Answer Angel: Sequins all the time? Sure!

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Dec 1, 2025

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I just saw a fashion photo somewhere of a model wearing a Hermes cape as a hat. And that was being featured as a high-style look. Compared to that, my question seems pretty mainstream: Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved sequins. I have a number of formal dresses that feature plenty of sequins but they are suited only for fancy, formal evening wear.

Why not sequins for daytime dressing? Could I?

--Kelly W.

Dear Kelly: Oh yes you can! And the prices, thanks to modern machine sewing technology, have gone way, way down from the ball gown era. I mean way down. Like $29 for my black sequined bomber jacket from Nordstrom Rack, just to give one example.

An added plus is that manufacturers figured out how to sew on sequins so they don’t fall off like they used to. Head-to-toe sequins for day is still not recommended. But a sequin skirt, even with a basic white $10 T-shirt, is a great look for any time. Or a top — yes even a sequined T-shirt — worn with a basic fabric or leather skirt is a terrific look for anytime, day or night.

If that sounds like a little much, start small with a sparkly belt and wait for the compliments. You won’t have to wait long.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Your recent column about the huge variety of men’s hats reminded me of a question I keep mean to ask you abut women’s hats. Specifically hats for women with curly hair or hair that goes flat under any kind of hat. This is especially urgent for me because the weather is getting colder and so are my ears.

--Emily A.

Dear Emily: The ears-only is an easy fix. There are plenty of ear muffs that won’t flatten your hair—with muffs connected to a skinny wire headband that doesn’t do damage to your ’do. Another option wraps around the back of your head instead of over the top, where the most flattening damage occurs.

And bandless earmuffs also are readily available. These models slip over each ear separately. The only downside is that, just like gloves, it is amazingly easy to lose them—often maddeningly, just one! They come in cute colors and patterns, fuzzy or flat, starting at under $10.

But what about the rest of your head? The hood is your friend! They aren’t as heavy or tight as a traditional hat like a stocking cap. They’re still warm, sometimes attached to a knit, wool or cashmere scarf or neck warmer that does double duty. There are countless styles at every price point. Hairbrella (I’m a big fan of their products) makes a satin-lined option that is also waterproof that gets the job done without too much weight to flatten those curls ( hairbrella.com, $54). You’ll also find some interesting, creative options on etsy.com.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: A while ago you recommended Pinzon sheets, which I bought on amazon.com and like a lot. Now it seems they are not available. Have you found a good substitute for crisp sheets like grandma’s?

--Dorothy N.

Dear Dorothy: Pinzon was an Amazon-only brand. And I too miss them. The best substitute I have found so far is well-priced Linen Home 100% cotton sheets (they are actually not linen) (amazon.com, $39.99 for a queen set of 1 flat, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases, $39.99).

Angelic Readers 1

Frugal reader Donna P. has a suggestion for touching up your roots between salon visits without spending on expensive root concealers: “I have used powdered eye shadow with good luck. Great selection of colors -- browns and blacks -- and for not much money!”

Angelic Readers 2

From Barb G.: “For your reader Eileen C., who despaired of finding bedroom slippers in half sizes, please pass the word that Skechers makes slippers in half sizes! I have been buying them for years at Marshalls and T.J.Maxx. They are cozy and cushioned, and have non-slip soles, and the sizing matches that of Skechers athletic shoes. A quick online search has several styles available in-store and online at Macy's, JCPenney, Zappos, DSW and Amazon.”

Angelic Readers 3

From Maggie K.: "Can you ask your readers for ideas? I’m looking for suggestions from anyone with fine, thin, straight hair if they have a conditioner they like that leaves the hair smooth and shiny, but not FLAT?” (From Ellen: Done!)