin skirts are universally cool; they can be dressed up, toned down and are always flattering.
The silver sequin skirt: M&S Sequin Tassel Knee Length Sequin Skirt, £89
The black sequin skirt: Gini London Black Sequin Skirt, £44 at New Look
The gold sequin skirt: Sequin Midi Skirt, £28 at River Island
The mini sequin skirt: Whistles Sequin Mini Skirt in Black, £129
The pink sequin skirt: Never Fully Dress Pink Sequin Midi Skirt, £129 at John Lewis
From Loewe to Ellie Saab, they’ve made their way up and down the catwalk and the sales speak for themselves - from midi sequin skirts to micro-mini and even maxi, these sell fast so you've got to be quick if you want to add one to your fashion rotation, especially before its festive party season.
Sequin skirt outfit inspiration
A sequin midi skirt is far easier to style than you might think - just look at Holly Willoughby, Alexa Chung and a host of street style influencers who wear theirs with knits through winter and spring. The sequin skirt is the fun alternative to a traditional party dress, looking as stylish with a silky cami and heels as they do a chunky roll-knit jumper and boots – wearable, affordable and statement making are just some of the reasons we love them so.
Party time? Co-ordinate with similar shades to your sequin for a chic colour clash. Add a sheer blouse, satin tee or clashing sequins. Brunch calls for a hoodie or cable-knit sweater with sneakers and your sequin skirt, because life's too short to save those sequins for the dancefloor.
Anything that can be dressed up or down season upon season gets pride of place in our wardrobe. Trust us, the cost per wear will be pennies because you’ll be wearing it so often. The only downside of a sequin skirt? They go out of stock, and fast.
How I chose the best sequin skirts
- Price: There's no need to spend hundreds on a sequin skirt - some of the best are under £40, and they don't scrimp on quality or style either. I've found a range of prices, so there should be one to fit your budget. Many are on sale, making it a great time to get yours.
- Style: You won't find any subtle embellishment or the odd diamante here. The sequin skirts here are as sparkly and full-on sequinned as is humanly (or high street) possible. The more sequins the better.
- Length: When I first think of a sequinned skirt, I think of the classic midi length. But a sequin mini skirt works just as well so I've included a variety of lengths into this edit.
- Colour: Gold, silver and black might seem standard sequin fodder, but it's worth considering sequinned skirts in brights, patterns and muted tones too. Pink, red and green sequin skirts are trending for 2024.
Shop the best sequin skirts
1/9
M&S Sequin Tassel Knee Length Midi Skirt
Sizes: 6 - 24
Colours: Silver
Silver sequins and tassels combine in this midi length skirt to make a noteworthy piece.
Editor's note: "This is the skirt of the season, and I'd recommend snapping one up while they're in stock. M&S' sequin skirt looks equally as cool with a plain tee as it does a grey knit, and is an ideal knee length."
2/9
New Look Black Sequin Midi Skirt
Sizes: 8-16
Colours: Black
Embellished with light reflecting, black sequins, this sequin skirt has an elasticated waist plus a full lining to create a smooth silhouette.
Editor's note: "Rather than one-dimension sequins, the light-reflecting sequins makes it look far more glittery yet somehow less showy, while the length adds even more drama. And did I mention the price?!"
3/9
River Island Gold Sequin Midi Skirt
Sizes: 2-14
Colours: Gold
Gold sequins adorn this fluted midi skirt, which hits just below the knee and has a high waist fit.
Editor's note: "This River Island sequin skirt is a steal. The rose gold is a gorgeous shade and a little different, and the fluted yet fitted style is universally flattering."
4/9
Never Fully Dressed Pink Sequin Skirt
Sizes: 34 - 38
Colours: Pink
With baby pink sequins and a midi length, this sequin skirt is a cool alternative to metallics or black.
Editor's Note: "How stunning is the colour of this sequin skirt? The muted shade is calling out for a winter white top and its a nice change from the classic gold, silver and black sequin skirts."
5/9
Next Burgundy Sequin Skirt
Sizes: 6-22 in petite, regular and tall lengths
Colours: Burgundy red
Next's sequin skirt has a slightly flared maxi cut, zip fastening and slit at the back.
Editor's Notes: "Part of the Rochelle Humes collection, this stunning sequin maxi skirt is in the colour of the season - burgundy. It's a maxi length, which adds to the drama, and has a slit at the back."
6/9
Very Red Sequin Skirt
Sizes: 8 - 20
Colours: Red
This Christmas-red sequin skirt screams the festive season, with its bold colour and pencil skirt shape.
Editor's Note: "If you're a lover of bold, bright colours this Very skirt is just the thinng for the festive season."
7/9
Never Fully Dressed Green Sequin Skirt
Sizes: 6-28
Colours: Green
A wrap tie fastening makes this sequin skirt stand out from the rest - it can be tied in multiple ways.
Editor's Note: "Giving Grinch-green vibes, I adore this Never Fully Dressed skirt for the season. From the multi-tie option to the long length, I think it's an easy one to dress up, down and great for every seasonal too."
8/9
M&S Blue Sequin Skirt
Sizes: 6-24
Colours: Blue
A slip style skirt from M&S in icy blue, this is midi length and comes in petite, regular and tall.
Editor's Note: "This is perfect for us non-sequin girlies, as it doesn't scream sparkle and is a much more subtle glimmer, with the icy blue hue and easy to wear length."
9/9
Whistles Sequin Mini Skirt
Sizes: 4 - 20
Colours: Black sequin mix
Whistles' black sequin mini ticks all the boxes for a wearable mini with glam embellishment.
Editor's Note: "This mini version, with tinsel like embellishment, gets my vote as the coolest glammest mini."
Verdict: It's the M&S sequin skirt in silver that gets my vote; not only is it sequinned, but the fringing sets it apart from the rest to bring it bang up to date. Props also to the mini Whistles skirt, which I'm sure for cost per wear would be mere pennies.
