Why sequins are so hot for summer

Shine on, people.

After years of devotion to minimalism, a new era of full-on fashion fun is now in play. Heralded in by Alessandro Michele at Gucci, we’re embracing all things frilly and frivolous, we’re accessorising all areas… and so it was only a matter of time before sequins became part of the obsession, wasn’t it?

Yes, the fabric that was once reserved for New Year’s Eve and maybe a special birthday, is now even office appropriate, as the fashion-savvy are taking on twinkly fabrics for both day and night.

On the SS16 runways, Isabel Marant and Louis Vuitton championed full-look metallics, Gucci delivered clever trompe l'oiel effects, and JW Anderson broke actual mirrors for his own take on chunky sequins. The magpies were rejoicing.

The street style set pare down their Vetements’ silver wares with white tees and light denim, creating a glam-casual sartorial concept that, let’s face it, just looks really, really cool.

So if we treat our metallics as the new neutrals, we can basically work them into any outfit? That’s what Mira Duma, Olivia Palermo and co. seem to be telling us in the gallery above, with sparkling twists on their everyday wardrobes.

Of course, this trend naturally lends itself to eveningwear too. For your summer soiree inspo, look to Alicia Vikander, who wore Louis Vuitton on the red carpet last night. Slightly matte in texture, her sequins looked chic not cheap, and that, we’d say, is the key to updating the look for now, and not mimicking an 80s fashion throwback.