Sequins: not just for New Year’s Eve anymore. Believe it or not, they can also work in the office if you plan the rest of your outfit intelligently. Sticking with our resolution to take more style risks in 2012 means we’re also looking to shake up our 9-to-5 wardrobe, and this is the perfect place to start. Read on for three ways to incorporate Saturday-night shimmer into Monday through Friday.
1. On a Structured Blouse
Balance the fancier feel of the sparkle with structured shapes and serious colors. Here, we paired a clean-lined button-up (make sure you button it to the top) with sleek cropped trousers and a velvet blazer. The traditional shapes of the jacket and pant, especially when done in professionally minded colors like navy and black, keep the sequins on this rugby top from standing out too much. Conservative kitten heels are the perfect shoe choice, and if you’re craving color, a classic red leather purse will round out the mix.
Sequin rugby top, $170 at Adam; Griffin black plastic frames, $95 at Warby Parker; DV by Dolce Vita suede Kitty heel, $49.99 at Urban Outfitters; Tibi cropped wool-blend crepe pants, $127.30 at Net-a-Porter; Midgroe velvet blazer, $270.98 at Aubin & Wills; Edie leather purse, $238 at J.Crew.
2. As a Scarf
An elegant wrap dress is always a good option for a meeting with higher-ups or new clients. We recommend investing in a khaki-colored option—it’s a great neutral that works in winter and spring—then loosely draping a shimmering scarf over your shoulders. It’s important that the scarf isn’t completely covered in sequins, since too much sparkle might make you look like a can-can dancer. We paired the ensemble with coral-hued heels for an extra dose of fun (add some romantic makeup, and this look will take you right into date night), but if those are too bold for your office, nude or blush-colored pumps will also work.
Diane von Furstenberg Nove wrap dress, $255 at Zoe Boutique; Schumacher silk scarf, $45 at Yoox, Ivanka Trump Amoro pumps in geranium, $120 at Bloomingdale’s; Dogeared Pearls of Happiness Necklace, $70.90 at ASOS; Chloe To Go travel perfume, $60 for 1 fl. oz. at Sephora.
3. Swapped Out For a Sweater Vest
Glee’s adorable guidance counselor, Emma Pillsbury, proves that colorful sweaters and bow-tie blouses work wonders on the job. If you’re already a fan of the sweater vest, button-up, and pencil skirt combo, try swapping out the knit shell for a sequined version. The belt will determine the direction of your look: A neon number is right on-trend, but if you’re afraid that’s too bright, opt for a neutral and match it with your shoes.
Vince sequin crepe top, $141.60 at Net-a-Porter; Halston Heritage silk georgette blouse, $265 at Net-a-Porter; Nine West Caress light brown patent pump, $79 at Nine West; No. 2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool, $120 at J.Crew. Marc by Marc Jacobs fluoro lime python belt, $120 at Stylebop; Nude chain and bow belt, $32 at Topshop.
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
