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.

Crystal Fashion Trend: Chiara Ferragni wearing a crystal jumper

Photo:

Collage Vintage

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

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.

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.

 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.

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.

Crystal Fashion Trend: Street styler wearing a crystal embellished skirt

Photo:

@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

Take your cardigan obsession to the next level with a souped-up sparkly style. 

Wear these with your trusty jeans and an oversized shirt. 

Style this blazer over jeans, or pair it with sheer tights to wear it as a dress—we promise it's long enough. 

Alessandra Rich's party dresses are second to none. 

Zara's come up trumps with this hero knit. 

This is just asking to be worn with a Peter Pan-collar blouse. 

These fabulous mules also come in coral. 

Let the collar peek out from under a cashmere jumper. 

Use florals and rhinestones to make the ultimate statement. 

Make any outfit 10x more fanciful with this crystal denim cover-up. 

We're tempted to invest in the matching blazer, too. 

This bag looks so much more expensive than it actually is. 

You can be fancy on a frugal budget. 

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

Opening Images: Style Heroine