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Sequins usually mean a loud, mirror ball kind of night. Monica Barbaro just proved they can also look soft, cool toned, and almost quiet, and the secret is in the color.
She wore an ice blue sequin Dior dress to the Artificial gala screening at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11, and shared the look on her Instagram the next day. It is a very wearable idea for holiday party season.
What happened
Monica posted a photo from the night, noting it was Artificial at the BFI London Film Festival, and credited the film’s costume designers at Dior. The Zoe Report describes the dress as a custom Dior piece in a silvery blue metallic fabric.
Comic Basics describes it as ice blue sequins with thin straps and a ruffled hem. The two outlets agree on the color, the sparkle, and the ruffled movement at the bottom.
Photo via Monica Barbaro’s official Instagram.
The outfit, piece by piece
- The dress: a custom Dior dress in ice blue sequins, with thin straps, a fitted top, and a swingy ruffled hem.
- The length: tea length to midi, per the outlets, which makes it easy to move in.
- The shoes: strappy silver sandals. The Zoe Report names the shoes as Paris Texas.
- The jewelry: The Zoe Report credits Ananya.
- The beauty: loose, soft waves in dark hair and natural makeup.
Stylist Elizabeth Saltzman is credited by The Zoe Report. Because the dress is custom, you cannot buy it, but the formula is easy to copy.
Why this look works
Blue sequins feel cooler and calmer than gold or silver ones. Ice blue reads as shimmer without the heavy glitter effect.
The soft, swingy hem is the second trick. It keeps the fitted bodice from feeling stiff, and it moves nicely when you walk.
Finally, everything else was simple. Loose waves, natural makeup, and strappy sandals let the dress be the only loud thing.
How to wear an ice blue sequin dress
Start with the fit. Sequins are heavy, so check that the straps and seams feel comfortable when you sit and raise your arms.
Then keep the rest quiet. One metallic accessory is enough, and your shoes should be simple.
- Layering: add a cropped black blazer, a soft cardigan, or a long wool coat for cold evenings.
- Shoes: silver strappy sandals, nude heels, or even black ankle boots for a cooler look.
- Jewelry: small silver or crystal earrings, and skip the necklace.
- Hair: loose waves, a low ponytail, or a sleek bun all work.
Budget swap and splurge
A custom Dior dress is out of reach for most of us, but sequin dresses at every price are easy to find. Look for sequins that are sewn on evenly, with a lining that sits smoothly against your skin.
Check the weight before you buy. A very light sequin dress can look cheap and cling oddly, while a slightly heavier one hangs better. If you are shopping on the high street, try it on and do a quick twirl.
Spend on the fit and the lining, not the label. A good tailor can shorten the hem or take in the straps for far less than you expect.
Three ways to wear the same idea
- Holiday party: the dress, silver sandals, and a small clutch. See our holiday party outfits for women for more ideas.
- New Year’s Eve: the dress with a short blazer and shoes you can dance in. Our New Year’s Eve outfits for women guide goes deeper.
- Dinner out: a sequin dress with a long coat on top and ankle boots below.
Who it suits and when to wear it
A sequin midi dress suits anyone who likes a little sparkle without a lot of fuss. It works for office parties, weddings, holiday dinners, and nights out.
If you like a more textured option, our velvet dress outfits for women guide has ideas that feel just as festive. For a bolder color, see how Scarlett Johansson wore a red strapless dress.
Hair and makeup to match
Monica wore soft waves and natural makeup, and that choice matters. With a shimmering dress, a simple face keeps the whole look from feeling too busy.
Try a neutral eyeshadow, a soft pink or rosy lip, and a little highlighter on the cheekbones. If you want to go bolder, choose either a stronger lip or smoky eyes, not both.
For hair, loose waves are easiest to copy. Curl sections away from your face, brush them out gently, and finish with a light mist of hairspray so they last through the night. Our holiday makeup looks guide has step by step ideas for the rest of your face.
How to care for a sequin dress
Sequins need gentle treatment. Turn the dress inside out before you wash or steam it, and check the label before you do anything else, since many sequin dresses should only be dry cleaned.
Store it flat or folded in tissue paper, because hanging a heavy sequin dress can stretch the shoulders over time.
Mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is wearing too many sparkly pieces. If the dress shines, keep your bag and shoes matte or very simple.
The second is ignoring comfort. Sequins can itch, so check the lining on the inside and wear a smooth slip or shorts under the skirt if you can.
The third is wearing the wrong undergarments. A seamless bra and underwear help the dress lie flat.
Frequently asked questions
What did Monica Barbaro wear?
She wore a custom Dior ice blue sequin dress with thin straps and a ruffled hem, according to outlets and her post.
Where was she?
At the Artificial gala screening at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11.
What shoes go with an ice blue sequin dress?
Silver strappy sandals, nude heels, and black ankle boots all work. Pick one and keep the rest simple.
Can I wear sequins during the day?
Yes, if you tone it down. A sequin skirt with a knit and flat boots feels casual, while a full sequin dress works better after dark.
Ice blue sequins are an easy way to try sparkle this season. Keep the styling soft, the accessories small, and let the shimmer do the work.
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