Q&A : SEQUINS
QUESTION:
I love been looking at streetwear shots of stylistas pairing jeans with studded heels and bejewelled jackets, but when I get home and try this casual/formal mix, I end up feeling like a Christmas tree. How can I find the right balance? Angela
ANSWER:
Marni and Dries Van Noten have been doing it for years, whilst Valentino and fashion’s new Roman emperor, Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, have taken clothing and accessory embellishments to even greater heights and we’re all taking note. Embroided and crystallised touches on knits through to bag straps and block heels are welcoming the age of eccentric adornment and eclectic quirkiness. Now is the time to pull out those heirloom brooches and sequined scarves. No longer regaled for evening soirées, it’s time to celebrate luxe fashion in broad daylight. Dressed-up-ness is back!
HOW TO WEAR:
A sequin dress - the catch is to wear one that is knee or below the knee length during the day. For those with a plunging V neckline or thin straps, add a long sleeved monochrome tee underneath to tone down the sexiness. Turn the glitz notch down further with ankle boots or sneakers, or flat sandals in Summer (avoiding heels)
A pleated metallic or sequin skirt – try pairing with a lightweight denim or military green shirt with sleeves casually rolled up and the front tucked-in (leaving the tail out). Try the same approach with a lightweight jumper in a neutral tone or, for the more adventurous, colour block with a juxtaposing colour (just don't complicate your look with stripes or patterns up top – the shimmer on the skirt is enough)
A metallic jacket – balance your bling with neutral classics. Go for a tee underneath paired with rolled-up boyfriend-style or frayed-edge cropped jeans and a fun colourful heel, or fitted jeans and sneakers if you're on the go. Leave the jacket unzipped or unbuttoned to break up its intensity with what's underneath, and keep hair out or loosely pinned up in a pony – avoid over-styling it
Accessories – yes, reflecto sunnies are still in, especially in tinted colours. For more dash, lay a sequin scarf over the lapel of a fitted black tux-style jacket with a slim-fit white tee casually tucked-in up front (out at the back). V necks work best for a rock-n-roll vibe
TIPS AND TRICKS
- No matter what you choose, always pick just one amazing sequin piece and mix with casual items such as tees and denim shirts for daytime looks
- Stick to the same tone of metallic hues: gold with gold, silver with silver, especially when accessorising with jewellery
- Simple monochrome colours are the easiest to match with sequin pieces in broad daylight (white, navy), but try adding a block colour for more dash if you're feeling confident with your look
- Don't mix patterns, faux fur or lace with glitter. Usually, the look is overwhelming and too bulky!
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