Casual Plaid with Sequins: Yay or Nay

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Casual Plaid with Sequins: Yay or Nay

— by Angie

on November 28, 2011

I was taken with this interesting combination at Zara recently. Matching casual lumberjack plaid with dressy sequins is so extreme that I think it works. It’s certainly one way to dress down a sequin skirt or camisole!

The vibe reminds me a little of my weekend uniform in the ’90s when I wore Levi’s 501s, a black lace camisole, a grungy red plaid shirt, a black belt and flat black biker boots. The juxtaposition of the sequins with the plaid shirt here takes things a little further — and I like it more than my ’90s lace version.

I’m not into wearing lumberjack plaid shirts anymore, but I am a yay vote for the look. I like all the outfits shown below, the casual flat booties being the cool cherry on top. My version would be to skip the plaid and wear a denim shirt tucked into the sequin skirt with the flat booties. Tame in comparison, but a pretty extreme juxtaposition nonetheless. What’s your verdict?

77 comments · Add a comment

Louise

Veteran

I’m afraid I’m not a huge fan of sequins, brings back horrible memories of ballet shows and the sequins on our tutu’s getting caught together just as we were about to go on stage!

I can appreciate this look on others just not me x

November 28, 2011 at 2:23 am

Mainelady

Veteran

Although I might possibly see the sequins mixed with a chambray shirt or even a Henley, I am in the nay camp. To my eye the sequins with the plaid doesn’t work. Is this the new day to evening look? Clean the garage and then head to the holiday party?

November 28, 2011 at 2:32 am

Sigrid

Your 90s outfit sounds very cool! I also think sequins paired with something casual like plaid and denim, can work very well. For me, I’m not sure…Today I’m wearing a cardigan with a silver thread knitted in, and at 44 yrs, perhaps that’s enough day time sparkle for me!

November 28, 2011 at 2:39 am

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I wear my sequin top at daytime with jeans and a cardigan or jacket over it, I also wore it with a t-neck layered under. However I don’t feel this particular look. I guess I don’t like casual plaid at all and don’t wear it.I can see a sequin skirt with a denim shirt for sure but for me the skirt needs to be subtler to wear at daytime, more like a hint of sparkle that a full blown version.

November 28, 2011 at 3:13 am

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Nay. I cannot picture a single occasion in which this would be appropriate in my life. Sorry!

November 28, 2011 at 3:37 am

Cynthia

(website)

Hmmm. “Walk of Shame” couture perhaps? Yeah, I don’t think this trend is for me. I could see sequins with a fancy holiday plaid though. Or maybe with chambray in the right combination.

November 28, 2011 at 3:46 am

kimlee

Veteran

I am going to vote Nay on this trend. I just can not envision how this would translate into real life – specifically my life. However, I do like your idea Angie, of wearing a denim shirt with sequin skirt.

November 28, 2011 at 4:04 am

Jonesy

Veteran

Love! Since I love plaid, this totally works for me. Actually, I have a pair of sparkly black pants on the way to me, and I have been plotting about finding the perfect plaid shirt to wear with them! I am looking for one that is navy or gray and white, with no green or red involved. A surprisingly hard nut to crack…I love this look; I have seen the pairing of plaid with sparkle at J. Crew as well.

November 28, 2011 at 4:10 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I say yay, depending on the combination. I prefer my plaids not too “lumberjack” anyway. I have a cute Guess soft plaid shirt in shades of blue and rust, and a gray sequin tank that I wear casually, and I think I’ll try pairing them up for a casual day.

November 28, 2011 at 5:32 am

Laura65

I don’t know about sequins, but I kind of like the sound of your 90s plaid/lace uniform, Angie. Sequins annoy the heck out of me, unless they are on a clutch or the trim of a scarf. I recently bought a sequined throw pillow and returned it immediately – it looked great but no one wanted to sit anywhere near it! Jonesy’s mention of sparkle and plaid at JCrew also sounds intriguing. That I could probably do.

November 28, 2011 at 5:38 am

patti

(website)

Active Member

Nay for me, but cool for those who love it. I *could* mix sequins with more casual pieces, for sure, like you suggested.

November 28, 2011 at 6:23 am

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Omg this is so me. I am all about it and excited to give it a go!

November 28, 2011 at 6:36 am

RoseandJoan

Veteran

This is an attention grabbing look and one which must look deliberate. I have no plaid in my wardrobe so this is a no for me but I would love to see others sporting the look with purpose.

November 28, 2011 at 6:38 am

Lee

(website)

it looks like they are at the mall dressing rooms trying sparkly stuff on while still wearing their grunge everyday clothes.

November 28, 2011 at 6:38 am

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

It all depends on which plaid and which sequin top. I love number 3 because the silver of the sequins picks up the light grey in the plaid. I am of the camp that just about anything can be put together if the right quantities, colors and textures are mixed.
It takes a very nuanced and creative eye which is why it can work when professionals are staging models. The look would not translate for a great quantity of women but that spunky art student, creative MOMG or fashionista like Angie could mix it up superbly and it would seem just right.

Could also go very badly and looked forced and juvenile.

November 28, 2011 at 6:44 am

Isis

Veteran

A big Yay! I love all three of these combinations! I just love unexpected juxtapositions: the plaid + sequins; the sequined skirt + flat boots. Your outfit sounds amazing!

I may try a combination of sequins and denim or chambray myself; thanks for the inspiration!

November 28, 2011 at 6:52 am

Angela

This is such a nay for me, I do have to put in a sparkly something this week, twice in fact, but there will be no denimn or plaid on me at the same time

November 28, 2011 at 6:53 am

Recovering Goth

Nay for me…

It evokes an American Apparel ad, featuring a 20-something hipster in something like a gold Lurex top, ripped skinny jeans, early-90s-style high-top sneakers, and a pair of Estelle Getty-style glasses.

It strikes me as an outfit that is trying to be unconventional for the sake of it; and, as a result it comes off as too forced and self-conscious.

November 28, 2011 at 6:56 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

RoseandJoan and Greenglove, confidence, purpose and the right mix of detailing are prerequisites for this vibe for sure. Well said.

Thanks for the morning chuckle, Mimi.

Louise and Laura, I agree that sequined items can be uncomfortable to wear. Lace is more comfy.

Jonesy, Janet and Nicole, I look forward to seeing your versions on the forum! I know you’ll pull off the look.

Here is the version that I would like to wear sans the hat:

http://www.jcrew.com/browse/po.....Color=true

Recovering Goth, you got me thinking about when an outfit looks forced and when it doesn’t. For me, that would for the most part depend on the confidence of the wearer. I need to think about that more because it’s an interesting question.

November 28, 2011 at 7:02 am

Lisa

Veteran

I’m a nay vote. I like plaid shirts and I own one but I prefer the plaid mixed with denim. Sparkles and sequins is too much contrast with the plaid for my taste. I consider plaid a very casual relaxed look and the sequins are too dressy for me. I’ll enjoy this one on others.

November 28, 2011 at 7:05 am

Sylvia

(website)

Active Member

I love all the daring pattern mixing in the latest lookbook of Zara. I’m not a big sequins fan, but I have already seen some pictures of women rocking this look. It looks fun and interesting!

November 28, 2011 at 7:17 am

Queen Mum

Veteran

Sorry~ I have to join the nay camp. While I love juxtaposition in an outfit, this just isn’t gelling with me. Perhaps I’m just not seeing the right combination. In #1, I want to send the model to the salon. Where is she supposed to be going with her hair like that and the sequin skirt? With #3, at least the shirt and jeans say “day time casual” and the sequin shirt is a bit of irony, but it still isn’t working for me. I think it’s that the color scheme is looking a bit anemic to me. #2 is the most tolerable of the lot, but it still doesn’t cut it for me. I guess I am getting old and cranky

November 28, 2011 at 7:53 am

krishnidoux

Veteran

I’ll say like Sigrid: your 90’s outfit is really cool and grungy! Viva lace and plaid.

I have a harder time with sequin and plaid. For me, as it is presented in the pictures, it went just a little too far in opposite directions. I find both plaid, and sequin, to carry strong and bold statements. Plaid is: warmth, fun in an easy way, work, groups; Sequin is cool, leading role, Diva, unattainable, fun in a complicated way, aesthetic. So together they can but compete with each other, not in a good way. Well that is my point of view. Call me too conservative maybe.

However, Cindy Lauper pulled a brilliant satin and plaid combo in her time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....ure=relmfu

November 28, 2011 at 7:54 am

cheryl

Veteran

I am one of the few yay’s here! I love plaid and i absolutely adore sequins so why not mix the two. I think i need a new plaid shirt to rock with all my sequin tops

November 28, 2011 at 8:10 am

Joan von Weien

I am contemplating how a plaid could have sequins or a glistening surface, mixed with denim or wool, tweed, etc. A mix of glam and plaid could be intriquing! Many mixtures which we all accept now were once a (GULP!)

November 28, 2011 at 8:29 am

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I love plaid and I love sequins, but this combination just doesn’t work for me.

November 28, 2011 at 8:31 am

(website)

Veteran

Maybe if the plaid were the same colors and tones, I could get behind this. But the red “lumberjack” plaid just looks confused with these pieces to me. I tend to not like too many colors in one outfit anyway, so that might be my issue more than the plaid paired with sequins. For instance, I have the Willow & Clay riding jacket coming and I could totally see it with a similar toned sparkly shirt over jeans! So I’m a yay, with conditions, I suppose

November 28, 2011 at 8:35 am

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I think I may try this over the weekend.

November 28, 2011 at 8:35 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like it in theory, anyway, but like Jean, I believe it would depend a lot on the particulars. The colours would be key. I also LOVE the idea of pairing sequins with denim or chambray. And have already done that one!

November 28, 2011 at 8:47 am

MsMary

Veteran

I love sequins and denim/chambray, too, and have done it and enjoyed it. I am not feeling this plaid-with-sequins look, though. Although in theory it sounds kind of cool, the examples above are leaving me cold. No. 3 is okay but I think the first two are kind of awful. So I’m saying ” nay.”

November 28, 2011 at 8:53 am

Cheryl

Sequins with jeans, yes, depending on the top. Not too over the top for the sequin top, maybe just a sprinkling at the necklne. Not a fan of plaid or horizontal stripes — great for slim frames but enlarges the image, at least mine. Plaid is great for hayrides!

November 28, 2011 at 8:54 am

Scarlet

Veteran

Oh my gosh, LOVE! Denim would look great too. I wonder if I could use this idea with my gold lame skirt–I don’t have anything sequined, although I would love to find a top.

November 28, 2011 at 8:55 am

Carole

Veteran

I vote nay. I’m not a fan of this look. I couldn’t pull up the jcrew example, Angie, I’m certain that would have been a better rendition! Something about the plaid lumberjack shirt turns me off.

November 28, 2011 at 9:00 am

taylor

Veteran

LOVE!!! Check out this beautiful example http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/ I plan to copy ASAP!! So Audrey Hepburn and A bit of our own Angie thrown in:)
I LOVE every beautiful element here!!

November 28, 2011 at 9:30 am

taylor

Veteran

You need to scroll down a bit:)

November 28, 2011 at 9:32 am

Queen Mum

Veteran

Okay, so I can get behind the outfit Taylor linked to 100%. The checked is so much more attractive of a look than the lumberjack plaid. Plus it doesn’t hurt that the gal has an attractive hair do and her accessories are impeccably beautiful.

November 28, 2011 at 9:36 am

alice

(website)

I love both sequins and plaid and am interested in the idea of dressing down sequins for a fun daytime look, but I am with the nay camp here – the only people I can see possibly wearing this combination might be the very young. To me it looks “I am trying really hard to be different.”

November 28, 2011 at 9:43 am

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Ooh Scarlet, I love the idea of trying this with your gold lame skirt!!

And a yay from me, I always love outfits that combine feminine/dressy and tougher looking elements. Love the denim/chambray suggestion too.
I agree that this isn’t the easiest look to pull off, but definitely worth experimenting with.

November 28, 2011 at 10:01 am

Refugee

Veteran

In general I will say nay to this look. Simply because I think those that will do it well will be few and far between. While I love the brilliantly unexpected look in the link that Taylor posted, I think most people will end up more towards the while-I-was-in-the-shower-at-the-gym-someone-stole-all-my-clothes-and-I-had-to-get-dressed-out-of-the-lost-and-found-so-I-didn’t-have-to-drive-home-naked end of the spectrum when sporting this look.

November 28, 2011 at 10:03 am

KCanShop

I was just thinking last week how much more often I wear sequins than ever before. I’m even wearing them pretty often to the office (I’m a lawyer), which would have been inconceivable for me a few years ago. I think the fabrications are working better now for casual wear. The sequins are often a dusting, rather than chain mail, or they are matte or opalescent, adding texture without too much shine. My weekend uniform is often a cozy sweater, a sequined tank, and jeans. I love sequins with tweed too. I don’t love the combo of sequins with lumberjack plaid, though. It just seems too extreme to my eye. I like a little tension in an outfit to keep it lively, but that combo is too much for me.

November 28, 2011 at 10:06 am

Vildy

Veteran

I see I’m not in the minority rejecting this look. Mainly for the reasons Recovering Goth suggested. Now, I love the look Taylor linked to but it’s not “sassy.” I really don’t have the occasions for a sequin skirt. Wearing one to run errands is just bizarre and inviting of stares. Plus, the day/night, hi/lo mix is not exactly fresh news anymore.

I’m grateful for the post, though, because i had just been liking Tamia of Style Sample’s video tutorial of how to dress for a fashion event. It’s here if you want to see:
http://thestylesample.com/2011.....s-parties/

She always looks great and I originally loved the contrast of texture but that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about what to wear when your audience is fashionistas. Well, mine isn’t.

November 28, 2011 at 10:13 am

Diana

Veteran

I think I’m going to vote Nay, mostly because I do not like casual plaid. I do like the juxtaposition of glam and casual though, just not in this particular combination.

November 28, 2011 at 10:15 am

LisaLisa

Active Member

Um… Nay!

November 28, 2011 at 10:22 am

rae

(website)

Veteran

Visually, I like it. However, I vote nay, because to me, this look says, “I’m trying too hard to be different.” It also seems very “hipster” to me. :T

November 28, 2011 at 10:58 am

LibraCyn

Active Member

I say “nay” because the plaid reminds me of lumberjacks (not always, but in this mode) and the sequins remind me of New Year’s Eve at the Waldorf. I think the combination is very odd. . . Almost as though it’s trying to do something and can’t.

November 28, 2011 at 11:15 am

bj1111

Veteran

i would totally wear this with a different plaid, maybe even a tartan.

November 28, 2011 at 11:18 am

Marley

Veteran

Love – Love – Love! This is probably the only way that I would consider wearing a plaid/flannel shirt – and this is PERfect for the holidays. I’m going to wear this today – meeting a friend to help her take books to a used book store – and then get a cup of coffee! Woo-hoo! Thanks for the idea Angie – this is going to be fun!

November 28, 2011 at 11:20 am

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

My only preference for this combination of understated wildness is a denim shirt with my black sequined skirt. I don’t really care for the plaid and sequin combo and have to give it a nay. p.s. I really enjoyed Mimi’s comments!

November 28, 2011 at 11:31 am

Meredith

Active Member

I’m not sure. This is such a strange combination, I’m having a hard time imagining anyplace where one could wear it. I don’t think any of the above combos look particularly great, but I think if you had just the right pieces it could look kind of edgy and cool. If you chose poorly, however, I’m guessing there is the danger of looking a little too glitzy-cowgirl–and no one wants that!

hugs,
m!

November 28, 2011 at 12:21 pm

ironkurtin

Veteran

Fine for others, but not for me. And I’m wearing sequins at this very moment to work.

November 28, 2011 at 12:24 pm

nancylee

Veteran

Another nay here. I really wanted to like it, or at least be able to appreciate it on the hip, young models in the photos….but the more I looked the more I decided it just wasn’t working for me.

November 28, 2011 at 12:26 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’m enjoying your perspective, ladies. They’ve been fun to read

Taylor, thanks for the link! That’s a fabulous interpretation of the fringe trend. More lady-like and dressy than the photos I showed – and less edgy, but killer all the same. The plaid looks like a gingham which, I think, is easier on the eyes than a true casual lumber jack plaid. And to Queen Mum’s point, the lovely blogger is a lot more polished than the models above, which adds to the look. Very nice!

Isis, Marley and Anna, I look forward to seeing your reincarnations on the forum.

Scarlet, I love the idea of your gold skirt instead of the sequins.

Bj111, tartan sounds ideal.

November 28, 2011 at 12:44 pm

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Ha – Angie beat me to it – Taylor, I think your example is beautiful, but that is a gingham, not a true lumberjack plaid. I would wear the outfit in your example. I am with the nays on this one if we’re talking about the blog examples. I just don’t get it!

November 28, 2011 at 1:22 pm

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I would have to see it as a smaller area of sparkles/sequins I think… maybe a plaid shirt, dark skirt and a sequin belt … hmm …the pictures shown are too extreme for me

November 28, 2011 at 1:30 pm

MsMary

Veteran

OMG, Taylor!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the look to which you linked!! It definitely looks like something our Angie might wear! And I’d love to see your version!!

November 28, 2011 at 2:03 pm

Mellllls

I wouldn’t say never but I’m not behind this look. However I wore a sequined camisole to work today!

November 28, 2011 at 2:35 pm

Shirley

Yay! I love the look! I have a black sequin skirt that I’ve been wanting to wear, but not with my “wear with everything” denim or chambray shirts. I love the look of the plaid with the sequins & of course the flat bootie (I might try it with tall boots). I’ve also been thinking a nice, chunky knit sweater with my sequin skirt. As usual, Angie, you’ve inspired me!

November 28, 2011 at 4:03 pm

D'Ellen

Veteran

Nay from me based on these 3 examples…too young and slouchy for me. I could envision myself wearing a similar look with a crisper plaid blouse and sleek heeled booties though. And I love Taylor’s example with the black & white checked blouse!

November 28, 2011 at 4:35 pm

morethanbeige

Veteran

I like the idea of it! And I love the Taylor link with the more tailored, crisper look.

November 28, 2011 at 6:40 pm

sarah

Veteran

I could see totally LOVING this on someone else, but I don’t think I could ever in a million years pull it off myself!

November 28, 2011 at 7:07 pm

danza.armonia

Active Member

Nay for grunge and sequins, but yay for refined plaid and sequins (i.e. taylor’s link)

November 28, 2011 at 7:16 pm

Sihaya

Veteran

While I’m usually a fan of juxtapositions, for some reason this look doesn’t grab me.

November 28, 2011 at 7:22 pm

Sarah

Veteran

I think it’s an interesting look yet I don’t love it. So yay for someone else; nay for me.

November 28, 2011 at 8:07 pm

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Oh, yes, I love this look. I’ve attempted it here with black and white checks:
http://outfitdiary.blogspot.co.....reaky.html

and here with denim and rugged brown leather:
http://outfitdiary.blogspot.co.....tweed.html
(second look in the post)

November 28, 2011 at 8:46 pm

Deborah

Veteran

I was thinking absolutely not (for me) until I saw the link Taylor posted. Now that is stunning…will I give it a try…hmmm not sure.

November 28, 2011 at 9:58 pm

lyn67

Veteran

Agreed with greenglove first, and just sadly aknowledged I’m another “getting old and cranky” lass here, until saw Taylor’s link. I actually have one balck sequin skirt, and a black plaid/gingham like casual shirt…see what happens???:-))

November 29, 2011 at 12:12 am

rachylou

Veteran

I like it, I just don’t know where you’d be going in an outfit like this!

Also, I get all sorts of cuts when I wear sequins… I guess others don’t have this problem, or they wouldn’t keep coming back…

November 29, 2011 at 11:43 am

clearlyclaire

Very cute, but not for me! Perhaps a glen plaid…but not a lumberjack flannel plaid.

November 29, 2011 at 5:57 pm

Joy

Veteran

I love the outfit that Taylor linked to and would wear it, but not the J Crew looks above. Angie, I couldn’t get your link to work. I have a flannel plaid jacket lined with cream satin that I could see pairing with sequins with the sleeves rolled to show the satin, but my version would more likely be to use my plaid silk Puli jacket with a sequined top or skirt.
I’d not thought of that and think it could work…if I owned a sequined piece. Thank you for always giving us new ways to wear our clothing. It’s fun!

November 29, 2011 at 7:47 pm

Christina Rodriguez | The Diva's Home

(website)

It looks like something you wear because everything else is in the dirty laundry hamper!

November 29, 2011 at 9:55 pm

Antje

Veteran

I’m not so hot on this look, and it’s probably because I’m just not fond of plaid shirts in general. Been there, done that, not too open to revist them (though of course I know myself enough to never say never).
I adore sequins, though, and can definitely see pairing sequined skirts or tops with casual fabrics/styles like denim – which seems much tamer- or even other prints, Just not plaid…;-)

November 30, 2011 at 10:25 am

Kasmira

(website)

I’ve tried this today!

My blog link won’t be live until 9:30 EST, but you can preview the outfit here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4.....431363991/

Blog link (will work after 9:30 EST, 11/30/11):

http://whatiwore2day.blogspot......rjack.html

November 30, 2011 at 12:08 pm

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

My style is not evolving in this direction, more and more I am feeling a more minimal direction. But, I LOVE the look on others especially the way Jenava’s done it and Kasmira’s is so much fun as well. Looking forward to seeing this look on the forum.

November 30, 2011 at 7:52 pm

san

Veteran

I like your version much better Angie. You are a genious.

December 1, 2011 at 12:56 am

Claudia

I really like this mix if it is executed properly, as greenglove described, and that a crisp and polished vibe is required for a sophisticated take on the look. I love Taylor’s link and the idea of a dressy Tartan.

Cool!

December 4, 2011 at 5:20 am

Ruth

Nay! In my humble opinion, I don’t think it’s stylish to mix occasions or seasons. Maybe it’s my age (50), but I think it looks like you don’t have a clue how to dress.

December 7, 2011 at 1:00 pm