Tassel Tops Or Sequin Tops Which One Is Making A Comeback

Fashion is cyclical, but not all revivals are created equal. As we move through 2024, two bold styles have re-emerged from past decades with renewed energy: tassel tops and sequin tops. Once staples of bohemian festivals and New Year’s Eve parties, these eye-catching garments are now appearing on runways, street style blogs, and influencer feeds. But which one is truly staging a sustainable comeback—and which is just a fleeting flash-in-the-pan trend?

The answer isn’t as simple as a vote for one over the other. Both styles bring unique textures, movement, and personality to modern wardrobes. Yet their revival reflects different cultural currents, consumer preferences, and design evolutions. Understanding the nuances between them helps not only in choosing what to wear but also in predicting long-term relevance in today’s fast-moving fashion landscape.

The Return of Movement: Tassel Tops Revisited

Tassel tops first gained prominence in the 1970s, associated with free-spirited fashion, fringe jackets, and festival culture. Their resurgence today taps into a broader nostalgia for relaxed, expressive silhouettes—think Coachella meets coastal cowgirl aesthetics. Designers like Free People, Reformation, and Isabel Marant have reintroduced lightweight, crochet-based tassel blouses with earthy tones and organic cotton blends, aligning with current demands for sustainable materials and artisanal craftsmanship.

What sets the new wave of tassel tops apart is their versatility. No longer confined to beach vacations or music festivals, they’re being styled under blazers, paired with tailored trousers, or worn with high-waisted jeans for an elevated casual look. The kinetic quality of tassels—how they sway with motion—adds dynamism to an outfit without overwhelming it, especially when used sparingly around sleeves or hems.

Tip: Pair a neutral-toned tassel top with structured bottoms to balance movement and maintain a polished appearance.

Sparkle That Won’t Fade: The Sequin Top Resurgence

If tassels whisper elegance in motion, sequins shout glamour from across the room. Sequin tops never fully disappeared—they’ve lingered in holiday wardrobes and red carpet ensembles—but their recent return marks a shift toward everyday opulence. Influenced by Y2K nostalgia and Gen Z’s love for maximalism, designers such as Balmain, Area, and Self-Portrait are producing sequined pieces that feel fresh, playful, and less formal than their predecessors.

Modern sequin tops often feature deconstructed designs: asymmetrical necklines, cut-outs, mesh panels, or gradient color patterns. They’re being worn not just for evening events but also layered over t-shirts during daytime outings, signaling a cultural shift where “dressing up” is no longer reserved for special occasions. This democratization of sparkle reflects a desire for joy, self-expression, and confidence in post-pandemic fashion.

“Sequins are no longer about hiding under a coat until you reach the party. Today’s consumer wants to shine—literally and figuratively—on their own terms.” — Lila Monroe, Fashion Editor at *StyleScope Weekly*

Comparing Comeback Potential: A Side-by-Side Analysis

To assess which trend has stronger staying power, consider factors beyond aesthetics: wearability, sustainability, production costs, and alignment with current values.

Factor	Tassel Tops	Sequin Tops
Wearability	High – suitable for casual, semi-formal, and festival settings	Moderate – often seen as too flashy for daily wear
Sustainability	Higher potential – many made from natural fibers and handcrafted techniques	Lower – sequins are typically plastic-based and non-recyclable
Production Cost	Moderate – labor-intensive but uses affordable materials	High – requires specialized machinery and more materials
Cultural Alignment	Strong – fits boho-chic, slow fashion, and artisanal movements	Strong – aligns with Y2K revival and digital-age self-expression
Longevity Forecast	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆

Real-World Style Evolution: A Mini Case Study

Take Maya Chen, a 28-year-old graphic designer based in Austin. In early 2023, she purchased a caramel-colored tassel crop top from a small ethical brand after seeing it styled in a minimalist Instagram post. She initially wore it to a friend’s wedding with a silk skirt, then later paired it with wide-leg linen pants for a gallery opening. By summer, she was layering it over a black tank top with denim shorts for weekend brunches.

In contrast, her silver sequin halter top—bought during a Black Friday sale in 2021—has remained mostly unworn outside of two holiday parties. “I love how it looks,” she admits, “but I feel like I need an event just to justify wearing it. The tassel top feels more… integrated into my life.”

Maya’s experience mirrors a broader pattern: consumers increasingly favor pieces that offer multiple styling options and emotional comfort, not just visual impact. While the sequin top delivers instant drama, the tassel top adapts to lifestyle rhythms—a key factor in determining true comeback status.

How to Style Each for Maximum Impact

Regardless of which trend you choose, smart styling determines whether the piece enhances your wardrobe or gathers dust.

Styling Tassel Tops: Do’s and Don’ts

• Do pair with solid colors to let the texture stand out.
• Do opt for neutral tassels (beige, rust, olive) for year-round wear.
• Don’t overload with accessories—let the tassels be the focal point.
• Don’t wear with overly busy prints; they compete visually.

Styling Sequin Tops: Practical Tips

• Do tone down shine with matte fabrics like wool or cotton below.
• Do experiment with monochrome looks (e.g., black sequins over black turtleneck).
• Don’t wear head-to-toe sparkle unless intentional (e.g., performance look).
• Don’t neglect care—store flat to prevent sequin loss.

Tip: For a modern twist, wear a sequin bomber jacket open over a plain tee—it adds edge without full commitment.

Checklist: Is This Trend Right for Your Wardrobe?

Before investing in either trend, ask yourself the following:

1. How many times per month would I realistically wear this?
2. Does it complement at least three existing items in my closet?
3. Can it transition across seasons (e.g., layered in winter, bare in summer)?
4. Is the material durable and easy to care for?
5. Does it reflect my personal style, or am I buying it because it’s trending?
6. Would I feel confident wearing it in both social and semi-professional settings?

This checklist helps filter impulse buys from meaningful additions—especially important when considering high-maintenance pieces like sequins or delicate handmade tassels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tassel tops still considered boho-chic?

While rooted in bohemian fashion, tassel tops have evolved. Modern versions in sleek cuts and minimalist palettes fit within contemporary “quiet luxury” and elevated casual aesthetics, moving beyond strict genre labels.

Can sequin tops be worn during the day?

Yes—if done thoughtfully. Try a deep green or navy sequin top with straight-leg jeans and ankle boots. Avoid full shine; partial embellishment (like sequined shoulders) works better in daylight.

Which trend is more sustainable?

Tassel tops generally win here. Many are crafted from biodegradable fibers and support artisan communities. Sequins, typically made from PVC or polyester, pose recycling challenges and contribute to microplastic pollution.

Conclusion: The Verdict on the Comeback

So, which is making a stronger comeback—tassel tops or sequin tops?

Both are undeniably present in today’s fashion ecosystem, but tassel tops demonstrate greater adaptability, sustainability, and integration into everyday dressing. They align with enduring shifts toward mindful consumption, craftsmanship, and wearable artistry. Sequin tops, while thrilling and culturally resonant, remain more situational and environmentally taxing, limiting their long-term viability beyond seasonal hype.

That said, fashion thrives on contrast. There’s room for both movement and sparkle—just in different contexts. Choose tassel tops for lasting value and versatile flair. Keep one sequin piece for moments when you want to command attention. Together, they represent the duality of modern style: grounded yet radiant, practical yet poetic.

💬 What’s your take—team tassel or team sequin? Share your favorite way to style these statement tops and help shape the next chapter of this trend debate!