Celebs give us a lesson in styling glitter dresses for summer without looking tacky—here's how

While sheer dresses have been dominating the red carpet of late, it seems glitter dresses could outshine them (literally) in the occasion wear department this summer...

From the likes of Kendall Jenner to Love Island UK's host, Maya Jama—the sparkly, bejewelled dress seems to be making a comeback for event season and who are we to argue with such a dazzling trend? These reflective fits just ooze old-school, Hollywood glamour, reminding us of iconic moments like Marilyn Monroe's Birthday dress, with just a pinch of '70s disco vibes.

So, for anyone looking to be the center of attention at your next party, date night, or wedding reception—here's why you should add a glittery dress to your capsule wardrobe...

Glitter dresses for summer 2023

Now, before we delve into which stars are wearing these shimmering masterpieces, allow us to first share a roundup of where you can get your hands on a similarly glitzy look, for a very tempting price...

MIL's edit of glitter dresses for summer

Glitter dresses: how to style them IRL

As mentioned, glittery dresses are having quite the revival this season, with the trend emerging from red carpet events like the Met Gala to Cannes Film Festival, with everyone from Vanessa Kirby to Hailey Bieber rocking the look.

Really, we should have seen it coming a mile off, what with gold dresses and silver fashion becoming equally as sought after in recent months. 

So, what do we mean by a glitter dress you ask? Put simply, a dress that is covered in sequins, diamantes, or crystals—usually over one block fabric color—to create a shimmering piece that catches the light. 

This style of dress is perfect if you're looking for a statement, party outfit that is surprisingly low-maintenance. You can just let the dress do all the work by pairing it with heels or ballet flats, a mini bag, and some carefully selected jewelry (that won't overpower the dress)—like silver or gold huggie earrings. A simple, staple blazer will also perfectly compliment this dress look, if you're wanting to tone down the sparkle a tad. 

While we understand these shimmery numbers might look a little intimidating, it all comes down to the accessorizing, and thanks to the dress emitting all the shimmer, you can go simple with everything else. 

If you're in need of visuals to see how wearable these dresses really are, here's an inspo guide of all the celebs who have been repping them recently...

1. Kendall Jenner

@kendalljenner

Bottega twice a day

♬ Bad b activated - Savage X Fenty

Kendall is the latest star to rock a glitter dress, taking to her socials following the "Le Chouchou" Jacquemus' Fashion Show on Monday, June 26, 2023, to share a video of her wearing a beautiful, yellow Bottega glitter dress.

She also wore a glitter bodysuit on the Met Gala 2023 steps, and to the after-party, so she's a certified fan of this trend.

2. Maya Jama

In an episode of Love Island: Aftersun, Maya Jama wore a baby blue diamante dress to host the show.

3. Vanessa Kirby

The Crown's Vanessa Kirby wore this stunning, gold glitter dress to the premiere of Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning on June 19th, 2023. She wore her blonde hair down and opted for no necklace, but wore a pair of droplet, silver earrings.

4. Hailey Bieber

Hailey Bieber rocked two trends in one with this pink, 'Balletcore' glittery mini dress, which she wore to the one-year anniversary party for her skincare brand, 'Rhode'.

5. Lizzo

Bringing the trend to Glastonbury, Lizzo wore this gold glitter dress on stage at the iconic music festival.