Off The Cuff
Shine on: Sequins & metallics add a touch of sparkle to everyday basics
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I highly recommend mixing stripes and sequins for a fun and funky take on thetrend.Photo via jak and jil blog -
Miu Miu glitter-finish leather pumpsPhoto via Netaporter -
Giovanna Battaglia in a metallic top and pencil skirtPhoto via Pinterest.com -
Sequined pouch by Marni -
Alexander Wang's shimmering pants in pink -
Dever metallic leather shoulder bag by Alexander Wang -
Skinny glitter belt from J. Crew -
Alexander Wang Fabiana ankle-strap evening shoes -
Deborah Lippman, "Across the Universe" nail polishPhoto via CosmeticMall.com
This season, all that glitters is gold. Everything from separates to shoes and accessories have a touch of sparkle and a lot of shine. Sequins and metallics are no longer reserved for after-hours cocktails and swanky soirees; they’re out and about in broad daylight, fancying up feet and popping collars.
Working pieces like these into your wardrobe can be challenging, walking a fine line between subtle glamour and shine overload with an overdone or tacky outcome. The best way to sparkle is to focus on a key piece and keep the rest of your outfit muted or toned down.
However, bold fashionistas can take risks mixing prints with sheen – I highly recommend mixing stripes and sequins for a fun and funky take on the trend.
Sequins and metallics are no longer reserved for after-hours cocktails and swanky soirees; they’re out and about in broad daylight.
In the past, I have not typically gone for sequins and embellishments while the sun is still shining, but show me a pair of this season’s Miu Miu glitter shoes and find me singing a different tune. There is something so whimsical and Wizard of Oz about a pair of sparkly shoes, and what is fashion if we can’t have a little fun with it?
Whether you are the type of gal that likes to glam it up or stay subtle, here are a few options to help you work the trend into your fall wardrobe:
Metallics: glam, edgy or both
Metallics are so fun because they can be interpreted as uber-glamorous or slightly edgy (and sometimes both) depending on how they are used. For a sophisticated and glamorous statement, go for a metallic top like the ever-chic Giovanna Battaglia, keeping it simple and classic with a pencil skirt, skinny belt and statement earrings.
Shine from the waist down with a metallic leather skirt courtesy of Marc by Marc Jacobs. Pencil skirts can be classic and ladylike, yet easily made modern when chosen in leather, especially with a sheen. Counteract with a simple crew neck or pussy bow blouse.
For a metallic look with an edge, who better to look to than the contemporary genius Alexander Wang?
I am personally Alex Wang obsessed, and particularly smitten with all of his shoes and accessories this season. Hit two of this season’s trends – metallic and fur - head on with this Alexander Wang Devere shoulder bag. Carry as a clutch, handbag or cross body.
The best way to sparkle is to focus on a key piece and keep the rest of your outfit muted or toned down.
Because a structured, fur accented bag is simply not enough to suffice my appetite for this trend, the No. 1 item on my lust list right now is definitely the Alexander Wang Fabiana. A metallic shoe with a removable cape? Yes please.
As if a metallic shoe fully equipped with a superhero cape wasn’t enough, check out the fur version, my friend, the Simona fox heel.
Modern mermaid
“Sequins and feathers; my two favorite food groups." — Lauren Santo Domingo
Every girl should have a secret weapon sequined or sparkly party dress (bonus points for feathers); an absolute closet staple. This season, designers like Miuccia Prada, Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang are working paillettes, lurex and glittery sparkle into everyday basics. The result: Modern mermaid.
Put on your party pants with a pair of metallic high-rise skinnies in a fantastic pink (also available in blue) from Alexander Wang. Keep it simple up top with a black crew neck or a black blazer for a daytime look. Carry over into night with a silk blouse and heels.
For a more feminine and slightly youthful take on the trend, reach for a sequined ruffle mini like this one by Alice and Olivia. Pair with a striped top for a fashion forward print mix.
For full-on glam, I cannot get enough of this Christopher Kane Alexa sequined tulle dress –perfectly chic and modern. For something slightly more wallet friendly, try this Anna Sui embellished tulle mini dress.
To highlight an otherwise ordinary ensemble, go for a pair of Miu Miu glitter pumps in gold. Pair with a burgundy dress for a stellar color combo. Glitter shoes are definitely on my lust list for fall.
Next to shoes, the easiest way to work sequins into your wardrobe is through a handbag. There is something so feminine about grabbing ahold of a sparkly clutch or bag. Fancify your fingers with this Anya Hindmarch glitter clutch, or go for my personal favorite, this bright red sequined pouch by Marni for under $200. Carry it as a clutch.
Afraid of commitment? For a simple touch of sparkle, cinch up with J.Crew’s skinny glitter belt in gold, silver or black.
Lindley Arnoldy writes the fashion and style blog, The Flip Side.
