How to do Festive Fashion…Without Sequins?

For years, Christmas has been synonymous with one thing: sequins.  Entire wardrobes have hinged on glittering dresses, disco-ball minis and shimmering tops that leave a trail of sparkle long after the party ends.  But this year, the style mood has shifted. 

The new festive fashion is quieter, richer and infinitely more sophisticated – proving you don’t need sequins to make an entrance.  Interestingly, this is the first time in so many years that personally I haven’t rushed to purchase any new sequins mainly because subconsciously I know I have enough and…are we all perhaps tired of looking like shiny disco balls? As a sequin-collector and superfan, I’m shocked that I’ve even said this out loud!

If anything, skipping the sparkles is a flex.   It says you’re confident enough to command attention without relying on things that twinkle.  So how do you master festive dressing minus the shine?

Here’s the blueprint.

1.        Velvet: The Unspoken Luxe

Where sequins shout, velvet whispers, and somehow still steals the room.  The plush fabric delivers depth, sophistication and a soft-focus glow under candlelight.  Think midnight-blue velvet trousers with a silk camisole, a tailored burgundy blazer, or even a simple black velvet slip dress.  The trick is choosing shapes that feel modern; wide leg silhouettes, clean tailoring or slinky cuts that skim rather than hug.  Velvet is already rich, let the texture do the talking.

2.        The Lace Renaissance

Lace is having a comeback – but not in the frilly, overly sweet way of years past.  This season’s lace is refined, directional and grown-up, making it a perfect alternative to sequins.  Black lace blouses layered over tonal camisoles deliver sheer drama without excess.  A lace-trim slip dress under an oversized blazer strikes the perfect balance of sultry and sophisticated.   Or choose a lace midi skirt paired with a chunky knit for an unexpected contrast that feels festive without trying too hard.  The key is choosing high-quality lace with modern cuts: think sharp necklines, long sleeves or geometric patterns that feel more runway than bridal boutique.

3.        Luxe Knits for the cosy-but-chic crowd

Not every festive moment calls for a gown.  Cashmere turtlenecks tucked into silk trousers, ribbed midi dresses, oversized knits with satin slip skirts – all create a warm yet refined mood.  Add structured accessories to keep the look polished.

4.        Jewel Tones – use colour to shine

Emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red (I would put burgundy/wine red into this category also) and amethyst purple inject instant opulence.  A deep wine satin skirt or forest-green tailored suit can be as striking as sequins – if not more.  When in doubt, wear red; it’s festive fashion’s perennial power move.

5.        Metallic Moments (without the glitter)

You can still glow without the speck of sparkle.  Satin gold skirts, brushed-metal accessories, silver lamé blouses and soft gunmetal pleats give off a subtle sheen.  Pair one metallic piece with grounding classics like a cashmere knit or crisp white shirt.  The effect is understated glamour – festive without the flash.

6.        Statement Sleeves and Sculptural Shapes

If sparkle isn’t your thing, lean into silhouette.  Draped shoulders, puff sleeves, sculpted waists and asymmetric hems bring visual drama without embellishment.  Architectural shapes feel expensive and editorial, especially in crepe, wool-silk blends or satin.  Choose one statement per outfit to keep things chic rather than costume-y.  Think of it as quiet drama: powerful, intentional and unmistakably modern.

Festive fashion doesn’t need to sparkle loudly to feel celebratory.  With velvet, lace, metallics, sculptural shapes and rich colours, you can build festive looks that are grown-up, glamorous and effortlessly current.  This season, let the textures speak – not the sequins.