The Fashion Memo

The Best Sequin Dresses For Party Season

From office parties to New Year’s Eve gatherings, a sequin dress will ensure you make a glamorous entrance at every event, says COLLEEN ROSS

Fashion editor Millie Parry
Fashion
Naomi Campbell at a party in 2010, and Kate Moss celebrating her 30th birthday in 2004

If you can’t wear sequins during party season, when can you? Luckily for us, designers fully leaned into all that glitters on the fall/winter ’25 runways, with the likes of Rabanne, Dries Van Noten and Erdem featuring dazzling sequins in their collections. The red carpet has served up plenty of inspiration recently, too. Demi Moore, Emma Roberts and Doja Cat all opted for shimmering sequined looks by Gucci for the 2025 LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles earlier this month, while Naomi Watts attended the CFDA Awards in a stunning silver gown by Simkhai. For occasions that call for high-octane glamour, opt for a scintillating column-esque gown by Jenny Packham or Stella McCartney – both styles are NET-A-PORTER exclusives and the perfect blend of sophistication and sparkle. As for after-parties? A thigh-skimming mini, like Isabel Marant’s ‘Heliane’ dress, is the way to go.

When it comes to true wow factor, nothing beats a gold dress. Rabanne’s glamorous gilded maxi style (another NET-A-PORTER exclusive) is drenched in light-catching sequins and falls to a swishy skirt that calls for a spin on the dance floor. If you’re after something a touch more low-key in terms of shine but still want to make an impact, Norma Kamali’s gown is an elegant choice. Complement the turtleneck silhouette with a pair of shoulder-grazing drop earrings. Elsewhere, Erdem doubles down on sparkle by adorning its sequined burgundy midi dress with embroidered crystal appliqués. The demure length makes it perfect for dinner parties and festive work events alike.

Stars that shine
Julia Roberts at the Notting Hill premiere in 1999, and Kate Hudson at the Almost Famous premiere in 2000

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