There’s something about New Year’s Eve that makes us gravitate towards sequins. The more embellished, the better; that's the usual approach to getting gussied up to watch the ball drop. Suddenly, the full-on sparkly party dress — the very item meant to make you stand out the dance floor — is the item most likely to make you blend in. How can you achieve the same festive, look-at-me effect sans sequins?
We’ve done our fair share of party dressing for all sorts of holiday affairs in the past few weeks. But New Year’s requires a very specific wardrobe: eye-catching and light-catching. However, that doesn't necessarily require sequins. Jacquard metallics and glittery knits (a much less messy alternative to actual glitter) have risen up to the sequin-free shimmer challenge. Lupita Nyong'o, Amal Clooney, and others are doing festive dressing without the embellishment — and you can, too. Check out their take on the glimmery trend, ahead.
A ribbed, metallic silver maxi is not the easiest style to pull off. Lupita Nyong’o breaks up the textured shine and curve-hugging shape of her Louis Vuitton dress with a thin patent belt, worn high on the waist, for definition.
Photo: Victor Chavez/Getty Images.
Nyong'o's Star Wars: The Force Awakens co-star Daisy Ridley also knows a thing or two about low-key sparkle. Her Roland Mouret gown features a speckled, beaded bodice and a black organza skirt that shimmers softly in the light. The dress resembles a starry night sky (not a full-on disco ball).
Photo: Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images.
Amal Clooney's buttoned-up jacquard matching set also delivers a dose of soft sparkle. This champagne-hued two-piece — with its cropped trousers — just begs for a night of dancing.
Photo: David M. Benett/Getty Images.
In case you plan on starting your festivities early in the day, take a cue from Emily Blunt’s Lela Rose shirtdress: daytime on top, party-all-night on the bottom thanks to a pleated, metallic-dipped hem.
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