Sequined and sparkly holiday dresses
November 26th, 2007The short sequined dress is a strong new party look. “New” is relative because I remember a similar disco look in the 70’s and the use of all-over stretch sequin fabrication in the ‘80’s. It was then that I owned a garish shocking pink stretch sequin boob-tube (or tube top as they are called in America) and skin tight stretch sequin miniskirts and dresses were all the rage. Bring back any memories of your own?
Thankfully, 70’s and 80’s fashion that repeats itself is normally better the second time around, and this season is no different. Sequined frocks are now A-line and roomy, but still as sparkly as ever. Styles are either sequined from side seam to side seam, or partially sequin-embellished. I personally prefer the latter because a spot of sparkle goes a long way. Sequins from head to knee remind me of fish scales and can look a little cheap if the quality is not up to scratch. On the other hand, I have seen expensive, fully sequin-embellished dresses look magnificent. The sequins are normally a little smaller, a little closer together and not quite as plastic looking.
The right sequin dress paired with the correct accessories can look fab. Wear one of these to any bash and you’re sure to be noticed.
Short fully sequined dresses can be matched with opaque tights, sheer hose or no hose at all. You’ll find that most of the necklines of these dresses are quite high in order to compensate for their shorter length.
Short dresses with partial sequin-embellishment. Jewelry and handbags worn with sequined dresses should be kept plain because a shiny frock is a huge statement all on its own.
November 26th, 2007 at 9:16 am
What guidelines are there for sequined dresses for women 50-and-over? I’ve heard that “less is more” for us. I love a little sparkle!
November 26th, 2007 at 10:01 am
I see no reason why you can’t wear a tasteful sequin-embellished dress if you are a women of 50 and you have the body type and personality. Helen Mirren sets a superb standard. I’d keep the length a little longer (around the knee) and tone down the accessories. Be sure to wear hose and keep the colour of the dress neutral. I prefer partially sequined dresses anyway, and this would be my choice for you.
November 26th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Angie, what kind of wrap would you wear with these dresses? Can it be longer than the length of the dress?
November 26th, 2007 at 10:16 pm
Hmmm…..I don’t quite know what type of wrap you are speaking of if it’s longer than the length of the dress? Care to elaborate?
I’d keep the wrap VERY simple. Nothing sparkly or with fringe; but the wrap can’t look like daywear either. It will need to look somewhat luxurious in an understated way.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:34 am
I’m 51 and love the looks you posted! I would wear any one of them, and I love the look of opaque hose with them.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:30 am
Now that’s the festive spirit Carla!
November 27th, 2007 at 8:23 am
At first I was hesitant about revisiting this, but now I love it! My favorite dress above is top row, center. Love the cut and the sleeves.
November 27th, 2007 at 8:23 am
At first I was hesitant about revisiting this trend (reminded me of my ice skating days!!) but now I love it! My favorite dress above is top row, center. Love the cut and the sleeves.
November 28th, 2007 at 10:36 am
I really mean coat, not wrap. Everytime I look at party dresses, I always worry about being cold and not knowing which coat I shoudl wear… would a long woolen coat be okay?
It seems really hard to find a lot of wrap options (now that I’m using the right term), but that’s probably because most of my shopping is online these days.
November 28th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
i love love love this look! I am a bigger girl and will still be rocking this look for christmas if i can find the right ct for me here in jamaica ( something with sleeves) we’ll see how it goes.
i’ve been trying to tell me readers to embrace the sparkle! lol i think i may link to this post
November 28th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
[…] you to try out something covered in jewels or sequins and you’d be a hit this Christmas, then check out what Angie from You Look Fab has to […]
November 30th, 2007 at 8:23 am
[…] a super holiday outfit. It’s a versatile look that’s timeless, ageless and a lot warmer than a dress or a blouse ensemble. Your choice of skirt and jacket styles may vary, but it’s important to keep […]
December 6th, 2007 at 1:41 am
lol, i use to own a hot pink sequin tube top myself…ahaha, I still like it although it’s more of a costume piece now. Most anything that is shiny, I will at least look once or twice at so I’m hoping I can find something like the first row, middle girl’s dress…it’s flashy but could tone down the accessories and it’ll be like WOW! hehe
December 14th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
im wearing a black sequin dress to the races and want to wear shoes other than the colour black, i was thinking a rich red with a matching fascinator and clutch?? Does this sound good and can you think of any other colour combos except black
January 2nd, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I found a great coat to wear with party dresses at White House|Black Market. I can’t find the coat on their site anymore, but I purchased it about a month ago at one of their stores. It’s black faux persian lambswool with a removable faux fur collar. I think any of the persian faux lambswool coats look very good with a party dress. You might want to see if they have a store close to you so you can check it out.
Their website is www.whitehouseblackmarket.com.
August 11th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I have a black BCBG sequin dress … I know such a dress is quite loud by itself, but what color shoes can I wear with it other than black??