The Spring Bling

Yes, you are right to think that we might run out of adjectives pretty soon to articulate the glamour march of this year's biggest trend comeback - the sequins. After a few seasons of being utilitarian and casual, the world of fashion finally has decided to go ultra-glam once again. And nothing can beat the disco decade, the '80s in this regard. After all, divas like Madonna, Annie Lennox, and Gloria Estefan owned the trend like there was no tomorrow. The Spring '18 runways only prove that the all-shine-everything is not only for the proverbial party seasons; you can be too glam to give a damn, anytime, any day! You just have to figure out the ways to create the right balance. But before that, let's take a tour of the heavyweight runways that have been so heavy on sequins and bling during SS'18.

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From Tom Ford to Marc Jacobs, from Michael Kors to Laura Kim / Fernando Garcia - the runways of New York Fashion Week '18 were too bright to ignore. While the filmmakers-designers were all about a throwback to the '90s, others paid tribute to the high-octane glamour of the '80s. With the comeback of retro-at leisure and slip dresses, it was even easier to blend the sequins. Hence, the star-studded fringed logo top (Monse Spring 2018 collection) and the sequinned shiny bombers (Coach Spring 2018) made a mark during the shows. Not only these big fashion moguls, this time, bling could manage to get the cool kids on board too! We are looking at you, Victoria Beckham and Saint Laurent! It is refreshing to see these subtle and chic brands going for the flamboyant appeal.

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When runways are so blindingly bright, can red carpets be far behind? Absolutely not! From Golden Globe nominee Ruth Negga to our very own Malaika Arora Khan - silver screen sirens were all about bringing the bling to the earth! Cate Blanchett rocked a golden Gucci at the LA premiere of Thor: Ragnarok, last year, while Kate Bosworth shimmered in a gold Alexander Vaulthier floor-length gown. Let's not forget Bella Hadid's red sequinned gown. These celebs were sure giving a hint about the trend. The power of protest was not the only shine in 2018's all-black Golden Globe. Sequins and shimmers were there too, to complement the cause. From Kerry Washington to Dakota Johnson - celebs shone as outwardly as they were shining inwardly. Men were not lagging behind: Dave Franko pulled off the crystal-studded Saint Laurent Blazer with utter élan.

Wardrobe essentials

Now that you have enough proof that sequins are back in the game (and boy, aren't we just too happy that they are!) it is time to get down to business! We know, you have just packed all your party-apropos bling to the back of your wardrobe and are trying to get back to your everyday outfits (how we wish we didn't have to!). But hold that thought right there. Because the party ain't over! When life itself is a big party, why shove shimmers and shines to the backstage? Agreed that the trend is tricky to handle, but for every trickster, there is a solution. Check out our guide to wear sequins and rest assured, you will be sorted for the year:

Office attire

A sequinned T-shirt over a pair of sleek black trousers could be your glamorous take on office dressing. Complement the look with serious-looking laptop bags or hand-held bags and keep your hairdo absolutely fuss-free. Keep a black blazer handy for that surprising chill of the AC. With power dressing at its best, there will be chill in the meeting room for sure!

Casual day out

Catching up with your gal-pals? Go for a quirky printed sequinned T-shirt. Pair it with your favourite jeans or tulle skirt, depending on the kind of mood you are in. Complete your look either with pop-coloured sneakers or T-strapped flats.

Party perfect

It is just instinctive to go for anything sparkly during the party nights and the options are aplenty! Take your pick from a glittery slip dress to a sequinned bodycon, you will be ready to rock the party. In a mood to experiment? Put on that glamorous wrap dress you got yourself last time. Finish your look with studded boots.

The rule book

You should absolutely learn these few tricks by heart to pull off sequins.

KISS: Keep It Simple, silly! If you are going the shimmer route during the day, avoid every other shiny accessory at all cost.

One at a time: Minimalism is the key. One of your apparels should be enough to turn heads.

Pop of colour: Even though silver, gold and red are always topping the chart, go for unusual hues to stand out in the crowd.

Strike a balance: Use muted hues. Your overall look should reflect the right amount of sophistication one needs to pull off this glitzy glamour.

Be confident: Own it, girl! Don't let the bling steal your shine!

Accessorise like a pro!

Too shy for the shine but still want to try out the trend? Fret not fair maiden! This tricky trend can be worn as a sidekick too! All you need is the right accessories to go with. Invest in oversized sequinned envelope clutches or sparkly sling bags. You can also make use of shimmery hair accessories and belts. For footwear, go for high-shine loafers and embellished boots to up the sheen.

Last but not the least!

With metallic trend back in the game, it is all the easier to sparkle and match up to the sequins and bling, the thumb rule being the balancing act. Keep all your ravishing reds, bronze and gold for the wild, wild party nights. Up for the game? Put on those tiny crystal dots around your eyes and you will be sorted. For a more subtle look, just wear your good ol' bronze eye shadow.

(The author is a fashion expert at Myntra)