How To Wear Sequins: The Rules AND How To Break Them
Sequins are the ultimate fashion statement, offering a touch of glamour and sparkle that can transform any outfit. However, wearing sequins can be intimidating, as there are certain rules and guidelines that have traditionally been followed. This article will cover both the established rules of wearing sequins and the fun, modern ways to break them, allowing you to create unique and stylish looks.
The Rules of Wearing Sequins
1. Keep Accessories Minimal
Rule: When wearing a sequin dress or top, it’s best to keep accessories to a minimum. The sequins themselves are often enough to carry the entire outfit, and adding too many accessories can make the look feel overdone.
How to Follow It: Pair your sequin piece with simple, understated jewellery. Opt for small stud earrings, a delicate bracelet, and a neutral clutch. For shoes, go with classic styles in neutral colours like black, nude, or metallic shades that complement the sequins without competing for attention.
2. Balance with Matte Textures
Rule: To avoid looking too shiny or flashy, balance your sequins with matte textures. This contrast helps to highlight the sequins while keeping the overall look sophisticated and chic.
How to Follow It: Pair a sequin skirt with a plain cotton T-shirt or a chunky knit sweater. If you’re wearing a sequin top, balance it with matte-finish trousers or a denim skirt. This combination ensures that the sequins are the focal point without overwhelming your outfit.
3. Choose the Right Occasion
Rule: Sequins are often associated with evening and festive events, so it’s important to wear them at the right time and place.
How to Follow It: Reserve your sequin pieces for parties, night outs, weddings, and other special occasions. For more formal events, opt for sequin dresses in darker shades like black, navy, or emerald green. For less formal gatherings, you can experiment with brighter colours and bolder styles.
4. Stick to One Statement Piece
Rule: To keep your look polished, stick to one sequin statement piece at a time. This helps to avoid a look that’s too busy or over-the-top.
How to Follow It: If you’re wearing a sequin dress, keep the rest of your outfit simple. If you’re incorporating a sequin accessory, like a bag or shoes, make sure the rest of your outfit is understated and lets the sequins shine.
5. Opt for Quality Over Quantity
Rule: High-quality sequins and well-made garments make a significant difference in how sequins look and feel. Cheaper sequins can appear tacky and may fall off easily.
How to Follow It: Invest in well-made sequin pieces from reputable brands. High-quality sequins will catch the light beautifully and last longer, ensuring that your outfit looks elegant and sophisticated.
How to Break the Rules
1. Mixing Accessories Boldly
Breaking the Rule: While minimal accessories are the traditional choice, there’s no reason you can’t experiment with bolder, statement accessories.
How to Do It: Pair your sequin dress with chunky jewellery or a bold, colourful clutch. If done tastefully, this can create a fun, eclectic look that stands out. Just ensure that the accessories complement the colours and style of your sequin piece rather than clashing with them.
2. Combining Sequins with Other Shiny Fabrics
Breaking the Rule: While balancing sequins with matte textures is a safe bet, combining them with other shiny fabrics can create a dramatic and fashion-forward look.
How to Do It: Pair a sequin top with metallic pants or a sequin skirt with a satin blouse. This combination can be bold and eye-catching, perfect for a night out or a fashion event. The key is to ensure the colours and textures complement each other harmoniously.
3. Wearing Sequins for Daytime
Breaking the Rule: Sequins aren’t just for nighttime and special occasions. Incorporating sequins into your daytime wardrobe can add an unexpected twist to your everyday style.
How to Do It: Wear a sequin jacket over a simple T-shirt and jeans, or pair a sequin skirt with a casual sweater and sneakers. This approach brings a touch of glam to your daytime look without feeling out of place. Opt for smaller sequin details or muted sequin colours to keep it appropriate for the day.
4. Mixing Sequin Pieces
Breaking the Rule: Traditionally, wearing more than one sequin piece at a time is considered too much, but with careful styling, it can be done stylishly.
How to Do It: Try pairing a sequin top with a sequin skirt, but make sure the pieces are in the same colour family or have complementary patterns. Alternatively, mix different types of sequins, such as matte and shiny, to add depth and interest to your outfit. Keep accessories and makeup simple to avoid overwhelming the look.
5. Choosing Unique Colours and Patterns
Breaking the Rule: While sticking to classic sequin colours is safe, experimenting with unique colours and patterns can make your outfit stand out.
How to Do It: Look for sequin pieces in unexpected colours like teal, lavender, or even multi-coloured patterns. Floral sequin designs or abstract patterns can add a fresh twist to your sequin wardrobe. Pair these bold choices with simple, neutral accessories to let the unique sequins take center stage.
Practical Tips for Wearing Sequins
Comfort and Fit
Wearing sequins can sometimes be uncomfortable due to their texture and weight. Ensure your sequin garments fit well and are comfortable to move in. Look for pieces with good lining to prevent irritation from the sequins.
Undergarments
Choose seamless or shapewear options to avoid visible lines under your sequin dress. For backless or strapless designs, consider adhesive bras or silicone covers to maintain a smooth silhouette.
Care and Maintenance
Sequins can be delicate, so proper care is essential. Always follow the care instructions on the label, which often recommend hand washing or dry cleaning. Store sequin garments in a garment bag to protect them from dust and damage.
Confidence is Key
Ultimately, the most important rule when wearing sequins is to wear them with confidence. Sequins are bold and eye-catching, and pulling off a sequin look requires self-assurance. Stand tall, smile, and let your sparkling outfit shine.
Conclusion
Sequin dresses offer endless opportunities for creativity and expression in fashion. While there are established rules to help guide you in wearing sequins stylishly, don’t be afraid to break these rules and experiment with your look. By mixing textures, incorporating sequins into your daytime wardrobe, and boldly accessorizing, you can create unique and unforgettable outfits. Whether you’re adhering to traditional guidelines or exploring new fashion frontiers, wearing sequins is all about having fun and embracing your inner sparkle.
