Music and fashion have always shared a stage, working in tandem and feeding from each other. Crossovers between them have been culture-defining: whether it was Madonna with her tulle skirts, rosary necklaces, and lace gloves in the 1980s; Gwen Stefani teaching ’90s girls about the power of visible (and bedazzled) bra straps; or Lady Gaga’s iconic Alexander McQueen moment in the Bad Romance music video.
Pop music, in particular, has consistently produced icon after style icon, with each artist having an aesthetic so clearly defined that one could argue their fashion sense has been as relevant to their success as their talent. The same goes for this year’s biggest artists.
Take Sabrina Carpenter, who channels a retro-romantic sensibility that feels like a love letter to hyper-feminine glamour. Her wardrobe of baby-doll dresses, corsets, and glittering details is a reflection of her playful yet commanding presence both on and off the stage. In contrast, Charli XCX’s grittier aesthetic breathes new life into indie sleaze. With long sleeved t-shirts, hot pants, neon accents, and intentionally messy styling, her look captures the chaotic energy of a night out and there’s something irresistibly alluring about it.
Meanwhile, Chappell Roan is bringing camp back into the spotlight with her theatrical, Renaissance fair-inspired ensembles. Drawing from drag culture, punk, and Midwest kitsch—her ‘Femininomenon’-al style invites us to embrace fashion as a form of unapologetic self-expression. Then there’s current ruler of the charts Dua Lipa, whose penchant for contrasting skintight Mugler bodysuits, and lace Marc Jacobs minis with rugged Versace hardware and leather jackets, echoes the power of her music.
Glitter, iridescent fabrics, latex, and of course, sequins, are just a few ways you can embrace the style of your favourite chart-topping queens. “Sequins originally appeared in fashion as a result of the working class trying to emulate high society; they’re inherently aspirational in nature,” says Mumbai-based stylist and designer Dolla Baruah. “And their 2024 comeback is reminiscent of the ’60s and ’70s—yet their aesthetic remains futuristic at the same time. They add a cheery pop of light, especially in the darker and colder months.” Another plus? Shimmery pieces are easy to come by these days. “Sequinned accessories can be the perfect gateway piece for those who are still apprehensive about the sparkly aesthetic. Even eye-catching jewellery can amp up the party quotient for minimalists who prefer solids over OTT looks”, advises Baruah.
Confused about how to style these party-ready picks? London-based creative director and designer Nikita Karizma has you covered. “I love to pick a bold colour or a glitzy statement fabric with a chic cut for the holiday season. I often reach for stretch fabrics as they’re so wearable and give ease for dancing the night away,” she says. “I then balance the look with a statement earring and bring elements of the design into the make-up.” Like with any other outfit, confidence is key. Karizma shares, “As a party-goer myself, nothing is better than stepping out onto the scene with a confident fit that makes your energy infectious.” Paris Hilton, Rita Ora, and Kesha are just some of the women who have opted for Karizma’s chainmail-esque mini dresses and Y2K-era inspired mesh tops.
You don’t necessarily have to be a pop star to have pop-princess style this holiday season; all you need is an endless appetite for glamour, glitter, and fun. Check out our party-appropriate curation for the holiday season below.
