Emma Willis gives silver sequins an elegant edge with this classic wardrobe staple
She made sequins feel chic and wearable
Emma Willis wore an appropriately iconic look for Strictly Come Dancing’s Icons Week on Saturday. She wowed in a sequin-embellished midi skirt and proved that, on or off the dance floor, sequins can feel surprisingly sophisticated.
Dazzling sequins are a staple when it comes to partywear but, sometimes, they can feel a little OTT. That certainly wasn’t the case, though, with Emma’s silver gradient sequin midi skirt from Self-Portrait with its long, feather-like sequins lending her look dynamic texture and incandescent shine.
Emma complemented the silver finish with the So Nude sandals by Aquazzura. The playful, metallic finish was balanced out by a sleek and minimalistic, single-strap design.
But it was her choice of a crisp white shirt - With Nothing Underneath’s The Dress Shirt - that really cemented her style as ultra-elegant. If you’ve been struggling to style sequins, this look is nothing short of a masterclass. Bravo to her stylist Leah Binnall!
Shop Emma's Look
Emma's white shirt is made from 100% organic cotton, with classic tailoring giving it a versatile and classic look. Pleated details down the front add an elevated flair that's still understated and timeless.
While Self-Portrait call their long sequins 'feather-like,' this ARRANGE skirt has 'shard'-like sequins that are similarly long and flowy in texture. The resulting look bursts with elevated texture.
A block heel and ankle strap give these leather heels a more comfortable edge than Emma's pair, while their silver finish and simple design still play into her look.
Like Emma's shirt, this one from COS is made from 100% cotton, with its classic tailoring lending the staple a versatile and timeless feel.
The rounded sequins on this option boast a sophisticated feel against the draped bias cut.
A silver finish gives these heels a statement look, while the rest of the design is kept elegant and minimal for a sophisticated feel.
While a classic LBD or leather midi might be go-tos for date night outfits, cocktail parties or foolproof formal wear, sequin midi skirts offer a more playful alternative that, Emma proves, can feel just as sophisticated. The trick is to pair the party-ready piece with something a little more understated, and the capsule wardrobe staple of a white button-up is exactly the kind of piece to do this with.
Her shirt felt more relaxed thanks to Emma rolling up the sleeves, and it brought a bright, business-casual feel to the dressy sequins that amped up the formality of her outfit. The white hue carried the brightness of the metallic embellishments through her look, too, while also ensuring there was plenty of light close to her face, which is a trick that can help make any look more universally flattering.
While Emma teamed her skirt and shirt combo with heels to create an occasion-ready outfit, sequined skirts are surprisingly versatile and can be relied upon to create a whole host of different autumn outfit ideas. Team yours with one of your best wool jumpers and a pair of ankle boots, or keep Emma’s button-up and swap out her heels for loafers.
