12.06.2009

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.
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47 comments

Stéphanie said...

I love everything !

Emily said...

I am addicted to sequins. I especially adore those sequin tap shorts - I want them so badly!

Sequins are perfect for adding a little "sparkle" to any outfit :)

meraldia said...

Beautiful options! This Christmas I definitely need something that sparkles!

FASHION SNAG said...

That quote at the top is one of my favorite quotes of all time. I recognized it instantly. I adore sequins and next on my list is a pair of sequin leggings. Great post! xoxo

www.FashionSnag.com

Anonymous said...

I added you on facebook! :) My name is Laura, you'll see ;). Haha, thank you very much <3 and I absolutly love this collection of clothes! You've got an awesome style :).

“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 - beautiful quote!

thank you, do you have exams too? take care, laura. xoxo

Anonymous said...

a sequin jacket is right up my alley, but shorts kind of scare me

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

Great post and you did open my eyes to sequins a bit more- I do not think of them that often outside of the nightlife realm as you mentioned. But I'm literally envisioning myself at the mall in about an hour trying to find some....

http://candyflosspersie.blogspot.com/

Fashions By Lozano said...

great post darling, as I said in my very first post: sequins are here to stay!

Toothfairy said...

love it, but I've noticed that BOYS don't like sequins at all, in fact they don't like anything that shimmers and glitters!

but yeah... I have a few items full of sequins as well!

loves

Chicago Chic said...

I think sequins are perfect for holiday parties and I agree with you - it shouldn't be overdone. Also I loved that quote at the top and I also rely on my style often in order to stand out because I too, can be sometimes shy :) Thanks for this wonderful post today, Love. ♥

xoxoxo
Rachel

Treacle said...

Yes! I am really into the sequins trend, this fall but wasn't quite sure where to start. Thanks for this post! :-)

Amelia said...

I'm totally in love with sequins right now. If I had more sequined things, I would definitely wear them 24/7 :)

Diane said...

love your tips on wearing sequins!

Anonymous said...

Sequins are my secret obsession...they're also perfect for the upcoming holidays :-)

Sherin said...

I love sparkling. Wearing sequins can be so much fun, but I can NOT pull them off. Great tips for wearing sequins!

Marz said...

Really amazing post! I find that black sequins have just the right amount of glimmer for a night out, so I love anything with them! Although nude sequins are also really pretty!
-Marz

Elaine said...

I love the idea of sequins! But I'm not sure if i can pull it off... I am thinking of getting a sequin blazer so we'll see!


clothedmuch.blogspot.com

Leah said...

Hi Erika! I love your advice about using a boyfriend blazer to add some toughness and to make the sequin top or skirt less flamboyant. I too do not want to call attention to myself, I prefer to blend with the crowd. But I love the sparkles.

Elizabeth Marie said...

Ok. I'm getting sequined leggings for sure now. Like...clicking on BUY.

So good to talk to you today!! Love love love!

Fashion Court said...

i scored three sequined dresses at the big h&m sale for $15 each.. i really don't know where i can wear them, i have to incorporate them into something - they are so fab!

Mom Fashion World said...

i love, love sequins from dress, top or pants!
i know you've seen me wearing sequined dress
on my blog. cool!

Anonymous said...

Hey lovely! I love sequins!! They are perfect for the holidays!

E said...

oooo, those sequin harem pants are fabulous! I need those!!!

Anonymous said...

I don't wear sequins that much. I also think the most pieces are too much to wear them for every day.

www.janetteria.com said...

I'm not a huge fan of sequin, but those leggings are cool!


X♥X♥

Nina said...

does it, I have to do sequins soon. Erika, your posts always inspire me!

Nina

Becky Tjandera said...

Hi dear! Ohh gosh I've been looking for sequins lately! I'm still confused of buying tank-top or shirt. Haha. They all look great. Make you look glamor in a sec. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice day! xoxooxoxox.

Anonymous said...

Sequins all the way, I have been into the sequined leggings for a bit now, theyre actually pretty flattering!

Rachel Scarlet said...

OMG Erika. I just went shopping today and I saw so many sequin tops, dresses, shorts, blazers etc. You name it. I actually got myself a sequin top! I don't know why but I have a thing for blingy stuff. Perfect for the holiday season. Love the post! XOXO :)

miriam said...

i just love sequins. and that quote by Mae. beautiful!

Anonymous said...

sequins! i have found tons of sequin items in my mom's closet (vintage!!!). i can't wait to wear them this season!

Keith said...

These are all so ultra cool. I love them all. I hope you'll have a great start to your week. Take care. Cheers!

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Love all these sequined pieces! Esp those harem pants :) Great picks!

glee said...

yeah, i too would prefer black sequins blazers. that girl bottom left photo just got the combination i would so love to wear ;) very great post girl. wonderful advices.

daisychain said...

I NEED the sequin harems!

ana said...

I love sequins!!!!

Unknown said...

Love them all and especially the top row in the middle,!

:)

Style, via Tia said...

I love the vest! I must have that vest.

All Women Stalker said...

When in doubt, turn to the boyfriend ---> someday, you will be famous for these words. :)

-meream

Raquel said...

sorry my link was wrong...

Raquel said...

I really love sequins! I just got a sequin jacket... and I love it!

Closet Cravings said...

I heart sequins. Love the Mae West quote. =)

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Fabulous post! I absolutely adore sequins right now. They are such fun to wear. After reading this post I'm definitely craving some new sequin pieces! And I adore the Free People Sequin Bow Headband. It's so gorgeous. Very Blair Waldorf, I think!

edef said...

sequins are my love, great post!

Unknown said...

I love all of these sequins goodies-- the vest especially! The vest seems right up my alley.

Taylor said...

I love the blazer with the gold shorts. I am definitely on the lookout for a good boyfriend blazer. Such a cute look!

Midtown Girl said...

Totally looking for a long, sequin cardigan ala Rachel Zoe...need one ASAP!

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