If 2018 Could Be Summed Up in One Trend, It'd Probably Be This One

There was a time not so long ago when too much bling was considered a big fashion no-no. But that was then and this is now, and this party season, crystals are officially trending. From subtle, jewel-embellished slingback heels to standout shoulder bags covered in rainbow gems, designers have been experimenting with the sparkly stuff and adding crystals to virtually every piece in their collections.

The easiest way to wear the trend? Start from your feet and work your way up. Look to a pair or embellished velvet mules to update your go-to denim, and then add earrings or a chic hair slide. To avoid overload, we recommend sticking to a maximum of two crystal pieces per outfit.

So whether you're a minimalist looking to dip your toe into the trend or a maximalist thrilled that brands are finally catering to your biggest vice, let us introduce you to the chicest crystal buys to wear right now. Keep scrolling to see who's wearing them, and then shop our edit of the best buys around.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Style Notes: Swap your block colour off-duty sweatshirt, tee or jumper dress for something glitzy and covered in crystals.

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(Image credit: @tamumcpherson)

Style Notes: Whether your button-down shirt is plain, checked, oversized or denim, it'll feel instantly chic when teamed with a pair of giant crystal earrings.

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(Image credit: @annarvitiello)

Style Notes: What's better than a pair of bright-yellow Manolo Blahnik mules? A pair topped with crystals, of course. Offset yours with a pair of checked trousers.

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(Image credit: @desertmannequin)

 Style Notes: Every wardrobe needs a perfect pair of party heels, and according to Instagram, your festive season style should come complete with a scattering of crystals.

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(Image credit: @leandramcohen)

Style Notes: Extend the trend to your sunglasses collection and dare to wear crystal topped cat-eye sunnies with floaty dresses and trainers now, and chunky knits and coats later.

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(Image credit: @styleheroine)

Style Notes: If you're in a maximalist mood, take your cue from Style Heroine and don sparkly shoes and baubles together. 

Key Buys

Related: Winter 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know

Related: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss

So what are you waiting for? These sparkly pieces aren't going to buy (or wear) themselves.

Opening Images: Style Heroine

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.