Dress Codes & Style Guides
Sequin Dress Guide: How to Wear Sequins, From Prom to Holiday Parties
A sequin dress is covered in small, shiny discs sewn onto the fabric, so the whole dress catches the light as you move. Sequins are made for evening: prom, homecoming, holiday parties, New Year's Eve, galas and cocktail parties. To wear one well, let the dress be the statement. Keep jewelry simple, choose shoes that match the sequins' metal or a nude tone, and pick a silhouette you can move and sit in comfortably all night.
In This Guide
Are Sequin Dresses in Style?
Yes. Sequins and beading were among the most repeated details on Sherri Hill's Spring 2027 runway at New York Fashion Week, on both gowns and cocktail dresses. See the 2027 cocktail dress trends and the 2027 prom dress trends for the looks from that show.
Sequins vs. Beading vs. Hot Fix Stones
- Sequins: flat, shiny discs. They give an all-over shimmer that moves like liquid.
- Beading: glass beads, pearls or crystals sewn on, often in patterns. Beading adds texture and weight.
- Hot fix stones: rhinestones fixed to the fabric with heat. They give a bright, sparkling finish.
Many gowns combine more than one. For more on each fabric and finish, see formal dress fabrics explained.
When to Wear a Sequin Dress
| Event | Sequin style to try |
|---|---|
| Prom | A full-length sequin gown, often with a slit or an open back |
| Homecoming | A short sequin cocktail dress |
| Holiday party | A sequin cocktail dress in gold, silver or a jewel tone |
| New Year's Eve | Any length; this is the night for all-over sparkle |
| Gala or black-tie event | A floor-length sequin gown with a clean silhouette |
| Wedding guest | Sequins at an evening wedding, in a color that won't read as bridal white |
Sequins are generally an evening choice. For daytime or a more relaxed event, choose a dress with sequin details rather than all-over sequins. See holiday party outfit ideas and New Year's Eve outfit ideas.
How to Style a Sequin Dress
- Jewelry: keep it minimal. Statement earrings or a single bracelet are enough; a busy necklace competes with the sequins.
- Metal: match your jewelry and shoes to the sequins: gold with gold, silver with silver.
- Shoes: metallic or nude heels. See what color shoes to wear with your dress.
- Bag: a satin or simple metallic clutch balances the shine.
- Hair and makeup: sleek hair and a soft glow work well; let the dress supply the sparkle.
Tips for Wearing Sequins Comfortably
- Try the dress on with your arms moving. Sequins can rub on the inner arms, so check sleeveless styles for comfort.
- Sit, walk and dance in it before the event.
- Bring shoes to your fitting. Hemming a sequin dress takes care, so plan alterations early.
- Choose a smooth bag strap, since some textured straps can catch on sequins.
How to Care for a Sequin Dress
Always check the care label first. In general:
- Don't iron sequins directly; heat can damage them.
- Store the dress in a breathable garment bag, away from sunlight.
- Heavier sequin gowns are best stored flat or hung by their inner hanging loops so they don't stretch.
- For cleaning, use a professional cleaner who handles beaded and sequin formalwear.
The Sherri Hill Shopping Guide has more on care and storage.
Sherri Hill Sequin Dresses
Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers; use Find A Store to locate one near you. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Style 54912
A sequin gown cut to a deep V neckline, with an open back and a high slit. It comes in twenty-three colorways, including ivory with silver and gold, gold, emerald and red, in sizes 000 through 14. See style 54912.
Style 56756
A strapless sequin gown with a high slit in the skirt. It comes in twelve colors, including silver, navy, red and gold, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 56756.
Style 56723
A fitted cocktail dress in sequins, cut to a deep V neckline with an open back. It comes in nine colorways, including nude with gold and silver, black with gold and peacock with jade, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 56723.
Also see the strapless sequin cocktail dress 57379, the sequin cocktail dress 56697 in twenty-one colors, and the fitted sequin gown 58860 from the Spring 2027 runway. Browse sequin cocktail dresses, and find your size with the Sherri Hill Size Guide.
Shop the Look
Your retailer can check whether a color or size is available to order.
Find A Store
Find a Sherri Hill Retailer
In the United States, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sequin dresses in style?
Yes. Sequins and beading were among the most repeated details on Sherri Hill's Spring 2027 runway, on both gowns and cocktail dresses.
Where can you wear a sequin dress?
Sequin dresses are best for evening events: prom, homecoming, holiday parties, New Year's Eve, galas and evening weddings.
What jewelry goes with a sequin dress?
Keep it minimal. Statement earrings or a single bracelet in the same metal as the sequins is enough.
What shoes go with a sequin dress?
Metallic heels that match the sequins, or nude heels. Simple shoes let the dress stand out.
Can you wear a sequin dress to a wedding?
Yes, to an evening or formal wedding, in a color that won't be mistaken for bridal white.
How do you care for a sequin dress?
Check the care label first. Don't iron the sequins directly, store the dress in a breathable garment bag, and use a professional cleaner who handles sequin formalwear.
