Sequins and Metallics: How to Shine this Season

Sequins and metallics have an incredible ability to captivate our attention, don’t they? There’s something about their sparkle and shimmer that’s irresistible. One of the reasons for their timeless appeal is their transformative power. Both sequins and metallics instantly add glamour, catching the light and turning an ordinary outfit into something extraordinary. 

‘Tis the season to lean into sequins and metallics, and they’ve never been hotter than they are today. We’ll show you how to pull off the ultimate holiday flair. You can rent these looks (and more) from Armoire by checking out our Best Dressed Guest collection, or stop by our Holiday Statements collection for even more festive looks. In the words of Pink Floyd, shine on you crazy diamond!

Sequins

Sequins evoke a sense of celebration and festivity, making them perfect for special occasions or moments when you want to stand out. Plus, they have this magical quality of making us feel confident and ready to shine, quite literally! The allure of sequins might also lie in their historical significance—adornments like sequins have been used for centuries, connecting us to a tradition of adding a touch of sparkle to our lives.

Inspo: How We Style Sequins

• Sequined Dress: Stay warm in wintery weather with a dainty cashmere cardigan or structured tuxedo jacket. Opt for delicate jewelry like stud earrings or a simple pendant necklace to let the dress shine. A metallic clutch or a sleek evening bag can add sophistication.
• Sequined Top: Pair it with tailored trousers or a high-waisted skirt for balance. An oversized blazer can add sophistication.Choose statement earrings or bracelets to add flair without overpowering the sequins. A pair of sleek heels or embellished flats can complete the look.
• Sequined Skirt: Pair it with a cozy knit sweater or a crisp button-down shirt for a contrast in textures. A wide belt can accentuate the waist. Consider ankle boots or heels in a complementary color to elongate the legs.
• Sequined Jacket or Blazer: Layer it over a simple dress, a t-shirt, or a blouse and jeans for a chic and edgy look. Keep it minimal with stud earrings and a sleek clutch or crossbody bag. Boots or heels can complete the outfit, depending on the occasion.

Remember, the goal with accessories is often to complement the sequined piece without overpowering it. Choose accessories that enhance the overall look while allowing the sequins to take center stage.

WATCH: Sequined Looks from Armoire & How to Style Them

In this video, we’re diving into the world of sequins, sparkle, and style. Watch as we showcase some of the sequined looks to rent from Armoire this holiday season, and uncover the secrets of styling them effortlessly with fashion guru Cheri Dublinski. Get ready to shimmer and shine as Cheri shows us how to make sequins the star of your wardrobe.

Metallics

Despite their eye-catching nature, metallic fabrics can be surprisingly versatile. They can be dressed up for formal events or dressed down for more casual affairs. They often have a unique texture or depth that adds visual interest. Whether it’s a subtle shimmer or a bold metallic sheen, these fabrics can create dimension and elevate the overall look.

Metallic fabrics also exude a modern and contemporary vibe. They add an edgy touch to outfits, allowing women to experiment with fashion and make a statement. Wearing metallic fabrics can boost confidence and evoke a sense of celebration or festivity. There’s something inherently joyful and celebratory about donning metallics, making them perfect for special occasions or simply to uplift a mood.

Pairing Metallics + Skin Tone

Choosing the right metallic hue for your skin tone can enhance your overall look. Find the best match:

• Cool Undertones (Pink or Bluish): Silver, platinum, and cooler-toned metallics tend to complement cool undertones. These hues create a harmonious contrast and highlight the coolness in your skin tone.
• Warm Undertones (Yellow or Peachy): Gold, bronze, copper, and warmer-toned metallics work well with warm undertones. These hues complement the warmth in your skin and create a beautiful contrast.
• Neutral Undertones: People with neutral undertones have the advantage of being able to pull off both cool and warm metallic hues. Experiment with different shades to find what resonates best with your preferences.
• Deep/Darker Skin Tones: Deep and darker skin tones can carry off bold and vibrant metallic hues such as rich golds, bronzes, and even jewel-toned metallics like emerald or sapphire. These shades can create a stunning contrast against darker skin tones.
• Fair/Lighter Skin Tones: Lighter metallic hues like silver, softer golds, or rose golds can complement fairer skin tones without overwhelming them. Lighter hues can add a subtle shimmer without being too stark.

Don’t hesitate to try various metallic shades against your skin to see what resonates best. Sometimes, personal preferences and the overall outfit can also influence the choice of metallics. These guidelines can be a starting point, but you might find that certain shades, even if they’re not traditionally recommended for your skin tone, resonate with your style and make you feel confident. Trust your instincts and wear what makes you feel fabulous.

Inspo: How We Style Metallics

• Casual Chic: Tone down the shine of metallic fabrics by pairing them with casual pieces. For instance, style metallic leggings or pants with a cozy sweater or a denim jacket for a stylish yet relaxed look.
• Daytime Glam: Opt for subtle metallic accents in daytime outfits. A metallic blouse paired with tailored trousers or a metallic skirt with a neutral blouse can add a touch of sophistication without being overly flashy.
• Mix and Match: Experiment with mixing metallics with other textures or patterns. Try combining a metallic skirt with a chunky knit sweater or pairing a metallic top with a tweed blazer for a stylish contrast.
• Layering: Layering metallic pieces with more understated ones can balance the look. For example, layer a metallic cardigan over a simple dress or pair a metallic jacket with jeans and a plain tee.
• Statement Pieces: Make a bold statement with a full metallic dress or jumpsuit for special occasions. Keep accessories minimal to let the outfit stand out.
• Play with Colors: Mix metallic fabrics with different colors to create contrast and interest. A metallic skirt with a vibrant top or a metallic jacket over a colorful dress can create a striking ensemble.
• Dress up or Down: Metallic fabrics can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Pair them with sneakers or flats for a more casual vibe, or dress them up with heels or boots for a formal look.

Remember to balance the metallic piece with the rest of the outfit, keeping other elements more subdued to avoid overwhelming the overall look. Whether it’s incorporating metallics subtly or going all out with a statement piece, experimenting with different styles can add a touch of glamor and personality to your holiday party looks.

How to Pull Off Sequins and Metallics this Holiday

Finally, to wrap up this lesson on Sequins and Metallics 101, I will leave you with ten rules to live (and dress) by. It’s a checklist of sorts to make sure you shimmer perfectly.

1. Balance is Key: Pair sequin pieces with more subdued items to balance the look. For example, a sequined top with black pants or a sequined skirt with a simple blouse.
2. Mix Textures: Blend different textures for an interesting ensemble. Combine sequins with velvet, satin, or knitwear to create a multidimensional look. Experiment with varied textures of metallic fabrics. For instance, pair a metallic top with a metallic pleated skirt or a satin blouse with metallic-threaded trousers. This adds depth and visual interest.
3. Layering: Use sequined jackets or blazers over a basic dress or pair a sequined top with a cardigan for a more toned-down appearance. Layer metallic pieces with non-metallics for contrast. For example, layer a metallic blazer over a matte blouse or top off a metallic dress with a denim jacket for a chic contrast.
4. Monochrome Magic: Opt for a monochromatic scheme with sequins and metallics in the same color family as the rest of your outfit for a chic and sophisticated look. Combining different shades of gold, silver, or bronze can create a sophisticated tonal look that’s visually cohesive.
5. Focus on Fit: Ensure that the sequined piece fits you well and is comfortable. Sequins can sometimes be scratchy, so consider the fabric and lining to ensure comfort.
6. Consider the Occasion: The level of sequins you wear can depend on the event. For casual gatherings, opt for subtle sequined details or opt for sequins in muted tones like champagne, navy, or deep red. For more formal events, you can go all out with a sequined gown or jumpsuit. Tailor your metallic mix based on the occasion as well. For daytime, opt for subtler combinations, while you can go bolder for evening events.
7. Use Neutrals as Anchors: Neutral tones act as grounding elements. Use black, white, navy, or nude as a base to allow the metallics, fur, or sequins to shine without overwhelming the look.
8. Accessorize Thoughtfully: When mixing metallic fabrics, consider accessories. Opt for neutral accessories or choose one dominant metallic color from your outfit for a cohesive look.
9. Play with Proportions: Mix different proportions of metallics. Pair a fitted metallic top with wide-leg metallic pants or a structured metallic skirt with a flowy metallic blouse for a balanced silhouette.
10.  Confidence is Key: Ultimately, wear the mix with confidence. Embrace your personal style and experiment until you find combinations that make you feel fabulous. Rock your flair with a smile, and you’ll light up any holiday gathering.

Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun.
Shine on you crazy diamond.

Pink Floyd

The 10 Commandments of Wearing Sequins and Metallics for the Holidays

Pink Floyd