Flattering50: FOF: 5 Best Looks Over 50 in Glitter, Sequins & Metallics

Not surprisingly, this fall's love fest with the shiny stuff—glitter, sequins, metallics—has reached a feverish pitch during the holiday season. Glittery garments have been making the scene at night as well as during the day (gasp!). On a recent afternoon, I saw a young woman strolling the beach in a solid sliver sequin top. It was a bit blinding, needless to say. Personally, I prefer the twinkle of glitter and sequins by candlelight or moonlight--at night, that is. A sparkly garment, like the Sequin Skirt (Brown, Size SM) (was $129, now $59) above, can rescue me from the winter doldrums, energizing me for a night on the town. (I'm ga-ga for those chocolate brown sequins!) So for this week's Favorites Over Fifty (FOF), I've assembled my favorite looks in glitter, sequins and metallics for over 50 women.

Whether you’re thinking about adding a little twinkle to your New Year’s Eve look or for an upcoming 'black tie optional' wedding or to just wipe away the winter doldrums, click "Read More" below to see my favorite glittery options. I've included current marked downs where applicable and the text hyperlinks, so you can learn more about the garments or shop.

1. BLACK OR BLUE SEQUINS

While I love the shiny stuff, I have one rule: KISS--Keep It Subtle, Sweetheart. As a 50-something woman, I have no desire to enter a room lit up like a Christmas tree. So...all my favorite looks offer subtle sparkle. Take, for instance, black or navy blue sequins. A few months ago, PBS aired a Judy Collins concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Judy performed in a black sequin shell and blazer. She looked fabulous with her long, soft white hair. Take a peek...

I love dark sequins because they catch the light and twinkle, but are never blinding. For a look with a little extra pop, add a glittery silver accessory, like a bangle or clutch.

Shopping Sources

Max Studio ~ EVENING DRESS WITH SHOULDER DETAIL-12-BLACK (was $398, now $298)

Loehmann's ~ Km Collections Long Sleeve Sequin Illusion Tp (was $118, now $69.99)

Click on AnneKlein.com and take a peak at the Foiled Boat Neck Tunic (was $119, now $89) under "Tops." It looks very comfortable.

Looking for something in a Plus Size? Take a peek at this comfortable, well-priced Women's Plus Size Plush Sequin Elastic Waist Skirt - Navy, 18W (was $89.99, now $39.99) in navy blue from Land's End. It's available in Petite and Regular Sizes as well.

Women's Plus Size Plush Sequin Elastic Waist Skirt - Navy, 18W

2. THE SHINY SEPARATE

A shiny separate (a glitter top or skirt) paired with a solid top or bottom adds twinkle without going high beam. I want to look festive, not manic. I love the pairing of the Jones New York Sequin Pull On Skirt (Black, Size L) ($149) with the dark grey T-shirt and black belt and jacket in the photo above. Or for something with a little edge, how about the Sequin Boiled Wool Blend Pea Coat (was $198, but it's 50% off now) below with jeans. What a perfect look for a New Year's Eve concert, don't you think?

Shopping Sources

Loehmann's ~ Adrianna Papell Beaded Blouson Top (was $120, now $69.99)

Jones New York ~ Jones New York Sequin Jacket (Black, Size 14) ($268) in Sizes 4-16.

~ Jones New York Sequin Front Cardigan (Grey, Size L) (was $129, now $59) in Sizes Small thru X-Large.

Ann Taylor ~ Sequin Jacket ($198)

~ Metallic Animal Jacquard Pencil Skirt ($98)

Shopbop ~ Diane von Furstenberg Catalina Couture Sequin Tee (was $385, now $154) in Size 10 only.

~ Rachel Zoe Holly Sequin Dolman Top ($295) in Sizes 0-10.

3. PURE GOLD
Unfortunately, gold is not a flattering color for my complexion. However, I love it on other over 50 women. Gold offers a warm sparkle and it's a great change from black, the go-to color for elegance. Need over 50 inspiration? Take a peek at Anna Wintour in a gorgeous gold dress.

Shopping Sources

Jones New York ~ Jones New York Gold Sequin Cowl Neck Dress (Yellow, Size 12) ($139)

~ Jones New York Silk Jacquard Blouse (Orange, Size 14) ($139) in Sizes 4-16.

~ This Jones New York Shiny Sleeveless Shell (Brown, Size 14) (was $79, now $39) is glitter-free, but has plenty of shine.

Anne Klein ~ Anne Klein Sequin Collared Henley (Metallic, Size L) ($149) in Sizes Small - Large.

Loehmann's ~ Km Collections Short Sleeve Sequin Top (was $118, now $69.99)

4. GLITTER ACCENTS

I'm a New Yorker and I can tell you with confidence that the vast majority of my fellow New York revelers will be dressed in black on New Year's Eve. It's a tradition, it seems. That said, I love the idea of breaking out of black in a colorful garment with a hint of sparkle, like this Anne Klein Rhinestone Brooch Dress (Red, Size 14) ($128).

Shopping Sources

Loehmann's ~ Prelude Rhinestone Shoulder Strap Top (was $78, now $34.99)

5. Accessories
I left sparkly accessories for last because it's such a huge catagory, covering jewelry, belts, handbags, shoes--to name just a few. Here's a few examples I found online...