A sequin dress is the ultimate statement piece that is glamorous, eye-catching, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re dressing for a festive celebration, cocktail party, date night, wedding, or casual evening out, the right styling can make your sequin dress feel effortlessly chic rather than over-the-top.
The key is knowing how to style a sequin dress with the right shoes, accessories, layers, and beauty look for the occasion. From understated daytime combinations to head-turning party outfits, these styling ideas will help you make the most of your favourite sequin dresses.
What Is a Sequin Dress?
A sequin dress is any dress that features sequin detailing, whether on specific areas or all over, to create a sparkling fashion statement. The dress could be a short, midi, or premium long dress in any silhouette and may be adorned with shiny metal or plastic disc-like adornments called sequins. The sequins could be any shape, but often circular sequins are used.
How to Style a Sequin Dress?
Since most sequin dresses are a statement in themselves, you don’t have to put much effort into styling one. However, there are some key rules which you need to follow when wearing a sequin dress. From elegant accessories and heels to chic layers and casual footwear, the right pairings can make your look effortlessly stylish.
Keep Accessories Minimal: When styling a sequin dress, less is more. The sequin details double up as adornments, leaving little scope for accessorising. However, you can add accessories like bags and footwear to elevate the final look. Make sure to avoid anything too glittery or embellished. Stick to classic colours and designs to keep the look balanced. Strappy heels or pointed-toe designs in classic colours like black, nude, or metallic tones match the outfit seamlessly.
Choose Jewellery Based on Neckline: The jewellery pieces you pick should frame your face and sit properly along the neckline. For high-neck dresses, skip necklaces altogether. Opt for hoops or small danglers to avoid a lot of disturbance around the neckline. If you are wearing a V-neckline, long chains and layered necklaces bring attention to the neck. For off-shoulder dresses, keep the neckline bare and opt for long, chandelier earrings to bring attention to the shoulders and collarbone.
Layer It Down with Denim, Leather, or a Blazer: Layering a sequin dress with a jacket is always a good option, as it tones down the shimmer slightly and adds another layer of dimension to the overall fit.
For a sophisticated and chic look, add a tailored blazer in neutral hues to add a sophisticated touch to the outfit. Swap the blazer for a grungy leather jacket and appropriate accessories for a more edgy look. For a casual take, layer your sequin short dress for women with a suitable denim jacket in classic colours and fits.
When layering sequin dresses with jackets, there are some key styling rules you need to follow. Make sure to avoid a sequin jacket or any statement jacket when pairing with your sequin dress. Stick to simpler, solid-hued jackets that allow the dress to shine through and not overshadow it.
What to Wear with a Sequin Dress by Occasion?
Red Carpet Events and Formal Galas
Outerwear: For formal and red-carpet events, sophisticated options like silk stoles, tailored evening coats, opera cloaks, wraps, and dramatic capes are ideal options to pair with your sequin dress.
Footwear: To match the polished aesthetic of the attire, opt for sleek strappy heels or pumps for an elongated silhouette.
Accessories: Keep the accessories minimal with refined jewellery pieces like drop-diamond earrings, a tennis bracelet, and a solid clutch.
Final touches: Keep the makeup and hair clean and minimal, as you don’t want them to clash with the sequin dress.
Cocktail Parties and Night Out
Outerwear: For evening events like cocktail parties and night outs, a tailored blazer, faux fur jacket, shearling jacket, a classic overcoat or trench coat, and stylish wraps are the best outerwear options.
Footwear: Classic heels in metallic hues, sleek ankle boots, and pointed-toe mules pair well with sequin dresses for these occasions.
Accessories: Consider the neckline of your sequin dress before picking your jewellery. But a key rule when styling sequin dresses is to keep the jewellery and accessories minimal.
Final touches: Use deeper, darker colours with subtle hints of glitter on your eyes to tie the look together. Keep the lips minimal with a sheer pink gloss or nude lipstick.
Casual daytime and semi-formal events
Outerwear: For casual outings, denim jackets, cardigans, and lightweight utility jackets are a no-brainer choice. If you are heading to semi-formal events, choose tailored blazers, classic trench coats, and wrap coats in neutral hues for a sophisticated take.
Footwear: If you are going with a casual vibe, strappy sandals or sneakers are best suited. For more polished, semi-formal events, opt for leather mules or loafers.
Accessories: Similar to other looks, keep the accessories minimal with casual hoops or studs with a leather crossbody bag.
Final touches: Keep the makeup looking fresh and dewy for an effortlessly chic look.
Can You Wear Sequins to a Wedding?
Yes, you can wear sequins to a wedding if the time, venue, and dress code allow. If you are heading to a daytime casual wedding held at a garden or beach, skip the sequin dress for good. Another no is a full-length sequin gown, as it may take away attention from the couple. Do not wear any colour that mimics white, such as ivory or pale silver.
Rules for styling sequins for weddings
Opt for deep hues: Stick to dark or muted shades like black, burgundy, brown, deep plum, emerald, navy, and burnt orange.
Keep the silhouette simple: Opt for simpler silhouettes like a straight-fit, wrap-style, or a classic midi dress.
Accessorise minimally: Since the outfit is fairly over the top, it is best to keep the rest of the elements like footwear, jewellery, and bag understated and minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you wear with a sequin dress?
What you wear with a sequin dress depends on the occasion and time of the day.
Can you wear sequins to a wedding?
Yes, you can wear a sequin dress to a wedding if the dress code allows it. Even then, you have to be careful with picking a sequin dress that would not look out of place or overshadow the couple.
Is it OK to wear a sequin dress in the daytime?
Yes, you can wear a sequin dress in the daytime as long as you balance the outfit with simpler layering options like a denim jacket, a trench coat, or a knit sweater.
What jewellery goes with a sequin dress?
Minimal jewellery pieces are best paired with sequin dresses, as you don’t need anything too sparkly, chunky or statement-looking.
How do you make sequins look classy?
The key to creating a classy sequin look is pairing it with classic wardrobe essentials like a pair of jeans, a tailored blazer, or a fitted midi skirt. Opt for sophisticated colours paired with minimal accessories and makeup for a sleek sequins look.