For those of you into sequins, a pair of sequin pants, leggings, or joggers is a must for the holiday season, especially if you’re attending a holiday event at a not-so-heated venue. Even for those of you who don’t usually care for sequins, you may just like the glamour of sequined pants. I picked up my first pair of sequin leggings about 11 years ago and they are still perfect — truly a testimony to the timelessness of sparkly pants. In fact, this post was first created over a decade ago. I was inspired to write about sequin leggings when I saw a fabulous pair by Alice + Olivia featured in Vogue. Those Alice + Olivia leggings had a fantastic feel and weight that grazed the entire body. Alas, those leggings are only available in a few sizes on eBay, so let’s get you all a diverse selection of fresh sequin stems.
What To Wear With Sequin Pants
A sequin pant look can easily become a spectacle if you overdo it, but it can also become a disconnected flop if you underdo it. You really have to find that glorious middle ground. You want your sequin pants to feel sophisticated or fashion-forward.
Whether your sequin pant of choice is a legging, a jogger, or a more traditional pant style like a trouser, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. To avoid a costumey look, do not add other sequined garments to your sequined pants unless it is a perfect match (like this set from Bloomingdale’s). I also like to avoid bold prints with sequin pants so your outfit doesn’t get too busy. If you want full glamour, go with a bold silhouette (instead of a bold print) and try a solid-colored statement top with ruffles or balloon sleeves with your sequin pants. And to avoid the bore-fest, skip pairing a plain, white t-shirt with your sequins — this is a pet peeve of mine.
For proper sequin pants — aka straight-legged, flared, or trouser sequin pants — wear a cropped top or a tucked-in blouse. A bodysuit also works if you have a high-waisted sequin pant, like the ones we feature below. (I style sequin joggers similarly, but I go into that with a little more detail below.)
If your sequin pant of choice is a sequin legging, you want more coverage, so skip the crop tops and wear a collared tunic (as pictured above). You can also try a long sweater in the same color as your sequin leggings. The mixture of textures within the same color can be sophisticated.
Shoe-wise, you want to do a spectacular pump or a pointed-toe flat. You can also do a simple open-toe heel.
How To Style Sequin Joggers
Similar to a proper sequin pant, sequin joggers pair best with a cropped top, a tucked-in blouse, or a bodysuit. But unlike sequin pants, you can wear a tunic or long sweater with sequin joggers. Though if you go that route you’ll need a higher stiletto heel to slim your silhouette. I prefer to recommend outfit ideas that do not require sky-high heels in order to achieve greatness, so stick with a cropped top or tucked-in look with the sequin joggers.
The one thing you can do with sequin joggers that you cannot do with sequin pants and leggings is wear booties. The elastic pant hem of a sequin jogger sits perfectly above or tucks into a bootie beautifully. For the best silhouette, select a slim more pointed-toe bootie.
Outerwear For Sequin Legging Outfits
If you are down to create a small spectacle, rock the faux fur — I mean, if you’re down, I’m down! But if you want a more sophisticated look, I love pairing a sleek hip-length or knee-length coat with sequin leggings, just like the model “off-duty” rocked over a decade ago in the Vogue feature (pictured at the bottom of the post). That is still a fantastic choice. I especially love a shiny trench coat with sequin leggings and pants. Notice I am recommending only structured outerwear. A simple sweater is too dull for a sequin pant look, and it will get snagged by the sequins.
Anne Klein Sequin Hollywood Waistband Straight Leg Pants
Available at Macy’s.
Sizing: XXS-XXL
Material: 100% polyester
Michael Costello x REVOLVE Harlow Sequin Pants + Blazer
Available at Revolve (pants + blazer)
Sizing: XXS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Ming Wang Novelty Sequin Wide Leg Pants
Keyword: carbon steel gate valves