Style Secrets: Sequins Before the Sun Goes Down

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Darlings for you it may seem peculiar; but for me it is nothing of the sort. I am, to be completely truthful, a very shy individual personality-wise; therefore, I rely on style to give me the chance to shout when I enter a crowded room – without so much as opening my mouth, mind you. Sequins provide such a fashion-forward outlet. They shimmer and sparkle like the most vibrant of dignitaries; while making you look and feel like a stunning superstar from the outside in and vice versa.

But alas, hesitation involving sequins is still a powerful force – even in today’s couture crazed society. Too many associate them with glamorous galas, brilliant balls, and swanky soirees; all of which take place after the midnight hour – or at least once night falls. I’m going to let you in on a little secret…so is not the case!

While not for the timid or feint of heart, there is not a single thing stopping you from perusing sequins in your daily dress. They may appear ostentatious, flamboyant, extravagant, grandiose, and theatrical; but dolls, those are the very qualities that make them so appealing. The key to pulling off the look, however, relies on two very important things: confidence, and incorporating them into your wardrobe in small doses. Once you have those aspects down pat, trust me, you too will be donning sequins before the sun goes down!

♥Single File Given the fact that many are surprised to see sequins at any other time or place than holiday parties, it is essential to ensure that you’re not overdoing it. Sequins are bright, boastful, and beaming – as long as they’re not competing with any other type of bling. When outfitting yourself in sequins you want to keep everything else understated. Leave the cocktail rings at home, put away your bold handbags, and remember, wear only one sequin-embellished piece at a time. You want to effuse shimmering seductiveness in your style; while retaining a sophisticated, smart air. The best way to do that is by forgoing the Vegas showgirl look, and keeping your aesthetic alluring, sultry, and sensible by making certain that the rest of your ensemble is toned down.

“To the dull mind nature is leaden. To the illumined mind the whole world burns and sparkles with light.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
♥Top It Off I always say, when in doubt, turn to the boyfriend. I’m sure you’re expecting a cute boy to enter the picture by now – sorry to disappoint you, darlings, but I’m referring to the boyfriend jacket. Sequins are most easily done right via a sparkly tee like Juicy Couture’s Sequin Sunburst Date Top or Forever 21’s Iridescent Sequin Sweater Top. The problem with wearing such a piece of frippery when showcased when the sun is shining, however, is that the look comes off as over the top, and trying too hard. Enter the boyfriend jacket. Coco Chanel once said “Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions,” – heed this advice. A boxy blazer or oversized motorcycle jacket like Gryphon’s The Boyfriend Blazer or Tony Cohen’s Motorcycle Jacket adds a splash of macho masculinity to an otherwise feminine look, which produces a no-nonsense balance that is more high-fashion than frivolous – simply perfect for the daytime!

♥Bottoms Up! For some reason unbeknownst even to me, sequins oftentimes come across as much more haughty and imposing when worn on the upper half; thus, if you’re feeling apprehensive in any way, shape, or form, I recommend satisfying your sequin craving with a piece that accouters the derriere. Shorts like Silence and Noise’s Sequin Tap Short are ideal – they’re flouncy in a very flirty fashion, and look gorgeous if layered over opaque tights; or you can go the legging route for a more smoldering afternoon style with something like BB Dakota’s Keaton Sequin Leggings. When worn on the lower half, sequins create a sense of symmetry in terms of your shape by breaking up textures, and casting a smidgen of sparkle upon your overall look; and, if coupled with a simple v-neck sweater or slouchy top, they look completely casual – in the chicest of ways.

“Life’s enchanted cup sparkles near the brim.”
Lord Byron
♥Pops of Panache I’ll be the first to admit that sequins can be a very intimidating style to take for a spin. They do tend to draw all eyes towards you, and if you’re not ready to be the main event in social situations, you may be frightened off. Please stop shaking in your boots! You do not need to don sequins in jaw-dropping ways to glimmer like the gorgeous creature we both know you are. Like I said, sequins in small doses are just as effective as those showcased in larger venues; thus, lock away your black patent leather handbag and replace it with a twinkling carry-all like Felix Rey’s Grace Sequin Bow Clutch; slip off your simple scuncii and slide on a scintillating headpiece like Free People’s Sequin Bow Headband; cast aside your blasé knit scarf and wrap yourself up in Free People’s bombastic Convertible Sequin Cowl; and, my personal favorite, bid adieu to your basic matte ballerinas and embrace a pair beaming with personality! After all, subtle sparkle is oftentimes the best kind.

♥Shades of Shimmer One of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for sequins is selecting a color that you feel comfortable wearing day or night. Black is the most versatile for the sheer fact that it is ostentatiously inconspicuous – it plays mind games with the person gazing upon it in all of its gleaming glory by twinkling ever so slightly; an aesthetic that works like a suggestive wink leading one to question whether they’re truly viewing sequins or not. It is also the most flattering shade when adorning your lower half as it possesses a very slimming effect. If, however, you prefer to be daring, silver, blue, and even stripes are fabulous selections. The main thing is that you are comfortable in the hue embellishing your form. And as long as you are…well, let’s face it; you’re good to go – sequins and all!

“Personality is the glitter that sends your little gleam across the footlights and the orchestra pit into that big black space where the audience is.”
Mae West


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Urban Outfitters, Nubianzombiegirl’s Blog, Rockstar’s Closet, and Shopbop for the pictures.