Bronx and Banco Sequin Dresses and Crystal Gowns

Embellishment is one of the things Bronx and Banco does best. The house works sequins, crystals and rhinestones over tulle and mesh to make dresses that catch the light from every angle, which is why they show up so often at galas and award nights. They are not all the same, though. A sequin mini and a crystal mesh column feel and behave very differently. The techniques differ in weight and suit different occasions. Shop the range on the Bronx and Banco hub.

Quick answer

• Sequins: flat discs stitched to tulle; they move and shimmer. Best for parties and New Year's Eve.
• Crystals: faceted stones on mesh; they sparkle under flash. Best for black tie and red carpets.
• Rhinestone mesh: an all-over stone net that drapes like fabric. Best for statement columns.
• Weight: embellished gowns are heavier than chiffon, so they hold their shape all night.

Sequin minis

The sequin mini is the party dress of the collection. The Maraya Silver Sequin Mini Dress is a strapless silver column, short and easy to dance in. The Deep V-Neck Sequin Mini Dress plunges at the front, and the Deep V-Neck Sequin Mini Dress with Gloves adds matching gloves for a more formal evening. The Strapless Sequin Mini Dress is the simplest of all. Wear sequin minis with a fine sandal and keep everything else plain, because the dress is already doing the talking.

Sequin maxi dresses

A long sequin dress gives you the same shimmer with more presence. The Long Sleeve Sequin Navy Maxi Dress covers the arms, a smart choice for winter. The Seaside Sequin Cutout Maxi Dress adds a cutout at the waist, and the Allegra Gold Multi Maxi Dress mixes gold sequins into a pattern that reads well in photographs.

Crystal and rhinestone gowns

Crystal is where Bronx and Banco gets dramatic. The Sleeveless Diamond Embellished Maxi Dress with Gloves is covered in stones from neck to hem, with long gloves to match. The Sleeveless Red Rhinestone Maxi Dress turns the same idea into a red column, and the High Neck Embellished Gold Maxi Dress is the choice for a gold dress code. The Brielle gowns, such as the Brielle Sage Diamond Gown, keep the crystals to the halter and leave the skirt soft.

Which embellishment for which event

Can you wear sequins to a wedding?

Yes, at an evening wedding. Sequins and crystals suit black tie and evening receptions, and a long sleeve sequin maxi in navy is one of the safest ways to wear sparkle without upstaging the bride. Avoid silver and white sequins, which can read as bridal, and save the most dramatic crystal gowns for galas. More ideas are in our winter wedding guest guide.

Gold and silver: which to choose

Gold is warmer and suits candlelight, autumn colours and warm skin tones. Silver is cooler and suits winter, white flowers and cool skin tones. If you are unsure, look at the jewellery you already wear and match the metal. Our gold evening gown guide has more options.

How to wear and store an embellished dress

• Sitting: smooth the skirt under you before you sit so sequins lie flat and do not snag.
• Bags: choose a smooth clutch; chain straps and studded bags can catch on stones.
• Storage: store heavy crystal gowns flat, folded in acid-free tissue, so the weight does not stretch the shoulders.
• Cleaning: specialist dry clean only. Never iron over embellishment.

Sequins around the world

Sequin dresses are a year round search in the UK, Canada and Saudi Arabia, and demand roughly doubles in the UK in November and December. For a Gulf wedding, a long sleeve sequin maxi such as the Long Sleeve Sequin Navy Maxi Dress gives you the sparkle with full coverage. For a UK Christmas party, a sequin mini with sheer tights is the classic choice.

Frequently asked questions

Are Bronx and Banco sequin dresses heavy?

Sequin minis are light enough to dance in. Crystal and rhinestone gowns are heavier, which helps them hang beautifully, but they are best for events where you will not be on your feet for hours.

Can you wear a sequin dress to a wedding?

Yes, to an evening wedding and to black tie. Choose colour, such as navy and gold, and avoid white and silver, which can look bridal.

What is a crystal embellished gown?

A gown with faceted crystals stitched over mesh and tulle. Bronx and Banco uses crystals on its Brielle gowns and its diamond embellished maxi dresses.

How do you store a sequin gown?

Store heavy embellished gowns flat in acid-free tissue. Lighter sequin dresses can hang on a padded hanger inside a breathable cover.

Should I wear gold for an evening event?

Gold suits warm lighting and warm skin tones. Silver is the alternative for winter events and cool skin tones. Match the metal of the jewellery you will wear.

Read next: Bronx and Banco gowns, Bronx and Banco holiday party dresses, gold evening gowns.