What could be more perfect for the festive season than a sequin dress? Or, actually, anything with sequins on it? If you’re still searching for stylish, sparkly dresses to put together your sequin outfits, below are some of the best in stores right now.

Did you know sequins can be traced all the way back to the time of King Tut, whose clothes were found covered in gold sequins in a bid to make sure he was rich in the afterlife?

We’re definitely not suggesting that you wait for the next life to wear yours. There are some very stylish sequin pieces in stores now, which will make sure you sparkle at Christmas and New Year parties.

We love the way Ruth talks about sequins in her style interview here, when she says sequins are associated with having fun with the dressing up box as children. They definitely have those associations, and you certainly don’t have to give up your sequins after 40!

Tips for wearing a sequin dress and other sequin outfits

First of all a few tips for wearing sequins.

Less is more if you opt for a sequin dress

The great thing about sequin dresses is you really don’t need to worry too much about the rest of your outfit. A pair of heels and a clutch bag, and you’re good to go. You don’t need a lot of accessories.

You can wear sequins as daywear

In fact, this has been a big trend over the summer. For fall, team a cozy sweater with a sequin skirt or sequin pants.

Sequin accessories are perfect for parties

If you don’t want to go full-on with your sequins, look out for sequin accessories such as shoes, belts and clutch bags.

Simple silhouettes

Keep your silhouette simple so you don’t look too fussy. Think about simple sheath dresses, or wearing a plain silk shirt with sequin skirts and pants.

Kim in silver dress, blazer and loafers | 40plusstyle.com

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) teams her sequin dress with contrasting menswear-inspired shoes and a double-breasted blazer.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sequin dress, blazer, loafers and earrings.

the best sequin dresses in stores now

Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful sequin dresses we’ve spotted in stores this season.

Embellished sequin dress

If you have a formal black-tie dinner coming up, a gala ball, or a plush New Year’s Eve event, then you have the perfect excuse to wear a long sequin gown! While some sequin dresses can be unforgiving, often showing up every lump and bump, this dress from Mac Duggal is super flattering as the design creates a waistline.

It’s also a good option if you aren’t so keen on your upper arms, as it has long sleeves to provide coverage.

Mac Duggal Sequin Embellished Bateau Neck Long Sleeve A-Line Gown | 40plusstyle.com

Mac Duggal Sequin Embellished Bateau Neck Long Sleeve A-Line Gown

Sequin sheath dress

A simple sequin sheath dress is given a huge shot of glam with the use of sequins. This can be a beautiful silhouette for most body shapes.

Alex Evenings Sequin Cap Sleeve Sheath Cocktail Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Alex Evenings Sequin Cap Sleeve Sheath Cocktail Dress

fit & flare dress

Fit and flare styles work particularly well for pear shapes as they skim over your hips and thighs. The lace overlay on the midi dress (below) draws attention to the neck and face.

SL FASHIONS Sequin Lace Midi Dress | 40plusstyle.com

SL FASHIONS Sequin Lace Midi Dress

cocktail dress

The long sleeve cocktail dress below is a classic shape with a knee-length pencil skirt and long sleeves. Keep your shoes and accessories simple.

Xscaspe Long Sleeve Sequin Cocktail Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Xscaspe Long Sleeve Sequin Cocktail Dress

mock neck

The Donna Morgan dress (below) has a lovely balanced design with a high neckline but a slit at the thigh. Perfect if you like to show off your legs.

DONNA MORGAN FOR MAGGY Sequin Mock Neck Cocktail Dress | 40plusstyle.com

DONNA MORGAN FOR MAGGY Sequin Mock Neck Cocktail Dress

black sequin dress dress

Update your little black dress by adding some sequins. We love the v-neck and wrap style of the Maggy London sequin dress (below), which will flatter all body shapes.

Maggy London Sequin Faux Wrap Cocktail Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Maggy London Sequin Faux Wrap Cocktail Dress

mini sequin dress

Even if you don’t like to wear mini dresses, we love the idea of wearing a sequin mini dress over leggings, pants or leather jeans for an edgy party look.

Chelsea28 Sequin Long Sleeve Minidress | 40plusstyle.com

Chelsea28 Sequin Long Sleeve Minidress

midi dress

Midi lengths are very much on trend, and the beautiful blue shade of the sequin midi (below) gives this dress a stylish point of difference.

Ever New Lolita Sequin Cocktail Midi Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Ever New Lolita Sequin Cocktail Midi Dress

long sleeve sequin dress

The long sleeve sequin dress (below) features an interesting geometric pattern, and comes in four different colors. It features a low back, but is still high enough to be able to wear a bra underneath without the strap showing.

Dress the Population Emery Sequin Stripe Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Dress the Population Emery Sequin Stripe Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress

two-piece

A two-piece sequin outfit is the perfect choice for parties or if you have a wedding to attend. The bodice on the Alex Evenings dress (below) matches the jacket and flows into a chiffon skirt.

You can wear the jacket as separates too, to dress up your jeans or wide-leg pants.

Alec Evenings Sequin Midi Dress with Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Alex Evenings Sequin Midi Dress with Jacket

color block dress

An unusual take on the sequin dress now, with the two-tone dress (below), which is sure to get you plenty of compliments.

Anne Klein Colorblock Sequin Long Sleeve Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Colorblock Sequin Long Sleeve Dress

sequinned-sleeve dress

You don’t have to opt for top-to-toe sequins. You could choose a dress which features sequins only on one section, like the sequin-sleeve dress by Eliza J (below).

Eliza J Sequin Long Sleeve Body-Con Cocktail Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Eliza J Sequin Long Sleeve Body-Con Cocktail Dress

sequin outfits

Of course, sequins don’t have to be worn just on dresses. There are lots of other stunning sequin pieces in stores now, from sweaters to skirts, scarves to pants.

Below, you can see lots of sequin outfit ideas, including dresses, suits and pants.

sequins suit

We love the look of a sequin suit for festive parties. Wear with a simple white shirt or a neutral silk top and let the sequins be the stars of the show.

Sequins suit | 40plusstyle.com

Mango Sequinned Suit BlazerJ.Crew Garçon Tuxedo ShirtMango Sequinned Suit PantsNaturalizer Vera Block Heel SandalCOACH Luxe Refined Calf Leather Bandit Crossbody BagTory Burch Roxanne Link Earrings

Sandra wearing a silver suit | 40plusstyle.com

Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above looks stunning in her silver sequin suit.

Check out this similar sequin blazer, pants (set here), top (another option here), pumps, clutch and earrings.

Sequin cocktail dress

A sequin cocktail dress is a party classic. We love the mixed materials and off-the-shoulder detailing on the navy blue cocktail dress (below). Keep your coat and accessories in neutral colors.

Sequin cocktail dress, coat and pumps | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Italian Melton Wool Palais TopcoatTadashi Shoji Sequined Diamond Velvet Sheath DressSam Edelman Dori PumpHOBO Evolve ClutchSwarovski Dextera Pavé Detachable Mismatched Hoop Drop Earrings

Sequins with pastels

Sequins can create a look that mixes romantic and glamorous styles. Mix soft pastel shades with silver sequins.

Sequins with pastels | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Collection Italian Wool Bouclé Blend TopcoatJ.Crew Cashmere Shrunken Turtleneck SweaterJ.Crew Collection Sequin Slip SkirtJ.Crew Maisie Double Strap HeelsCult Gaia Mini Hera Shoulder BagJenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

casual sequins outfit

While sequins are usually associated with evenings out and glamorous parties, you can wear your sequins more casually. A sequin sweater and wide-leg jeans are the ideal combination for lunch or dinner with friends and family.

Casual sequins outfit | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Mariner Cropped Sequin Boatneck T-ShirtJ.Crew Pintuck Skinny Flare JeanJ.Crew Maisie Double Strap HeelsJ.Crew Edie Metallic Leather BagJenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

Alison wearing a rainbow-colored sweater and black pants | 40plusstyle.com

Alison @wardrobe_oxygen above (read her style interview here) wears her sequin sweater with wide leg pants.

Check out these sequin sweaters from Cinq à Sept, Halogen and GRACE KARIN that you can wear with this similar pair of wide pants, booties, clutch and earrings.

Sequin blazer

A sequin blazer will instantly dress up any outfit. It is ideal to pop on if you want to quickly change from work or casual mode to party perfect.

Sequin blazer, jeans and heeled sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Milly Alexa Peaked Sequin BlazerVince Band-Collar Silk Satin BlouseAG Jeans Farrah High-Rise Boot-Cut JeansNaturalizer Vera Block Heel SandalJ.Crew Edie Metallic Leather BagJenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

Sequin cover-up

If you have a sleeveless dress and you prefer to cover your upper arms, then look out for a sequin cardigan or bolero jacket.

Sequin cardigan, silk dress and pumps | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Sequin Wool Open Front CardiganAlive + Olivia Asymmetric Slit Midi DressSam Edelman Dori PumpGanni Mini Sequin ClutchSwarovski Dextera Pavé Detachable Mismatched Hoop Drop Earrings

Sequin dress outfits to sparkle in for the festive season | 40plusstyle.com

Jona @the50plusgirl above wears a sequin duster over her dress.

Steak her look with this similar dress, cardigan, sandals and bag.

Sequin camisole

Keep your sequins more subtle and let them peek out from underneath your blazer by choosing a sequin camisole.

Sequin camisole, tuxedo blazer, jeans and loafers | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Collection Italian Wool Tuxedo BlazerSIMKHAI Arlene Sequined & Lace TankAG Jeans Farrah High-Rise Boot-Cut JeansZODIAC Hill LoafersCOACH Luxe Refined Calf Leather Bandit Crossbody BagTory Burch Roxanne Link Earrings

Sequin pants

If you prefer pants to dresses, you can find some super stylish sequin pants this season. Team them with a tuxedo-style blazer.

We love the idea of these sequin pants as an alternative to dresses. We can’t imagine anyone else would have the same outfit. Wear with neutrals and let the pants be the statement piece of the outfit.

We think they’d also be a good outfit for more casual occasions like a festive lunch. You could wear them with a cashmere sweater for a more relaxed feel.

Sequin pants and tuxedo blazer | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Collection Italian Wool Tuxedo BlazerJ.Crew Sleeveless Shell TopAlice + Olivia Elba Sequined Wide-Leg PantsSam Edelman Dori PumpHOBO Evolve ClutchSwarovski Dextera Pavé Detachable Mismatched Hoop Drop Earrings

Sequin accessories

You can easily update your outfits by just swapping your shoes and accessories for sequin styles.

Sequin accessories | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Italian Melton Wool Palais TopcoatJ.Crew Garçon Tuxedo ShirtFavorite Daughter The Favorite Pant Pleat PantsJack Rogers Debra Sling Back Kitten HeelGanni Mini Sequin ClutchTory Burch Roxanne Link Earrings

Lizzy wears print pants and green pumps | 40plusstyle.com

Lizzy @whatlizzyloves above (read her style interview here) chooses a sequin bag and pumps to go with her outfit.

Get her look with this similar blouse, pants (another option here), pumps, clutch and necklace.

Your sequin outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the sequin outfits from above together in one capsule, so you can see how you would wear them.

You can mix and match the clothes, shoes and accessories to create different looks. You could wear the sequin blazer with any of the outfits, or wear the shirt or sweater more casually with jeans.

Sequins capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop the best sequin pieces here:

Do you already have a sequin dress in your closet or other sequin pieces? Do you save your sparkly dresses for the festive season, or do you wear them all year round?

Continue reading:

  1. How To Dress For A Christmas Party: 11 Outfit Ideas!
  2. WHAT TO WEAR ON CHRISTMAS DAY: All The Christmas Day Outfits You Need For Lounging, Lunching, Staying In Or Going Out
  3. How To Choose The Perfect Little Black Dress For Your Body Type

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Sequin dress outfits to sparkle in for the festive season | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Jona @the50plusgirl

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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