Party-Ready Tops

WITH APOLOGIES for the buzz kill, we’re less than two weeks away from the shortest day of the year. So it’s no wonder we’re chasing the light, whether from the tinsel of Christmas trees or the glow of burning candles. And that same principle applies to us, as well as our homes. The more light reflected on our faces, the better we look—and feel, too. You’re thinking jewelry, right? Always a good idea, but another option in this season of parties is shirts, blouses and sweaters with their own sparkle and shine. Here, 13 suggestions with plenty of shimmer.

LEFT: When you’re tired (quelle horreur!) of that little sleeveless black sheath, change the look with a swingy, cape-like sequin top. $99.99 from Mango.  RIGHT: Who needs a lot of jewelry when your sequin sweater sparkles all on its own? $69, Zara. 

LEFT: Leopard is forever, at least this year.  We’re especially fond of its subtle look in metallic on Equipment’s Tie-Neck Long-Sleeve Burnout Blouse. Dress it up with velvet tuxedo pants or down with skinny leather ones. $330, Neiman Marcus. RIGHT: A dazzling crystal brooch on the neckline lights up Dodo Bar Or’s Veronica Polka Dot Fil-Coupé Blouse. Up the opulence factor. Wear it with slim satin trousers. $553, Matches.

LEFT: A puff sleeve on Ulla Johnson’s Raw Sequin Blouse will work for glamour girls who want to tone down the seriousness of sequins. $495,  Nordstrom. MIDDLE: How to take an office-appropriate button-down to a blouse worthy of a festive night out? Make it in metallic. L’Agence’s Nina Knit Metallic Blouse is $425, Saks Fifth Avenue. RIGHT: Don’t you just hate it when one of your favorites sells out? Alas, that’s the case with Topshop’s adorable Rainbow Bow Blouse with metallic sparkle. Check out alternatives at Nordstrom.

LEFT: Save money on spendy gems. The embellished cuffs stand in for jewels on this sheer, blouson-sleeved Alice + Olivia Vix Top. Reduced to $330 from $440. Limited sizes. Neiman Marcus. RIGHT: Not all fancy tops need to be black. Case in point: Velvet by Graham & Spencer’s peach-colored Brighton Blouse, dripping with sequin icicles. $257, Anthropologie.

LEFT: Wear this semi-sheer Top With Metallic Thread day or night. As shown above, over a black turtleneck for some daytime shine or by itself for after-dark chic. $39.90, Zara. RIGHT: Thanks to the curved hem on Rixo London’s Sequinned Pussy Bow Blouse, you can wear it in or out. For the adventurous, pair it with a print skirt. $171, Farfetch.

LEFT: The metallic silver polka dots on Diane von Furstenberg’s Larryn Silver Spot Wrap Top are all you need to shine for an evening out. Plus, those puffed sleeves put the emphasis on that small waist of yours. The flowing waist ties add attitude. Always a good thing. $398, Matches. RIGHT: Can’t make up your mind whether you’re feeling bohemian or glam? Iro’s Metallic Tie-Neck Blouse combines a little boho with a little glitz. $278, Nordstrom.

—Janet Kelly

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