When King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered in 1922, gold sequin-like disks were found sewn onto the Egyptian royal's garments. It's assumed they'd ensure he'd be financially and sartorially prepared for the afterlife.
The origins of the word "sequin" have always referenced wealth: The Arabic word sikka means "coin." During the 13th century, gold coins produced in Venice were known as zecchino. For centuries, variations of sikka and zecchino were used in Europe and the Middle East.
With the festive season around the corner, store windows are filled with sequined items filling our eyes with visions of sexy outfits for all those celebratory evenings. But why keep sequins for evenings when we can still have fun with their wonderful bright shine during the daytime? It can be fun and a great way to upgrade our routine with a touch of glamour without going overboard and staying politically sartorially correct. Which brings us to Michael Jackson one night in 1983 when he performed "Billie Jean" and premiered the moonwalk. He wore a black sequin jacket along with his iconic rhinestone glove or that other time when he met the president of the United States in 1984 wearing a military-style, sequin jacket? Or on the History world tour when he wore a white sequin number? He created an unprecedented trend and rose his fans curiosity to the point that these sequined items became iconic and classic pieces.
However, I agree it's not given to wear sequins and flaunt oneself without being too conscience about the bling bling effect we're carrying. If you're not the type that feels comfortable under peers eyes and scrutiny, then I suggest following those easy steps:
For those who are seriously timid, opt for one easy item in your look, a sequined scarf, a clutch, a pair of flats or even a tee with sequined details.
For more daring souls, the list is longer but same rules apply.
Always make sure to have one sequined item per look. And team the sequined item with everyday items to tone it down. It should be the only focal point in your look. Keep your makeup minimal, hair simple and cut down on accessories. Avoid big sequins and black ones. Opt for colorful sequins and keep it monochrome.
With a sequined skirt, wear a denim shirt or a sweater. Depending on the skirt length and legs thickness, you can wear stilettos or sneakers.
With a sequined tee, a boyfriend jeans are a must. If the top is long enough then a leather legging would do combined with booties to give it a rock edge.
With sequined trousers, a simple tee, white or grey, with a parka or a jacket along with stilettos or sneakers and a backpack is the perfect combo.
With a sequined dress, a denim jacket is the best way to de-bling bling it. Brogues will add to this super feminine piece an interesting masculine touch or booties and a crossbody bag for a modern touch.
With a sequined jacket, a cute light dress or jeans with a crisp white shirt. Another alternative would be an A-line skirt or a fun full skirt. And for a bolder look, why not team the jacket with track pants.
No excuses any more to keep those sequined items in your closet and take them out only for big occasions. Use and abuse them and let your days be glamorous and fun, no need for sewn coins to reach happiness in the other world, few sequins and a positive attitude will do in this world.