Sequin dress: the best tips to shine with your look

Dresses are always a good choice to wear on a more formal occasion. Lace, cutouts, transparencies are details that are on the rise, but if there’s an element that doesn’t go out of style and that enhances and modernizes any dress, that item is sequins.

Sequin dresses have already become a fashion classic. The word sequin comes from the French “pailleté” which means “covered with sequins”. For Juliana Burlamaqui, an image consultant, it is believed that the sequin had been used since 2500 BC “But its original format was golden discs produced in metal, also found in India, Peru and Egypt”. Sequins also served to embellish the clothes of kings and queens and were sewn into pieces to designate wealth.

Image consultant Maria Valentina Ferreira said that sequins came into fashion in the early 1940s, being used for the first time by Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret. However, the use of sequins in clothes became popular in the 70s and 80s, according to information from both consultants, driven by the fever of the “disco” era. “And through pop music in artists like David Bowie, Madonna and Michael Jackson”, says Juliana.

In Brazil, as Maria Valentina explains, sequins became a trademark of Chacretes, stage assistants at Chacrinha, who wore it in swimsuits. “The sequin has always been used a lot in fashion, but in the last three years it has been more in evidence”, she points out. For Juliana, sequins have had their ups and downs and are currently on the rise. “It can often be seen on red carpets, major fashion, music and film events and in the collections of top designers.”

When to wear the sequin dress

The sequin dress, due to its shine, is not suitable for everyday wear, with the exception of more chic events. “Opaque and matte sequins can be used even during the day, in events such as a wedding starting in the late afternoon or a sophisticated party, preferring the lighter ones in daylight”, guides Juliana.

Maria Valentina is of the opposite opinion and believes that sequins, even matte ones, should not be worn during the day. “The sequin dress is more appropriate for evening events, often used in clubs, as well as at night weddings, proms, dinner dances, cocktails, award presentations, end-of-the-year parties”, she advises.

Juliana suggests that, for a more funky event, you can wear a short sequined dress. “With a lackluster overlay, like a long blazer or parka.” For her, the dress should not be used in more informal situations and at work. In the same opinion, Maria Valentina does not suggest the sequin dress even for daytime weddings, even when she is the godmother. “You run the risk of outshining the bride”.

Types of sequins and dresses

When choosing your dress, it is important to pay attention to the type of sequin. “There are bigger and smaller sequins, both are chic, it will depend on their quality and how the look is assembled, to know if it is formal or casual”, explains Maria Valentina. Juliana says that smaller sequins are more chic, but that nothing prevents a dress from having a balanced mix between sequins of different sizes. “A dress with only bigger sequins is more difficult to wear and doesn’t slim the silhouette”, she adds.

The sequin dress can be long or short, it can be embroidered all over or just in parts. However, both consultants agree that the short sequin dress is the most used, as it is less formal, and goes well on occasions such as weddings, cocktail parties, graduations and even at nightclubs. “The long can only be used at night weddings, red carpets, black tie parties or traditional carnival balls”, adds Juliana.

Looks for you to assemble

To assemble the look with a sequin dress, it is necessary to pay attention to some details. As the dress is the highlight of the look, the accessories should come without too much shine and as discreet as possible. “The sequined outfit by itself draws a lot of attention. Better to produce with earring and without necklace. And neutral shoes and bags: without details, prints, embroidery and textures”, is the recommendation of the image consultant, Juliana Burlamaqui.

Maria Valentina also advises against wearing shoes with rhinestones, applications, rhinestones and embroidery. “The shoes are better with high heels, with a varnished finish, but nothing prevents wearing lower shoes or even flats.” For her, necklaces and earrings should be neutral, almost invisible and the ideal bag is a clutch.” For a more modern look, it’s good to wear a sequined dress with a colored shoe and a bag in the same color as the dress or a colored bag and shoes. the color of the dress”, he concludes.

1. Ballad look

With these recommendations, three looks were created. The first is a suggestion to use in the club. All in black, only with the mouth in red to give more power to the look.

2. Wedding look

This second look is an option for weddings or formal night parties. With a long silver sequin dress, you can’t help but stand out and shine. To not leave the look over, bet on neutral complements in black that make the look even more chic. The earring is discreet but at the same time elegant, in addition to matching all women.

3. Cocktail look

Finally, a chic look perfect for cocktails. The navy blue dress is a good option for those who do not want to wear black and at the same time want to keep the formality of dark colors. Scarpin is a classic and goes well with any style. Combine with neutral lipstick and discreet earrings.

who can use it

The sequin dress is suggested to all women, regardless of age or physical type. The piece is the right choice for those who want to rock a more formal occasion. “Everyone can use it, but they must be careful. The sequin dress always draws attention to the body. That’s why you have to be in good shape. If you are fuller, choose looser models, with darker tones”, advises Maria Valentina. Juliana advises the fuller ones to choose a sequin over a smoother, less full-bodied texture.

“Thinner ones can wear tighter, shorter and more textured dresses. Women with more curves should prefer softer trims”, says Juliana for women to enhance their curves using the sequined dress. “A woman must know her physical type, her personal style and the colors that match her skin tone”, is the tip that Maria Valentina gives to always get the dress right.

Sequined dress in light colors catch the light and thus can visually enhance the silhouette. “Therefore, those who have wide hips, for example, can wear a shiny dress, but with a looser design, in dark tones, preferably in black and attract attention to the lap and face”, teaches Maria Valentina.

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Make up and hair

To finish the look, the choice of makeup and hair are essential to leave it in harmony. Juliana’s recommendation is to prefer softer makeup. “You can carry it only in the eyes or only in the mouth.” For Maria Valentina, all makeup should be lighter and only with the lips highlighted, giving preference to red, orange or fuchsia lipsticks.

Hair can be tied or loose, as long as it is well combed. “The hair just needs to be well-groomed for a more sophisticated appearance”, advises Juliana.

Sequin dress care

The sequin dress is a very delicate piece and, therefore, it is important to take some care when handling your dress. A precise tip is to always pay attention to the instructions on the product label. Washing care, the best way to store it, whether it should be ironed, all of this is specified on the label. “If in doubt, call the store before washing for the first time”, says Juliana.

Maria Valentina put forward some of these guidelines for washing. “Soak it with mild soap for about 20 minutes, without rubbing it. It must be dried in the shade so that the piece is fully extended without bending it.” About ironing the dress, she suggests that you only do it when necessary, use the garment on the wrong side and with the iron on the lowest temperature.

For storage, it is also recommended that it be placed in the wardrobe on the wrong side, which reduces the risk of getting caught in some other piece and loosening the sequins, without folding it. Maria Valentina points out the TNT bag as the most suitable for storing the piece and Juliana advises to use wide-shouldered hangers if hanging.

More tips for setting up your look

With the help of bloggers, new suggestions on how to assemble your look with a sequin dress. The piece is suitable for more social occasions and should be avoided during the day. Light complements help create a more elegant look, without being loaded. Shoes, bags, makeup and hair should combine in a way that makes the dress the highlight of the look. Here’s how bloggers wear the sequined dress: