Sequin Tops: 13 Evening Picks and How to Wear Them

A sequin top is a blouse, shell and camisole cut from fabric covered in small reflective discs, stitched on one by one and in rows, so the whole surface catches light as you move. The newest example on Coveti is the 16 Arlington Olarna Top in Black, and the London label’s wider eveningwear sits in our 16 Arlington sequin dresses guide.

This guide covers how sequins are applied, how the base fabric changes the fit, which shapes work for a party and which for dinner, and how to look after a top that weighs more than it looks. For the broader category, see our edits of embellished tops and evening tops.

How a sequin top is made

Sequins go on in one of two ways. Machine sequinning feeds a continuous strand onto a base cloth in tight rows, which gives an even, liquid shine. Hand embroidery places each sequin, bead and drop individually, so the pattern can change density, follow a motif and mix sequins with beads on the same panel.

The base matters as much as the sequins. A stretch jersey base clings and moves with the body. A woven base holds a sharper line. A sheer mesh base lets skin show between the motifs, which makes a heavily worked top read lighter than it is.

Turn any sequin top inside out before you commit. Look for a lining against the skin, a clean finish at the seams and sequins that sit flat at the neckline and armholes, since these are the points that rub.

The 16 Arlington Olarna Top

16 Arlington was founded in London in 2017 by Marco Capaldo and Federica Cavenati, and Capaldo remains creative director. The house is known for feather and sequin eveningwear, and the Olarna shows the hand-worked side of that.

The Olarna Top in Black is sheer black mesh hand embroidered with ornate patterns of sequins and fringed beaded droplets. It has a high neck, keyhole detailing at the back and a loose fit through the body, so the embroidery drapes and moves rather than sitting flat. The composition is 100% polyester, it is made in India, and the house designs it for a regular fit. The model is 5 feet 10 and wears a UK 8.

The same style is already on Coveti as the Olarna Top in Red. Other 16 Arlington sequin tops include the Tanith Top in Sequin, the Loida Top in Sequin and the Ula Top in Large Sequin.

Sequin tops from other houses on Coveti

Long sleeves. The Aje Althira Long Sleeve Sequin Top covers the arms, which makes it the easiest sequin top for a winter dinner with tailored trousers.

Colour. Simon Miller offers the Shirley Sequin Top in Berry Mosaic and the Shirley Sequin Top in Satellite Silver, two takes on one shape.

White. The Alessandra Rich Sequin Top in White is a pale alternative to silver for winter parties and summer evenings alike.

Day into night. The Max Mara Jersey and Sequin Blouse in Black pairs sequins with jersey, a quieter mix for the office party.

Also worth a look: the Alemais Ophira Sequin Top, the Maticevski Valerian Sequin Top and the Dolce & Gabbana Sequin top.

Comparison matrix: sequin tops on Coveti

How we measured. Base fabric, composition, country of manufacture, fit and sizes made for the Olarna Top come from the 16 Arlington product page. Brand and sizes held for the other tops come from the Coveti catalogue on 07 November 2026; the jersey base of the Max Mara blouse is taken from its product name. We did not weigh the tops.

How to wear a sequin top

With tailoring. Black wool trousers and a sequin top is the simplest party outfit there is.

With denim. A sequin top with straight-leg jeans and a flat shoe works for a casual dinner.

Over a slip. A sheer sequin top such as the Olarna needs a layer beneath it. A black camisole keeps the line clean and lets the embroidery stand out against skin at the arms.

With a skirt. Pair a sequin top with a satin midi skirt for a black tie dinner. Keep one surface matte and one reflective.

For more December ideas, see our 16 Arlington Christmas party and New Year’s Eve edit.

Sequin tops around the world

US. Holiday parties run from early December to New Year’s Eve, and a long sleeve sequin top with black trousers suits most office parties. A UK 8 is a US 4 and a UK 10 a US 6.

UK. UK sizing is the reference here: the Olarna is made in UK 8 and 10. Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve drive the season, and indoor heating makes a sheer top practical.

EU. A UK 8 is an EU 36 and a UK 10 an EU 38. For a New Year’s Eve dinner in Paris and Milan, a sequin top with tailored trousers is the practical choice.

GCC. The winter wedding and party season runs through the cooler months. For a more covered look, layer a sequin top over a long sleeve slip and a wide-leg trouser.

How to care for a sequin top

16 Arlington labels the Olarna professional dry clean only, and advises storing it flat away from direct sunlight and steaming gently to protect the embellishment. Never hang a heavily beaded top; the weight drags on the shoulders and the mesh can stretch. Fold it with tissue between the layers, keep it out of contact with knitwear that can snag, and remove jewellery with catches before you take it off.

Written by Coveti Editorial. Read our editorial and AI policy.

Curated by the Coveti Studio.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a sequin top and a beaded top?

Sequins are flat reflective discs; beads are rounded and add weight and texture. Many evening tops, the Olarna included, combine both.

What do you wear with a sequin top?

Plain tailored trousers, straight-leg jeans and a satin midi skirt all work. Keep the other pieces matte so the top carries the shine.

Is a sequin top suitable for daytime?

Yes, with denim and a knit over the shoulders. A jersey and sequin mix reads quieter than an all-over sequin surface.

What should I wear under a sheer sequin top?

A black camisole, a bandeau and a fine bodysuit all give cover while the sheer mesh shows at the arms and neck.

How do I wash a sequin top?

Follow the label. The 16 Arlington Olarna is professional dry clean only and should be stored flat.

Do sequin tops run small?

It depends on the base. Mesh and woven bases have little stretch, so check the house measurements; the Olarna has a loose fit through the body.