Making Metallic Looks Work for You
While the glitter of metallic and shimmer of sequins have always been reserved for clothes worn for a night out on the town or the holidays, it hasn't stopped designers from putting a new twist on wearing the look.
On "The Early Show", style expert Gretta Monahan presented some wardrobe ideas for both daytime and evening wear using a little -- or a lot of -- glitz.
According to Monahan, metallic and sequins are no longer just for evening wear, designers are creating them for daywear. So, what's key to making the look work for daytime?
Monahan said, "If you going to rock this look during the day you need to pair your sequins/metallic pieces with daytime-friendly, casual, toned down shoes and accessories."
She added, "You also need to balance the look. If you are going bold on top, you need to bring it back with simple skirt or pants -- otherwise you will look like a walking disco ball."
Metallic and sequin looks are in the "same fashion family," according to Monahan, but sequins are a step further on the spectrum.
"Not all people can pull of sequins," she said, "but most will look good in metallic."
When accessorizing, she said less is usually more when styling shimmer outfits.
"You need to ensure that the sequin/metallic piece is the focal point of the outfit and so the shoes/bag/jewelry should be simple, so as not to cause a distraction," she said.
In general, Monahan said, colored metallic and sequins need to be paired with neutrals: black, white, beige and browns. However, if you are working with black sequins, she said that color is needed to bring the look to life. Also, she said, bear in mind what occasion you're dressing for when styling in color. You can be a little bolder with your color pairings in the evening.
Work Wear:
You can do metallic for the workplace, but simple rules apply, Monahan said.
"Less is more," she said. "You don't want your boss to mistakenly think you are headed to Studio 54."
Monahan paired a dress with a cropped jacket to give it more of a professional look.
"The metallic fabric on the lower half of this dress is actually stitched to appear as sequin," she said. "This gives a little dazzle to the outfit, while still maintaining a work-appropriate look."
Jean Daywear:
Pairing a denim or black jean with a metallic top, Monahan said, is great way to wear this look during the day.
Accessories will be the key to making this look day-friendly, she said. Monahan added you should keep shoes flat and simple and wear minimal jewelry.
Daywear
"You can wear your bold sequined pieces during the day but you need to be careful with the incorporation of color," Monahan said.
On "The Early Show," she presented a multicolored statement skirt paired with a simple black top, tights and cardigan.
"She looks relaxed and comfortable with a longer cardigan that tones down the visibility of the sequins," Monahan said.
Evening Wear Dress:
Monahan said this is a perfect holiday party dress.
"It's a simple dress and its 'wow factor' is the gorgeous metallic colored beads," she said. "With this look accessories are not needed and will actually take away from the impact of the dress."
She recommended opting for a simple shoe and handbag combination.
Evening Wear Sequin Pant:
"These sequin pants are not an easily look to pull off, and you have to find a top that will compliment both the style and your body shape," Monahan said.
She stressed that it's important to go for something really simple.
Monahan said, "A bold statement top with these pants will be overbearing. The pink top we have chosen adds a pop of color and make the outfit a little more feminine."