All that glitters…

The “daytime sequins” trend has been out there in the fashion ether for months now, but I’ve always considered it a study in contrasts best worn by the likes of Olivia Palermo, who could make a trash bag look chic.

Sequin bloomers?  Why not.

Tory Burch was all over the sequins-in-the-a.m. trend, and then J. Crew followed (paillette-adorned) suit shortly thereafter.  I saw it on designers as disparate as Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Tam (and, of course, Christophe Decarnin’s Balmain — no surprise there, though).  I observed from afar, wondering whether the “I’m in Vegas” vibe sequins seem to give off could be muted enough for 11 a.m. street strolls in Georgetown.  I’ve decided that with some careful balancing, it can look beyond fetching — chic, really, with a bit of devil-may-care attitude thrown in there.  And here’s how.  Begin by selecting well-tailored separates: a conventional cut with the addition of eye-catching sequins, like this DVF blazer ($495, Net-A-Porter):

The blazer was all.over.the.place last season, so why not up the ante a bit, and make your workaday wardrobe a bit more unexpected?  I can see myself pairing them with a little silk blouse in stark white ($203, The Outnet) and trim, fitted black pants ($59.50, Gap — BTW, Gap has just come out with a premium black pant collection with a variety of styles, and I pretty much want to invest in a pair of each of them; the “Really Skinny” is featured below):

Add on a pair of glossy black pumps (something with a bit of a sole to them, like these Joan & Davids — $204, Zappos), a slouchy carry-all (Marc Jacobs, $398, PiperLime), and some serious enorma-shades (I covet this Tom Ford “Simone” style — they mean business.  They also cost around $495.  Find a retailer near you at Tom Ford Online):

As for jewelry: I like the idea of pairing this look with I-live-in-it jewelry — simple pieces that look like you wear them everyday.  I’m thinking flat gold disc studs ($55, Gorjana) and a pair of simple gold bangles — I’d die to own the Cartier Love bracelet ($3,175, Cartier), but in the mean time, this CCSkye variation might tide me over ($125, CC Skye) when paired with a few thin stand-on-their-own bangles (Argento Vivo, $98, Nordstrom):

Hair should be pulled back in a low, loose chignon.  This look is very Olivia Palermo.

Another option: once the cooler weather hits, I’m mildly obsessed with the idea of pairing a trim, tissue-thin black turtleneck ($39.50, J. Crew) with this paper-bag waist skirt from J. Crew — it’s already sold out in the U.S., but interestingly, Net-A-Porter has just begun to carry a limited collection of J. Crew pieces on their site, so it’s still available there ($268, J. Crew):

Add black tights and some black flats ($295, Tory Burch):

I like it with an adorned headband ($8.80, Forever 21) and the  J. Crew “Rhapsody” ($285, J. Crew) — I’ve featured it before, and I’ll feature it again.  Love.it.

The look reminds me of Blair Waldorf, which reminds me of how excited I am for Gossip Girl to return (September 13th can’t come soon enough).  Yes, I’m 26 and I live for GG.  Its plot line is so improbable, its dialogue so stilted, its fashion so unbelievable–and yet the entire package is so delicious.  Love.  But back to the matter at hand: how to become a gliterati without going overboard.  As mentioned previously, I think I’d avoid a “showgirl gone wrong” vibe by sticking to classic shapes that just happen to feature sequins.  I have to admit that I’ve been eying this kids size cardigan from J. Crew’s Girls section ($188, J. Crew) for awhile — I’d wear it to work with a fitted pencil skirt ($69, J. Crew) and some blush pumps (I snapped up these inexpensive and endlessly wearable Enzo Angiolinis before the wedding and have already worn them 3,239 different ways — on sale for $53, Zappos):

For weekend wear, I’m liking the idea of swapping out one of my many nautical striped tees for this be-sequinned version (Alice and Olivia, $269, ChickDownTown — notice that they are offering an extra 30% off all merchandise!):

I’d wear it with either my go-to skinnies (I am pretty much a J Brand or Paige jeans girl, but these Hudsons are supposed to work wonders — $165, ChickDownTown — snap ’em up while everything is 30% off there!):

With a pair of bold ballets — I loveeeee this orangey-red color ($188, Tory Burch) — and, if we’re dreaming here, that killa Kate Spade tote I’ve been drooling over (“The Camille” in tangerine — $475, Kate Spade):

Then all you need is a big splashy ring ($245, CCSkye — Olivia Palermo owns this little bauble, so I clearly want it bad):

Top it all off with a military-inspired jacket ($148, J. Crew — I’ve been wearing mine on a daily basis due to threatening gray skies…and, let’s face it: I pretty much just want an excuse to wear it at all times anyway):

Alternately, consider layering this typically-for-after-hours top ($80, TopShop) with a pair of skinny jeans and black boots (I’ve been trying to work up the guts to test drive some over-the-knee or up-to-the-knee boots for awhile now — $825, Loeffler Randall):

All you need is a pair of wayfarers and a little coat — I’d originally envisioned a fitted black blazer, but why not switch things up and diversify your look a bit more with this sweatshirt jacket, which has been on my “must have” list for the last few weeks ($78, Madewell):

For a more formal event, you can get away with a sequin add-on without seeming out-of-place as well.  Think about how perfectly tailored and on-point you’d look with a greige/neutral shift dress (this Chloe version is to.die.for but I’ve seen less expensive versions at Banana or H&M this season — $1,795, Net-A-Porter) and this sparkling sequin bag (Marc Jacobs, $987, Farfetch):

A pair of enorma-pearls and a statement necklace would be the perfect additions ($65, Bloomingdale’s):

I also like the idea of tucking this glittering little shell ($91, TheOutnet) into a retro, full skirt ($60, ModCloth)

Perfect with these fun printed Lanvin pumps ($617, MyTheresa):

Now we’re entering evening zone, so you should be feeling a bit easier with the prospect of sequins.  How darling is this Haute Hippie sequin tunic ($495, Edit New York)?

I’d wear with some sparkling earrings ($100, Amrita Singh) and impossibly high heels to offset the slouchiness of the dress (everyone is saying suede and velvet and other opulent fabrics are big this winter — check these Valentinos out for proof! — $775, Net-A-Porter):

Alternately, use sequins as a way to dress up and set off your favorite LBD (Shoshanna, $210, Bluefly) — perhaps this Marni necklace ($255, Marni) and this Katia Lombardo platform pump (on sale for $205, MyWardrobe) will rev your engine?

Or how about sprucing up an otherwise straight-forward black work dress (Vanessa Bruno Athe, $101, TheOutnet) with some sparkling flats ($192, Kate Spade) and a jewel-adorned headband ($45, J. Crew):

Or just go ahead and pull out all the stops — dress up like you mean it with a full-on sequinned evening gown (Rachel Gilbert, $1,385, Net-A-Porter):

I mean, does it even get more glam than that?  For those of us that live in the real world and will likely never have an occasion to wear something of that magnitude of glamor, scale back and add this minaudiere to your wardrobe.  I’d make occasions to wear it to ($128, J. Crew):

Shine on, girl!