As a personal stylist, my main goal is to help my client meet clothing and accessory needs based on his or her particular combination of age, body shape, lifestyle.
After making sure my client has the best self- esteem possible by helping him or her attain the perfect fit, it is time to throw in some of the current trend. The addition of fashion-forward details to a correctly fitted outfit is what allows someone to stand out with extra “oomph” if worn correctly.
There are so many trends that have come into play in the last few years ranging from wedge and platforms shoes, color blocking, high waist pants and finally, sequins! Sequins were once thought to be reserved for evening wear and holiday dress. When worn outside of those parameters, some may have considered them a tad gauche. Not anymore. Designers everywhere have made it possible to wear sequins night and day and on virtually every part of the body, but please, not at the same time!
Personally, sequins have become my obsession. I opened up a recent edition of Lucky Magazine to find the editor talking about how to wear a sequined top during the day. She mentioned knowing someone who had taken a simple sparkled blouse over a black turtleneck and wearing a pair of pants, jeans or a skirt with heels and you have a killer daytime outfit. In May of 2011 Anna Wintour, Vogue Editor, adorned the red carpet for the Met Gala in a full length sequined Chanel gown. For anyone who knows style, if Anna is wearing it, then it is IN! Other stars, celebrities and style icons have caught on to this trend by wearing anything from sequin shoes, shorts, blouses, tops, skirts and handbags.
Still apprehensive? Perhaps you feel that your profession requires that you dress conservatively and you are caught in the daily rut of wearing the basic suit or a bland skirt and blouse. Not a problem. Add a sequined handbag, cami, or shoes and your look will instantly be transformed from suburban blues to city chic. Worried about your shape or size? Many people believe they cannot wear a specific trend because it draws attention to their least favorite part of their body. There is a simple solution. Don’t wear the sequins there. Wear the sequins on the part of your body where you want the attention drawn or on a great handbag that allows you to show your more festive, dare I say cheery disposition. It takes the edge off of edgy and adds some flare to the understated.
Sequins also offer the ability to transition your wardrobe from day to night. The main thing to remember about sequins is that too much of a good thing is a very bad thing. Pick your piece and stick with it. Mixing multiple textures is great; multiple sequins, well, just all wrong!
The most important shopping standard to remember with regard to sequins, or any other trend for that matter, is to evaluate your personal budget. If you can’t afford to splurge for extras in your wardrobe, you can buy less expensive accessory pieces. If you have the means, then spend more money to add sophistication to your look. With sequins, spending more means they will have a better shine and are less likely to disassemble with use. In my opinion, it basically comes down to lifestage. A girl in her twenties can get away with the trendy stores that sell the less expensive sequins, but when you want to go all out in style and show that you truly embrace class and style, then you may want to upgrade your sequin purchases to a finer store like Loehmann’s.
From www.Loehmanns.com , you can find designers with just a touch of or full on flare of sequins such as Eli Tahari, BCBG, Romeo and Juliet, Rampage and even more. These looks include everything from blouses, to skirts and dresses and even jackets. Start searching online or visit a nearby store to take advantage of this fun trend by wearing a statement outfit or accessorizing with a statement piece.
by Karen Poulin
@StyleAdvocate
