How To Wear Sequins to Work

On day one of 100% Optical this year, I gave two presentations. I wore a sequin skirt, a silk pussy bow blouse and sequin heels. I knew I’d be on my feet all day but I also knew that I couldn’t, just couldn’t give a presentation in flats. It wouldn’t feel right. I wouldn’t feel properly dressed. I had so many other things to think about that we didn’t take any specific outfit photos and although Poppy and Ian took photos while I was presenting, in almost all of them, I’m mid-sentence, (as you’d expect). Not a good look. There are a few ok-ish ones in my post about 100% Optical, but not enough to make up a standalone outfit post. However, I wore the same sequin skirt with a matching top for Ian’s 50th a few weeks ago, so take a look then you know which one I mean. (Both top and skirt are still available in the Boden clearance too by the way).

On day two, I did just as much walking, as well as some filming, but I wasn’t presenting. I knew that my feet wouldn’t thank me for a second 12-hour day in heels, so I wore flat shoes with sequin tuxedo trousers and my favourite ever blouse.

The common theme here is wearing sequins to work. I wouldn’t wear sequins to work in practice, but there is absolutely no reason why I shouldn’t wear them for the other facets of my career. In fact, just recently, an online article in Vogue suggested that wearing sequins throughout the day makes one look instantly more fashionable. Now, while it’s jolly nice to have Vogue’s seal of approval, wearing sequins during the day is something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. It makes me happy and it increases the number of wears per item. I don’t save the sequins for evenings or Christmas.

How To Wear Sequins To Work

Of course to wear sequins to work isn’t appropriate for everyone or acceptable in every profession. If it is though, it’s quite easy to put together an outfit which mixes the sensible with the sparkle. In my outfit for the presentations, the navy silk pussy bow blouse is demure and simple. It has an understated and ladylike elegance which worked beautifully with the more celebratory sequin stripe pencil skirt. Teaming the two made my outfit very suitable for work.

In this outfit, the tuxedo trousers have a subtle sequin stripe down the side which isn’t immediately obvious. I like that. It’s good when an outfit presents something a little unexpected. The star blouse is my favourite for several reasons: the neckline, the ruffle, the puffed sleeves, the asymmetry, the stars. Everything. This outfit works because although the trousers have sequins, they have a simple cut. If they didn’t, the blouse plus the sequins might look too much for work. (I knew I’d be creating video content for Instagram and taking part in a recorded interview. Light colours generally look better on camera which was another reason for wearing this blouse).

And here are the jewelled flats. Sensible shoes need not be boring.

The trousers are by Victoria Beckham and the blouse is by Self-Portrait. I bought both last year when they were reduced. I bought the jewelled flats in the sale last year too. They’re from Boden and are still available.

For more sparkly inspiration, take a look at my very good friend Lisa’s blog, The Sequinist.