What it is:
As the party season fast approaches, it seems an appropriate time to dive
into a holiday classic: the sequin dress. A common occurrence in both SS22
runways and social media trends, the sequin dress is a staple celebration
look, perfect for the ongoing transition from lockdown life to the new
sense of normality some are facing as restrictions slowly ease away.
Sequins have the ability to bring life to any colour, with a wide variety
of options from classic metallics, like silver and gold, to the more daring
tones, such as bright pinks and primary hues. Dress styles also present
endless silhouette opportunities. Many brands have opted for drop waist or
loose-fitted sequin dresses for the coming season, while others are
sticking to body-forming looks that hug the figure in sparkles. However it
appears, the sequin dress continues to lead the popularity contest as the
statement-making garment for special occasions.
Why you’ll want it:
A defining trend of the past months and coming year is the desire for
‘going out-out’ clothing, which is essentially the need for over-the-top
party outfits. The drastic move from loungewear to pretty much anything
else has been significant, as customers begin migrating out of lockdowns
and start to venture back into their favourite party scenes. The sequin
dress is staple night out attire, providing a safe yet fun option for both
special occasions or just a regular weekend event. Its wide occurrence
throughout a multitude of designer runways for SS22 showed its continued
importance in the coming year, as we stray away from jogging bottoms and
look for something to celebrate the return of ‘normal’.
Where we’ve seen it:
‘Partywear’ was one of the trending topics of the upcoming season, with
many brands opting for over-the-top sparkles in their spring/summer 2022
collections. Versace was one of the main sparkle culprits at its Milan
Fashion Week show, with a host of models (and even Dua Lipa) sporting
miniature sequin dresses reminiscent of a night out in the 60s. Another
highly sought after look came from Loewe, which presented a reconstructed
version of the style as a loose-fitted cami dress, complete with an
exaggerated leg slit lined with contrasting sequins.
Valentino and Chanel, on the other hand, kept it simplistic, exhibiting
fitted gowns that were adorned in sequins head-to-toe, optimising classic
silhouettes like the one-shoulder. Louis Vuitton, however, took the trend
in a whole different direction, in the form of Marie Antoinette-like
dresses as part of a runway that drew influences from antique fashion. The
pannier robes were heavily embellished in sequins and other embroidered
details, truly displaying the length at which the sequin trend stretched
for the season.
How to style it:
The great thing about styling a sequin dress is that it is not complex
because, more often than not, the dress can speak for itself. The only
thing that alters the outfit is the general silhouette of the dress at
hand. If opting for a fitted dress, sitting above the knee, a stylish
option to take the wearer from one location to another is pairing the
garment with an oversized blazer. Complete the look with strappy sandal
heels and you have an outfit that can transform from casual to a party look
in just a few seconds. Alternatively, if the priority is over-the-top glam,
a loose-fitted dress can be paired with over-the-knee boots and a matching
clutch, bringing a bit more sophistication from head to toe. In a complete
contrast, wearers could also turn a sequin dress into an everyday fit.
Throwing on an oversized jumper and lace-up ankle boots gives the wearer an
effortless appeal, with an outfit that can be worn even to the supermarket.
Ultimately, the sequin dress will be a partywear trend that will likely
never go away. The limitless possibilities in both silhouette and
colourings make it a garment that can appeal to a broad audience, shown by
example in runways for the 2022 season. As it becomes more and more
possible to return to bars, clubs and pubs, customers are turning their
attention to putting their best foot forward in an outfit that didn’t seem
possible during the last two years. Filling a store with sparkle and shine
will aid in the recovery of ‘going out-out’ fashion, offering glitz and
glam in replacement of loungewear and pyjamas.
