The Sequin Trap. As soon as the temperatures drop, it’s instantly the festive season. Something to look forward to is key to surviving the grey and the cold — and nothing lifts a dreary day quite like festive dressing.

This is the time of year we all lean into had-to-have purchases and emotional dressing. Ditching sombre layers for detailed fabrics, feminine touches, and brighter colours can feel thrilling.

But… proceed with caution.

When I’m editing clients’ wardrobes, these emotional purchases are usually the ones that:
A. Get edited out entirely
B. End up in a drawer with other single-use items — accompanied by a healthy dose of guilt

I walked past a charity shop this week with 6 mannequins dressed in sequins… that says a lot.

I’m having lots of conversations this year about how to dress for festive occasions without ending up with regretful buys.

Let’s Talk Sequins (and Reality)

Look, I love a sequin as much as the next person. But I do eye-roll when I see articles about “how to dress down a sequin for everyday.” That’s a marketing ploy designed to get you buying more things you don’t need.

The truth? You’re not wearing that sequin skirt with a blazer to work or on the school run. Trust me — I’ve tried. 😂

So instead of saying “I want to feel festive,” try saying this to yourself instead:

“I want to feel dramatic.”

When we really boil it down, the fun of festive dressing lies in its drama. So if we think about adding drama rather than festivity, we can be creative without blowing the budget on another never-to-be-worn-again sparkly number.

How to Add Drama (Without Regret)

The good news is, drama doesn’t have to mean sequins. You can add impact with:

• A red lipstick or bold eyeliner
• A killer pair of heels
• Fun tights with your go-to outfit
• Some well-chosen jewellery (I love gifting myself a new piece around this time of year)

And trust me — the long-term satisfaction of reworking something you already own far outlasts the quick dopamine hit of buying another sequin dress.

If You Must Add Something New…

If your wardrobe really isn’t scratching that festive itch, here are some smart buys that will earn their keep long after December:

• Sheer fabrics:
  Perfect with a lace bra for a party, or layered over a slip for work.
• Draped fabrics:
  Add instant drama — but pair with tailoring to tone it down.
• Fringing:
  Trickier for everyday, but more playful and subtle than sequins.
• Embellishments:
  Think of them as sequins’ cooler, older sister. When it’s about the detail, not the main event, wearability increases.
• Velvet:
  Skip the traditional festive colours and it’ll blend beautifully into your year-round wardrobe — especially as trousers.
• Silk:
  The natural shine adds instant polish. My silk slip dress from Le Set is endlessly versatile — layered with a fine-knit polo for work, or dressed up with a blazer, statement

Start with what you have, and build from there.
If you’re buying something new, make sure it’s for life — not just for Christmas.

Suggestions here. 

Penny.

P.S. We are busy putting together Christmas gifting selections. Please book in the next few days to confirm your slot.

Image Credit: Vogue.com