Your cocktail hour style guide is all about the sequins

Shanaya Kapoor recently made a serious case for sequins at an award show, wearing a silver-grey sequin sari. Think: classic screen siren, but with a 2025 update. Take Marsai Martin, who wore a reptilian sequined gown in Bordeaux at the G20 premiere. Structured and impossibly sleek. Or even Kim K at the Bezos wedding. TBF sequins have always been around, are not going anywhere, and are definitely going to be a part of your trousseau. Here’s the catch though, sequins aren’t for every party or wedding event. But when the lighting is just right, and the vibe is set to festive-fabulous (read: cocktail night), they are exactly what you need. And during wedding week, nothing pairs quite as glam with a cocktail soirée as a sequinned fit. From slinky saris to sculpted gowns, sequins are it for cocktail night. Here’s how to work them into your wedding wardrobe.

The barely-there sari

Remember Zendaya’s Rahul Mishra sari at the NMACC inauguration? That’s the moodboard. This one has to look noticeably different from your wedding-day sari. Think playful and party-ready with peek-a-boo skin. Go for a monochrome palette where the blouse and sari are in the same tone and let the sequins have their moment. Keep it chic and cohesive. Strapless blouses are a forever yes when it comes to cocktail night. If you're going all-in on sequins, let them cover the length of the sari, but balance that out with skin. A bare collarbone or an open back goes a long way in keeping the look light and sultry. And if you’re over red and bridal whites? Enter midnight blue, icey silver, and mocha browns—rich tones that feel fresh but luxe. Play with textures while you're at it, a velvet bustier can break the monotony.

The mermaid moment

Mermaid silhouettes have been everywhere lately, and for good reason. They hug in all the right places and add instant drama to a look. Now mix that curve-enhancing cut with the sparkle of a cocktail party staple and you’ve got yourself a showstopper. Sure, a sequinned gown is a classic, but why stop there? Switch it up with a co-ord set: think tube top paired with a mermaid skirt. Go for gowns with strategic cut-outs, colourful sequin motifs, or asymmetrical drapes. We’re officially over the rinse-and-repeat slip dress + slicked bun combo. The clean girl had her moment, but now it’s time to bring back the drama, glamour, and fun—especially for cocktail night.

Corset core

Whether you’re styling a sari or a two-piece power look, a corset is the perfect add-on to your cocktail party fit. It cinches the waist, gives the fit a lovely silhouette and adds just the right touch of old school glamour. We’re loving the idea of pairing a 3D hourglass corset with straight-fit sequin pants. If you’re leaning into a bold silhouette, keep the colour story moody and minimal. Shantnu Nikhil Luxe, the designers’ recent red carpet couture line is built for nights like these. Pick jet black, espresso brown, or dusty graphite. Style this with a sleek bun, and a statement choker to highlight the collarbone. It’s sculpted, and very, very cocktail.

Don’t stop there

If you’re going for sequins—commit entirely. If the outfit you picked is a little low on the sequin score, and is more subtle than you’d like for it to be, there’s nothing better than adding a sparkly bag or a sparkly shoe. Black is always a go-to, so there’s no colour chaos. A tiny sequin baguette that has just enough space to store your lip gloss is what’s going to tie the look together. An added bonus would be some glitter pumps, just enough sparkle peeking through the hem to add flavour, again, without throwing off the palette. Stick to silvers, whites, or classic black to keep it clean.