The jacket that started it all.

About 3 years ago, I was visiting my Grandma in… wait for it… Florida. Perusing her closet for vintage finds (clothes that are too young for her, clothes that don’t fit her, or clothes I think I can make look ‘cool’ all the while loving that I will be able to say “it was my grandma’s!”) is a standard for every trip down to the land where dinner is eaten somewhere in the 4 o’clock hour.

Over the years I’ve found some GREAT things in there. Amazing costume jewelery, crocheted ponchos (when they were at their peak) and the coolest belts. But this time, this time I stopped dead in my tracks. Behind her housecoats and orthopedic shoes, shining in all their amazing glory: 2 sequined, shoulder padded, totally rad blazers. And I was in L-O-V-E.

Keep in mind, this was long before sequins made their way back to the shelves, but I loved the extravagant elegance of it all. I loved putting it on and feeling like I should be back on stage doing my time steps and shuffling off to Buffalo. So I took them with me and finally got the confidence to wear them last year.

This season (as we pointed out yesterday) sequins are everywhere and if you haven’t gotten in on the trend yet, try it on for size. It’s intimidating on the hanger – maybe even ugly – but once you bathe yourself in the glitz that you used to only use for art projects in 2nd grade, you will never want to go back!

Of course, you gotta do it right or else you may end up looking like Cher circa 1988. The key to wearing sequin pieces is keeping everything else SIMPLE. Really simple. Super duper simple. Get it? Got it? Good.

Matte sequin mini.
This little skirt with just the right amount of sparkle is perfect for a night on the town. Pair this sexy little number with basic black tights, a solid cotton tee and a boyfriend blazer. Seriously, anyone can rock this look.

The sequin legging.
This look is a bit more daring than a simple skirt, but if you’ve got some guts (and great legs) this is a risk worth taking. Top the leggings off with a long, solid color cotton tunic (or dress!) or a sexy white button down, then slip into some basic shoes, bare accessories and a small handbag. Hot. Ness.

The sequin dress.
Though it’s got the most sparkly surface area of all, the sequin dress is probably the easiest to pull off. All you need is a pair of opaque tights and some basic black booties and you’re done.

Sequin blazer/cardigan.
This is a really fun way to do casual with an awesome twist. Layer over a cotton cami and some skinny jeans. And since your top will be doin’ all the talking, avoid any extra bling.

The sequin top.
Jeans and an oversized cardigan. Done.

Ringing in the new year looking absolutely fabulous is a huge part of that NYE experience and while I’m not the biggest fan of sequins and fancy embellishments on a usual basis, New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to go all sorts of sparkly. Here are a few options for looking gorgeous on that big night. Gorgeous enough, in fact, that you will secure a midnight kiss, fo sho. Low on cash after the holidays? You can still find a perfect frock at Forever 21, Target, or those amazing post-Christmas sales.

Sparkly, sparkly, sparkly is a fun way to shine (pun intended) on New Year’s Eve, and you can either go over the top with pieces that are solid sequins, or you can go for more subtle pieces with a little less but still add a special sparkle and pizazz to any ensemble.

If ya don’t wanna go quite so sparkly, try to find something that’s got fun detailing that makes the piece stand out, like feathers, beading or studs.

If you’re wearing a dress, go with a pair of cute leggings or tights to complete the look while keeping your legs warm. If you decide to take the shirt and pants route, try a cute pair of black trousers instead of your usual jeans. Choose a pair that isn’t too baggy or too tight; that middle fit is the most classy and flattering.

As is always the case, fun accessories and shoes complete the look. Since it’s New Year’s, up the ante a bit with the jewelry – the bigger and blingier the better. Try oversized cuffs, rings or earrings. (Just not all at once; there can be too much of a good thing…even on NYE).

A fun & funky pair of heels makes any woman feel like a million bucks, but a cute pair of flats may be even better for the long night ahead.

Now you’ve got the perfect look, so get out there and celebrate!