Nothing says party like sparkles and sequins! It's time to dig out your favourite dress as the festive season is nearly upon us! Whether you spend Christmas Day or New Year's Eve in a sparkly top or a silk dress, you'll want to make sure you wash your special item the right way so that you can wear it for party seasons to come.
Many party dress materials are tricky to wash, so we asked the experts at the GHI for their step-by-step guide to caring for delicates.
How to wash clothes with sequins
Avoid washing sequined clothes unless they really need it; sometimes an airing will do the trick. If a sequined garment is washable (check the care label), wash it inside out at a cool temperature and as gently as possible to avoid damage. Pop machine-washable fabrics in a laundry bag or pillowcase before washing.
How to care for leather
'Washable’ leather clothing should be sponged, never immersed, in water. You can remove surface soiling from washable leather by gently dabbing the marked area with a sponge dipped in a solution of soapflakes (or liquid detergent) and water. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth and hang to dry. Store leather clothing on a padded hanger in a cotton cover.
Treat new or newly-cleaned leather clothes with waterproofing spray. All leather clothing should be professionally cleaned every three to four years, re-tinted and oiled.
How to look after lace
Wash according to the label instructions, using a gentle, non-biological detergent. If machine-washing, place in a muslin bag or a pillowcase. If the care label allows, iron inside-out while the garment is still damp.
Antique lace: If not valuable, wash by hand with a detergent for delicates and dry flat. Pin delicate pieces to a padded board covered with cotton and sponge with a mild detergent. Rinse with cold water. Dry-clean precious items or take to a specialist fabric restorer.
How to clean silk and satin
Check the care label to see if the garment is washable. If it is, use a non-bio detergent suitable for delicates and wash at a cool temperature. If you’re hand-washing, avoid ringing excess water out of the garment. Place it between two towels and press the water out instead. Have garments that can’t be washed at home professionally dry-cleaned.
Make party shoes last longer
Use a protective coating before wearing your party shoes to help protect them, and after an outing, wipe any dirt off with a moist cloth.
Our team of experts say that sponges aren’t the best way to clean shoes as you often don’t know what they're made of. Instead, opt for a good-quality brush. Having a variety of brushes (rough and soft) will help you care for lots of different shoes.
The best sequin dresses for party season
A showstopping gold design, this dress speaks for itself. Balloon sleeves, a rounded neckline and stunning floral sequins make for an ethereal look that will ensure you’re the best dressed at any party.
Turn heads in this stunning sequin floor-length dress from Jaded London. A statement piece on its own, it would look equally great paired with a shawl on cold evenings for your Christmas party.
Everyone loves a classic and versatile A-line dress and, this party season, the style gets a sequin season update with this gorgeous snow white design. Available in four other festive shades.
We just love everything about this dress. From the batwing sheer sleeves and cinched sequin waist to the gorgeous silver/black colour, it’s a truly beautiful piece for any party this festive season.
Nothing says Christmas like a gorgeous silver mini dress. And this one is modernised with mix-and-match-sized sequins for a playful mini dress style.
Looking for a style that falls above the knee? This Next number is the answer. With its bandeau silhouette and gorgeous burgundy shade, pair with gold hoops and heels for an opulent look.
We love the gunmetal colour of this sequin dress, fit for Christmas and beyond. Its round neckline and three-quarter sleeves add a little extra coverage for the colder months of the year. Why not throw over an oversized chunky knit for a versatile day-to-night look?
If you’d like a change from the usual sequin party dress, tap into Cos’s striped sequin slip dress. Reminiscent of 1990s-inspired silhouettes, this dress pairs perfectly with anything from sandals to pumps.
You can’t go wrong with a classic, black sequin dress. This one showcases long sleeves and open-back detailing for an effortlessly elegant look.
Monsoon Georgina Sequin Maxi Dress with Recycled Polyester Gold
If you’re after a gold sequin style for party season, look no further than this beautiful piece from Monsoon. The brand’s gorgeous dresses are synonymous with Christmas – and this style showcases exactly why.
Another colour that instantly reminds us of Christmas, this deep green sequin midi dress is ideal for a whole host of occasions – from parties to dinners with friends.
Given that the popularity of this colour shows no sign of slowing down (thanks to the hugely popular Barbie film), this gorgeous pink sequin look will be so on trend for party season. Plus, it’s currently on sale.
