When it comes to after-dark events—holiday parties, date nights, girls’ dinners, or even New Year’s Eve—I’ve always struggled to find a dress that’s glamorous enough to stand out but comfortable enough to wear for hours. Too often, sequined or velvet dresses feel stiff, scratchy, or so tight they leave you counting down the minutes until you can change. That’s why I was instantly smitten when I found Apricot’s Mixed Sequin Velvet Bodycon Mini Dress in Green on their Irish website. Apricot has long been my go-to for affordable, wearable pieces that don’t skimp on style, and at €56, this dress felt like the perfect way to add a showstopping piece to my wardrobe without breaking the bank. After wearing it to three events (and getting compliments every time), I can confidently say it’s the most head-turning yet comfortable dress I own. It’s not just a party dress; it’s a confidence-boosting staple that proves you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for glamour. Here’s my full breakdown of the shopping experience, product details, and why this green sequin velvet dress is a must-have for anyone who wants to shine at their next after-dark occasion.
First, let’s talk about the brand: Apricot. For years, Apricot has stood out in the fast-fashion landscape by crafting pieces that balance trendiness with wearability. They don’t just chase viral styles—they refine them, making sure they work for real bodies and real lives. Their website, apricotonline.com/ie, is a joy to navigate: clean, clutter-free, and packed with all the information you need to make an informed purchase. Unlike some retailers that hide sizing charts or fabric details behind endless pop-ups, Apricot’s product page for the Mixed Sequin Velvet Bodycon Mini Dress puts everything front and center. From the 100% polyester shell and lining to the care instructions, there’s no guesswork involved—something that gives me confidence when shopping for delicate, embellished pieces online. Apricot’s commitment to transparency and quality is why I keep coming back, whether I’m buying a casual jumper or a statement dress like this one.
The shopping experience was seamless from start to finish. I stumbled across this dress while browsing Apricot’s “Party Dresses” section, drawn in by the promise of “soft velvet” and “shimmering sequins.” The product photos were incredibly helpful: there’s a full-length shot that showcases the bodycon fit and mini length, close-ups of the velvet texture and mixed sequin detailing, and views of the crew neckline and long sleeves. I appreciated that Apricot listed every key detail upfront: fabric composition (shell: 100% Polyester, lining: 100% Polyester), length (approx 86.5cm), fit (Slim fit), and fastening (concealed zip on the reverse). As someone who’s a UK 10 with an hourglass figure, I was a little unsure about sizing—would the slim, bodycon fit be too restrictive, or would it hug my curves in all the right places? The size guide, which included bust, waist, and hip measurements for each size, helped me decide on a Medium, and it turned out to be the perfect choice.
Adding the dress to my cart was effortless, and checkout offered all the payment options I could want: credit card, PayPal, and Klarna for those who prefer to split the cost (a nice touch for budget-conscious shoppers). Shipping to my home in Dublin was free—always a bonus—and the dress arrived in just two business days. It came in a simple, recyclable Apricot-branded plastic bag, which was practical and not overly wasteful, and inside, the dress was wrapped in tissue paper to protect the sequins and velvet. There were no signs of damage, loose sequins, or snags—exactly what I’ve come to expect from Apricot’s reliable packaging. When I pulled it out of the tissue paper, I was immediately struck by how soft the velvet felt and how vibrant the green color was.
When I tried on the dress for the first time, I was hooked. The velvet shell is incredibly soft and plush—nothing like the stiff, scratchy velvet I’ve encountered in cheaper dresses. It has a luxurious, smooth texture that feels premium against the skin, and the weight is just right: substantial enough to drape beautifully but not so heavy that it pulls or feels cumbersome. The green color is absolutely stunning—bright but not neon, rich but not overwhelming. It’s a vibrant, jewel-toned shade that complements a range of skin tones (I have fair skin with cool undertones, and it made my complexion look glowing). Unlike basic black or red party dresses, this green feels unique and eye-catching, but it’s still versatile enough to pair with different accessories (gold, silver, or even black jewelry all work beautifully).
The mixed sequin embellishment is the star of the show. The sequins are scattered across the velvet in a subtle wave pattern, creating a shimmer that catches the light beautifully—without being glittery or over-the-top. They’re available in different shades of green and hints of gold, which add depth and dimension to the dress. I was worried the sequins might feel scratchy or heavy, but they’re surprisingly lightweight and smooth, with no sharp edges to irritate my skin. The sequins are securely attached, with no loose threads or missing pieces, even after multiple wears and a wash. The contrast between the soft velvet and the sparkly sequins is genius: it adds glamour without making the dress feel “costumey,” making it suitable for a range of after-dark events, from casual dinner dates to formal holiday parties.
Let’s dive into the design details. The slim, bodycon fit is flattering without being restrictive—something I never thought I’d say about a bodycon dress. It hugs my curves (bust, waist, hips) in all the right places, highlighting my figure without squeezing or digging in. The 100% polyester lining is a game-changer: it’s soft and smooth, preventing the velvet from clinging to my skin and adding an extra layer of comfort. I was worried the lining might feel bulky, but it’s thin enough to be barely noticeable while still providing coverage (no see-through moments!). The crew neckline is classic and sophisticated, framing my neck nicely without being too low or too high. It’s snug but not tight, so it feels comfortable all night long—no adjusting or pulling.
The long sleeves with straight cuffs are another standout feature. They’re slim enough to complement the bodycon fit without feeling restrictive, and they add warmth—perfect for winter parties or cool evenings. The cuffs fit comfortably around my wrists, with no squeezing or sliding down. The concealed zip on the reverse is both practical and stylish: it’s easy to zip up (even by myself) and it keeps the front of the dress looking clean and streamlined. The zip is sturdy and well-made, with no sticking or jamming—something I’ve had issues with in cheaper dresses.
The mini length (approx 86.5cm) is ideal: on my 5’6” frame, it hits mid-thigh, which is flirty and fun without being too short. It’s long enough to feel appropriate for most events (even work holiday parties!) but short enough to show off a little leg. For taller women, it will still feel like a true mini, and for shorter ladies, it might hit a little higher—but pairing it with heeled boots or pumps easily balances the length. The straight hem is clean and simple, letting the velvet and sequins take center stage.
One of the things I love most about this dress is its versatility (yes, even a party dress can be versatile!). It’s not just for one type of event; it works for almost every after-dark occasion. For a formal holiday party, I paired it with gold strappy heels, a small clutch, and delicate gold jewelry—glamorous and sophisticated. For a dinner date, I dressed it down with black ankle boots and a leather jacket—edgy and chic. For a girls’ night out, I wore it with chunky silver sneakers and a denim jacket—fun and effortless. The wave pattern of the sequins is subtle enough to not clash with accessories, and the green color pairs beautifully with gold, silver, black, and even navy. It’s rare to find a party dress that can transition between different vibes, but Apricot has nailed it.
Add to Bag:Mixed Sequin Velvet Bodycon Mini Dress
Care instructions are simple and manageable: 30-degree cold machine wash on a gentle cycle, do not bleach, do not tumble dry, do not iron, and do not dry clean. I was a little worried about washing a sequined velvet dress—would the sequins fall off, the velvet mat, or the color fade? But after washing it twice (in a laundry bag on a gentle cycle), it’s held up perfectly. The sequins are still securely attached, the velvet is just as soft and plush, and the green color hasn’t faded. I lay it flat to dry, which takes a few hours, but it’s a small effort for a dress that looks like new after each wash. Unlike some delicate party dresses that require expensive dry cleaning (which adds to the cost), this one is low-maintenance—another win for busy lifestyles.
Let’s talk about value for money. At €56, this dress is an absolute steal. I’ve paid twice as much for similar sequined velvet dresses from other brands that were scratchy, ill-fitting, or lost their sequins after one wear. Apricot’s version is well-made, comfortable, and versatile—all for a price that’s accessible to most shoppers. When you consider how many events I’ve worn it to (and how many more I have planned), the cost per wear is incredibly low—unbeatable for a showstopping party dress. It’s the kind of item that feels like a luxury but doesn’t come with a luxury price tag, which is exactly what I look for in affordable fashion.
Apricot’s commitment to accessibility is another reason I love this brand. The Mixed Sequin Velvet Bodycon Mini Dress is available in sizes XS to XL, covering a range of body types, and the price point makes it easy for anyone to add a glamorous piece to their wardrobe. Unlike some brands that charge more for plus sizes or embellished styles, Apricot keeps their prices consistent and reasonable without sacrificing quality. The fact that it’s available on their Irish website with free shipping is also a huge plus—no dealing with international fees or long delivery times.
Are there any downsides? The only minor complaint I have is that the dress doesn’t have pockets (but let’s be real—most party dresses don’t!). I just carry a small clutch or crossbody bag when I’m wearing it, and it’s not a big issue. Another small thing: the velvet can attract a little lint, especially if I’m wearing it with a wool coat. But that’s a common issue with velvet, and it’s easily fixed with a lint roller. Honestly, these are tiny quibbles that don’t detract from the dress’s overall excellence.
Overall, my experience with Apricot’s Mixed Sequin Velvet Bodycon Mini Dress in Green has been nothing short of fantastic. From the seamless shopping experience on apricotonline.com/ie to the high-quality product itself, this dress has exceeded my expectations in every way. It’s glamorous, comfortable, versatile, and well-made—everything I want in a party dress. Whether you’re looking for something to wear to a holiday party, date night, or girls’ night out, this dress delivers.
If you’re on the fence about buying it, here’s my advice: go for it. The green color is vibrant and unique, the velvet is soft and luxurious, the sequins are just the right amount of sparkly, and the fit is flattering for most body types. At €56, it’s a low-risk purchase that will make you feel confident and glamorous at every event. Apricot has done an incredible job of creating a piece that feels intentional and well-crafted, designed for real life rather than just the runway. I’ve already recommended it to my sister, my best friend, and even a stranger who stopped me to ask where I got it—and all of them have bought it, raving about how much they love it.
In a world of fast fashion that’s full of disposable party dresses, Apricot’s Mixed Sequin Velvet Bodycon Mini Dress is a breath of fresh air. It’s a piece that feels like it was made to last, not just to be worn once. I can’t wait to wear it to more events this year, and I know it will still be a favorite next party season. If you’re looking to add a showstopping dress to your wardrobe that blends glamour and comfort, this one is a must-have. Trust me—you won’t regret it.
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