What do Dorothy Vale and Cher have in common? Sequins. And if that doesn’t prove that anyone can wear bling, then get ready to see the light.

By Maureen Mancini Amaturo

What do Dorothy Vale and Cher have in common? Sequins. And if that doesn’t prove that anyone can wear bling, then get ready to see the light. Whether you’re wearing a pinafore or a body stocking, there’s a way to make sequins work — especially since they’re not just for December 31 anymore and adorn everything from barrettes to boots.

Sequins are so mainstream now, and will be through spring and summer, that farm girls to fashion divas can rock sequins for day, night, office, or Oz. Maybe everything else that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but sequins are scattered all over fashion.

 

 

Sparkle Smart  
Sequins get attention. Wear them, and you’ll get noticed, which makes confidence the most important accessory when wearing them. Here are a few sequin secrets to help you shine.

 

Let sequins sing out loud, but keep the rest of your outfit at a low whisper. Keep your bling in balance. If wearing a sequined key piece — dress, jacket, skirt — play down the accessories, makeup, and keep your hair simple. Skip the sparkly eye shadow, body glitter, and metallic shoes. Sequins are such a hot trend you should be wearing them somewhere on your body, but not on a top, socks, jean pockets, purse, and shoes at the same time. Easy does it on the sequins. What works for Elton John won’t work for everyone.

 

A sequin dress? Keep the silhouette simple. Avoid one-shoulder, sheer insets, cutouts, multi-colors, super-tight, or super mini styles. Choose either a complex silhouette or sequins, not both. You don’t want too many things competing for attention. Remember, the sequins are doing all the talking.

 

Mix them with different-textured separates and more casual pieces. Holiday party? Sequin skirt with a silk top or a sequin sweater or top with a loose pant. Party-up jeans and a tee by adding a sequin jacket or cardigan. Try a sequined sweater, jacket, or top with distressed jeans; a sequined skirt with a crisp, white blouse; a sequined tank under a denim shirt or jacket; a sequined sweatshirt with a skirt. Mixing sequins with unadorned pieces is a good choice and will ease the shine so you don’t blind anyone.

 

Sequins for daytime? Yes. Create a monotone look with a sequined tank under a blazer or cardigan, a look that’s good-to-go for the office, too.

 

Color matters. Gold, silver, and black sequins are standard — and stunning. Try sequins in of-the-moment, sophisticated, deeper colors like burgundy, gunmetal, hunter green. Avoid bright colors like yellow, red, and vibrant greens. 

 

Matte sequins. What seems like an oxymoron is one of the edgier, newer, more sophisticated, fashion-forward looks. They have a luster instead of a shine, but are just as hot, just as glam as their shiny sisters.

 

If you buy only one sequined item, choose a skirt in solid sequins or with sequin embellishments. They’re hot now and are on the playlist for spring and summer, too.

 

Too shy for sequins? Get in on the trend with a sequined purse, hair accessories, socks, or jewelry decorated with sequins. A sequined bag or flats adds just the right touch of sparkle.

 

With sequins, less is more. There are lots of ways to shine without causing retina damage. Any classic dress can use a pair of glittery stockings, a sequined bag, or your own ruby slippers. A smart way to add sequins to your wardrobe is to shop for sparkling accessories with a petite price and powerful style.