By Caroline Cranston
Two of the most trending, yet timeless styles of fashion go head-to-head. Both having had a huge spotlight and impact in the industry this year, this fashion throwdown is considered one of the most debatable topics we have seen: studs or sequins. Each has their unique set characteristics and qualities which makes this discussion so difficult for fashion lovers. Being so different, yet so similar, It-girls all across the globe have been styling both designs in their day-to-day wardrobe.
Sequins have made their mark in 2024 no doubt. Smaller brands such as Asta Resort, Retrofête, and Danielle Guizio took the internet by storm with their to die for silhouettes and unique designs. “Fast-fashion” brands such as Princess Polly, ZARA, White Fox, and many more were quick to replicate these brands’ garments, all incorporating sequins. Whether it was a black tie gown in January or a mini skirt and knitwear in the summer, sequins were sure to make an entrance and stay these past few months. From an article in The Wall Street Journal written by Frances Solá-Santiago writes, “CASUAL FRIDAYS are out. “Sparkle Fridays” are in. That’s the memo from Georgina Cook, a London lawyer who documents her sequin blazers, pencil skirts and trousers to a captive social media audience.” Not only is it the most glamorous touch to any outfit, but it is sure to elevate any outfit from casual to chic in a matter of seconds. There will definitely not be anytime where sequins won’t turn heads.
The stereotype surrounding studs has completely made a 360 this year because of innovation and rebranding. We can all agree when thinking of studs, it was fitted to the niche ascetic of an edgy, punk, emocore character. Thanks to designer houses such as Khaite and Alaïa, studs are the new form of metallic wear. Paige Ganim, writer at L’OFFICIEL USA magazine, states, “Now, they [studs] have returned in a chicer and more riveting way. Rather than lavishly peppering the back pockets of suffocating denim shorts with lustrous gems, brands on all ends of the retail price spectrum have been more creative with introducing studs back into the zeitgeist.” As fall approaches, our wardrobe transitions into a more neutral color palette, and we are seeing more and more of studs throughout this season.
We asked our SMU Look followers their opinions on this debate and the results were surprising. Out of the 192 respondents, the people favored studs with 109 votes and sequins as runner-up with 83 votes. To each their own argument, but the real question is: what is it that two polar opposite designs have such a paralleling overlap in every It-girls closet?
