The Ultimate Guide to Sequin Dresses: What & Where to Buy

Sequin dresses are the ultimate confidence booster, instantly transforming any woman into a showstopper whether you're heading to a cocktail party, wedding reception, or New Year's Eve celebration. As someone who's spent over a decade styling women for their most important moments, I can tell you that nothing quite captures attention and elevates your presence like the perfect sequined dress—but choosing the right one requires understanding your body shape, the occasion, and crucially, the quality of sequins you're investing in.

Understanding Sequin Types and Quality

Not all sequins are created equal, and this knowledge will save you from costly mistakes. High-quality sequins should feel substantial to the touch and have a smooth, lustrous finish. Cheap sequins often feel plasticky and can shed throughout the evening—nothing ruins a glamorous night quite like leaving a trail of sequins behind you!

Look for dresses with sequins that are properly secured with multiple stitching points rather than just glued on. The backing fabric should be substantial enough to support the weight of the embellishments without puckering or pulling. Professional tip: gently run your hand across the sequins—they should lie flat and feel secure, not loose or sharp against your palm.

Choosing the Right Silhouette for Your Body Shape

Pear Shapes

If you carry weight in your hips and thighs, opt for A-line or fit-and-flare sequin dresses that highlight your waist while skimming over your lower half. Look for styles with more embellishment on the bodice to draw attention upward. Brands like Phase Eight excel at creating these flattering silhouettes.

Apple Shapes

Empire waistlines and wrap-style sequin dresses work beautifully for apple figures, creating definition above your natural waist while flowing elegantly over your midsection. Avoid heavily sequined areas around the stomach and instead choose styles with strategic placement around the neckline and sleeves.

Hourglass Figures

You're blessed with natural curves, so bodycon and mermaid-style sequin dresses will showcase your proportions perfectly. Don't hide your waist—choose styles that celebrate your natural silhouette with all-over sequin coverage.

Rectangle Shapes

Create curves with strategic sequin placement and structured bodices. Look for dresses with embellishment that creates the illusion of a defined waist, or choose styles with interesting necklines and textural details that add visual interest to your frame.

Occasion-Appropriate Styling

The key to wearing sequins successfully is matching the intensity to the occasion. For daytime events, choose subtle sequin details—perhaps a dress with sequined sleeves or neckline rather than all-over coverage. Evening events allow for full glamour, but consider the venue: outdoor garden parties call for more relaxed sequin styles, while formal galas warrant full-on sparkle.

Remember the golden rule: let the sequins be the star. Keep accessories minimal—delicate jewelry, a simple clutch, and classic heels. Your sequin dress should be doing all the talking.

Where to Buy: Brand Recommendations by Budget

High Street Heroes (£50-£150)

ASOS: Incredible selection of trendy sequin dresses with regular sizing updates. Their curve range is particularly strong.

Zara: Contemporary cuts with sophisticated sequin detailing. Perfect for the fashion-forward woman on a budget.

H&M: Seasonal party collections offer excellent value sequin options. Stock changes quickly, so grab pieces when you see them.

Next: Reliable quality and classic styling. Great for timeless sequin pieces that will work year after year.

Premium Picks (£150-£500)

Phase Eight: Masters of occasion wear with sophisticated sequin placement and exceptional fit.

French Connection: Modern interpretations of classic glamour with attention to construction quality.

Ted Baker: Unique prints combined with sequin details create standout pieces perfect for special occasions.

COS: Minimalist approach to sequins with architectural cuts and superior fabric quality.

Designer Dreams (£500+)

Self-Portrait: Instagram-favorite brand known for intricate sequin work and feminine silhouettes.

Needle & Thread: Ethereal designs with delicate sequin embellishments perfect for romantic occasions.

Ganni: Danish brand offering playful takes on sequined pieces with excellent quality construction.

Isabel Marant: Effortless French glamour with sequin details that feel both luxurious and wearable.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care will extend your sequin dress's lifespan dramatically. Always check the care label, but generally, dry cleaning is safest for heavily sequined pieces. For lighter sequin details, hand washing in cool water with gentle detergent can work, but turn the dress inside out first and never wring or twist the fabric.

Store sequin dresses hanging rather than folded to prevent sequins from catching and pulling. Use padded hangers and consider garment bags for long-term storage.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar.co.uk

Finding the perfect sequin dress is only half the battle—getting the right size is crucial for that flawless fit. This is where Tellar.co.uk becomes your ultimate shopping companion.

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. No more puzzling over size guides or expensive returns—just perfect fits every time.

How Tellar Works:

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size.

2. Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Next, Phase Eight, and hundreds more.

3. Always free, no downloads needed—works perfectly in your browser.

Plus, explore the Tellar Fashion Hub, a comprehensive library of free styling posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, and always free advice covering every fashion query you could have.

Helpful Resources:

Final Styling Tips

Remember, confidence is your best accessory when wearing sequins. Choose a dress that makes you feel amazing, ensure it fits properly (with Tellar's help!), and own your sparkle. Sequin dresses are meant to be noticed, so wear yours with pride and let your personality shine as brightly as your dress.

Whether you're shopping high street or investing in designer, the perfect sequin dress is out there waiting for you. Use these guidelines to make an informed choice, and you'll have a showstopping piece that serves you beautifully for years to come.