Shine Bright: The Ultimate Guide to Wearing Sequins in Your 60s

By golly, it started at Asda. I've developed a newfound affection for sequins , that is. It happened in one of its superstores when I was waiting to see an ophthalmologist (Yes, I was amazed that I could have a high-quality medical consultation at a supermarket), which left me mesmerized—not by the eye drops used during the examination but by a striking pair of black sequined trousers. They were displayed close to the pajamas section, exuding an air of casual elegance. Unable to resist their appeal, I quickly scanned them and exited the store with my sparkling find, passing through the produce aisle.

The truth is, I haven't worn sequins since the 1990s when I purchased a tight-fitting dress for hosting a magazine’s award event. Despite it being an afternoon affair, the fancy and glamorous atmosphere seemed fitting at the time. Back then, I was slender and brimming with youthful audacity. Following that occasion, sequins lost their sheen And I haven’t worn them since then. Up until now. In my 60s.

Why choose the glowing option? There are two reasons for this. Right before my supermarket run, I had visited a Trinny London The beauty event was launched at the Design Museum, where another attendee arrived wearing a slightly loose, sequined trousersuit in a deep cocoa shade. The outfit didn't have over-the-top sparkle, but it subtly shimmered with her every step — a perfectly executed selection considering the occasion. Trinny Woodall She herself has long held the title of unquestioned sequin queen.

Next, as an additional blow, the fashion icon from the latest series of The Traitors , Francesca Rowan-Plowden, also known as Frankie , showed up for the ultimate face-off looking absolutely stunning in a red sequined dress. Sure, she's younger than me. I wouldn't be able to pull off something so form-fitting. However, her expertise was truly remarkable. midlife glamour It was sufficient to lure me into the sparkling realm.

I indulged in a shirt from Mint Velvet and stumbled upon a Free People miniskirt at a thrift store. Both pieces were crafted with sequins attached to mesh, giving them a lovely loose and flowy quality—stiff material makes me feel like I'm about to perform at the London Palladium. Yet, what I truly desire is a creamy skirt by Stella McCartney And a decorative dress from either Alice Temperley or Needle & Thread.

It appears I'm following a trend since sequins were prominently featured across various spring/summer 2025 runway presentations in surprising manners. Consider Burberry , where it didn't quite find a counterpart but rather its opposite: an aquamarine sequined dress was worn underneath a pale blue parka, contrasting with a lacy, caramel-colored top shimmering overkhaki cargo pants. Similarly, Prada A dazzling sequin-adorned dress stood out against a bright yellow raincoat.

To gain further knowledge, I delved into Trinny's extensive archive. Closet Confessions On YouTube, where I discovered several ballet powder-room discussions. In her currently seminal lecture, How to Style Sequins, She declared, "I adore them. They simply fill my life with happiness. When I'm feeling down, a sequin cheers me up." do It’s perfect for me, regardless of the event I'm attending...” She also mentioned that she had sported a sequined jacket paired with track pants.

I was captivated by her makeup transformations, particularly the one where she showcased wearing sequins during daytime. She demonstrated that you can sport a glittery top beneath a cozy gray jacket, with each piece enhancing the appeal of the other through contrast. Alternatively, she showed how to combine a sequined pleated skirt with chunky boots and an over-sized sweater. Additionally, she tones down the flashy look by adding white sneakers to the ensemble.

I now understand that a) sequins aren’t solely for Christmas; they’re meant to last forever, b) their versatility exceeds expectations and can easily transition from formal to casual settings, making them a staple piece in your closet, and c) they add a splash of cheerfulness during gloomy days when the world seems disheartening.

I reached out to Frankie for her insights (it had to be done). First off, could you share your thoughts on the reasoning behind wearing that red dress? "Production instructed us to bring along something 'fancy' just in case we ended up going to the event. final She explains, "I sorted all my clothing items that I brought to the castle according to Cluedo character themes. While I was there, I didn’t reveal this arrangement to either the cast or the production team—I kept it secret as a personal diversion from the actual gameplay. This method also helped me organize and pack more efficiently. The organization wasn't strict but based somewhat on color: yellow outfits were associated with Colonel Mustard, burgundy ones with Professor Plum, blues with Mrs. Peacock, and the red dress symbolized Miss Scarlett. Wearing those dresses gave me an incredible sense of empowerment. Once dressed, I felt very resolute."

Frankie mentions that she has always had a fondness for sequins. "They accompany me through all the seasons. I love pairing a sequined skirt with chunky jumper A favorite style for me in the wintertime involves sequined pants paired with a denim shirt, which always lifts my mood. I strongly believe that life should be enjoyed, and each day ought to feel like a festive occasion!"

This is well said. Sequins carry some emotional weight. After spending money on something fancy, you may find yourself holding off until just the perfect moment arises, which often leads to storing this item away in your closet for extended periods. Stop delaying. Take it out. Wear it. Create an excuse to wear it whenever you choose to put it on.

While you're at it, put aside any worries about whether sequins are suitable based on age or size. Rachel Peru, a mature model recognized for her striking silver locks and voluptuous build, definitely disagrees with such limitations. "I enjoy rocking my leopard-print sequin pants paired with a simple white T-shirt and an oversize blazer," she states confidently.

When purchasing glittery ensembles, I prioritize quality," she notes. "Spending a little extra ensures you won’t end up too warm or uncomfortable. My favorite sparkly items come from vintage collections dating back to the 1980s—they boast fantastic designs that flatter my figure. As for sporting sequins, I believe the sole guideline should be whether they boost your confidence.

Do

• Combine sequined pieces with laid-back garments like bulky sweaters, athletic pants, warm jackets, and sneakers to balance out their glamorous look.
• Experiment with layers. Put on a vest or sleeveless top over a sequined dress, or reveal a hint of sequined wristbands peeking out from beneath a tailored blazer.
• Choose materials that flow well. Structured sequined pieces might appear somewhat theatrical.
• Consider using translucent sequins that shine in white or grey tones; these can offer a more subtle alternative compared to opaque paillettes.
• Include something shiny in your suitcase for both vacations and business travels. It doesn’t wrinkle and allows you to take advantage of its newfound flexibility.

Don’t

• Put sequined investments aside in your closet. Wear them instead.
• Always opt for traditional silver and black — consider more unconventional colors like forest green, burgundy, navy, or chocolate brown instead.
• Stack up the jewelry. Allow the sequins to steal the show.
• If you aim to downplay the glamour, wear sequins adjacent to exposed skin (as they might remind one of 1980s evening events). For example, layer a long-sleeve shirt underneath an embellished loose-fitting blouse.

Subscribe to the Front Page newsletter at no cost: Your key resource for today’s schedule from The Telegraph—delivered directly to your mailbox every single day of the week.