An awards dinner gives you a reason to dress with care, whether you're receiving an award, supporting a colleague or accompanying someone important to you. Start with the invitation's dress code, then leave room for the colours and details you actually enjoy.
Our ten selections from WL Bridal & Gown take different approaches to evening embellishment. Gradient and iridescent sequins sit alongside embroidery, while sleeveless, long and hip-wrap designs give you another way to compare. There isn't one colour that answers every awards invitation. The more useful question is which combination you would like to wear.
Gradient, iridescence and green
1. Ione 31610: gradient sequins and beadwork
Ione Gradient Sequin High-End Evening Formal Dress
AUD $399.00
Ione combines gradient sequins with intricate beadwork. Deep Blue would be our starting point, with silver earrings and a plain black clutch to keep attention on those details. Gold is another direction if you prefer warmer colour. Consider whether the colour transition appeals to you; it is a better reason to choose this dress than treating its price as a measure of craftsmanship.
2. Lyra 18580: black with iridescent sequins
AUD $315.00
Lyra brings iridescent sequins to a familiar black evening look. You could keep the shoes and bag you already like, add simple earrings and decide whether iridescence is the new detail you want to try. Compare it with Ione: both give you embellishment to enjoy, but one starts with iridescence and the other with a gradient. Your preference matters more than choosing the more expensive option.
3. Asteria 31826: green sequins and beads
AUD $357.00
Asteria combines new-craft sequins and beadwork. We like Green with gold earrings, keeping the bag black; you don't need to buy a matching green set of accessories. Mint Green gives you a softer colour to compare. Try either direction with one piece of jewellery first, so you can decide how much you like the colour before adding anything else.
Different approaches to evening embellishment
4. Thalia 19983: silver beadwork and sequins
Beaded Illusion Beaded Formal Dress
AUD $367.50
Thalia combines beadwork and sequins, and Silver is the colour we'd begin with. Silver earrings and a plain clutch are worth trying, although an existing black bag can work as a comparison too. Purple offers a brighter alternative. If you like silver tones, look at this alongside Ceres and decide whether you prefer this combination of embellishments or sequin embroidery.
5. Brigid 18611: gold with quieter accessories
AUD $395.50
Brigid's description lists sequins, and Gold is our first colour suggestion. Start with small studs and a matte clutch, then decide whether you want a necklace. Black and Navy offer darker alternatives without requiring you to change that plain bag. The dress and accessories don't all have to sparkle; comparing their surfaces can be part of the pleasure of putting the outfit together.
6. Ceres 18637: Apricot Silver sequin embroidery
AUD $315.00
Ceres introduces Apricot Silver to the edit, with sequin embroidery as its defining detail. If you enjoy silver jewellery, try fine silver earrings with either a light-coloured or black clutch and compare the different contrasts. It is worth considering beside Thalia. Both give you a silver-toned starting point, but embroidery and a bead-and-sequin combination offer different details to appreciate.
7. Clymene 16538: a long dress with embroidery and mesh
AUD $283.50
Clymene combines sequin embroidery and mesh in a long design. Green with gold jewellery is one option; Gold with black shoes and a bag is another. When comparing it with Ione, put the price order aside for a moment. Decide whether you are drawn to embroidery with mesh or to a gradient with beadwork. That distinction gives each dress a reason to be here.
Start with the sleeve or silhouette you prefer
8. Galene 18177: sleeveless sequin embroidery
Sleeveless Sequin Formal Dress
AUD $304.50
Galene gives you a sleeveless option with sequin embroidery. We'd try Red with a black clutch and earrings first, although a necklace you already love is worth comparing. Sleeveless doesn't dictate an updo either. Try hair up or down and look at which arrangement shows the details you care about; the styling choice can remain yours.
9. Amphitrite 18218: a hip-wrap direction
Beaded Hip Wrap Formal Dresses
AUD $294.00
Amphitrite's title identifies a hip-wrap design, while its description lists sequins. If that silhouette appeals, compare Black with silver jewellery and Gold with a black bag. Placing it beside Galene gives you two different starting points: silhouette and sleeve preference. Keep the option that speaks to your taste, then consider it against the particular invitation.
10. Electra 18576: a long sequin-embroidered gown
AUD $294.00
Electra combines a long design with sequin embroidery. Navy and silver jewellery is a pairing we like. White is also an option for someone interested in a lighter colour: this edit concerns awards dinners, not wedding-guest dressing. Check the invitation before deciding, then compare the dress with your existing shoes and bag. An industry stereotype needn't choose the colour for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose a sequin dress if the invitation simply says formal?
Use these dresses as starting points, then ask the organiser about the event's dress expectations. Consider colour, embellishment and shape together. The word formal alone cannot guarantee that every dress suits that particular invitation.
Should an award recipient dress differently from an accompanying guest?
We wouldn't assign a uniform to either role. Think about how you are attending, the colour you want to wear and the invitation. Deep Blue gradients and green beadwork can both be worth considering; your role needn't decide your personal preference.
Do I need new jewellery if I already have gold earrings?
Keep those earrings in the comparison. Try Asteria in Green or Brigid in Gold with a black bag. If you prefer a silver dress, compare warm gold jewellery with it too. Matching every metal isn't compulsory.
Which dress could make black feel different from my everyday clothes?
Compare Lyra's iridescent sequins with Ione's gradient and beadwork. You can keep your preference for black and familiar accessories while choosing a detail that gives your evening look a different character.
Before ordering, select your colour and size on the product page and confirm the current price. If you have questions, send the WL team the link to the dress you're considering.
Find the evening dress you look forward to wearing
Continue through the WL Bridal & Gown formal dress collection, comparing the colours and embellishment you like before deciding on the whole outfit. You can shop online for delivery across Australia.
