Burgundy evening dresses cut from deep wine velvet

What velvet does to burgundy after dark

Candles help. So do string lights. Velvet gives off a low sheen in artificial light, which is why the color comes out so saturated in photos taken indoors at night. You don’t need trim or sparkle on top of that.

Gold is the metal we’d put next to it, since it looks warmer beside wine red than silver does. Earrings and one bracelet are enough. For the street, a plain black coat works because it won’t argue with the dress.

One more thing. These are cold-season dresses with sleeves, mostly long ones. At a December party or a February dinner you won’t need a shawl.

Floor, midi or mini for your evening

Is the invitation formal? Go long. Our floor-length burgundy evening dress is closed up top, round at the neck with full sleeves, and its leg slit opens only when you step. Wear heels with it, so the hem clears the floor and your shoes show in the slit. We also sew a long off-shoulder version with a three-quarter sleeve. That sleeve leaves your wrist free for a bracelet, and the bare shoulder line means the necklace can stay in its box.

Midi suits dinners where three generations share a table. The round-neck midi covers you up top, which lets you be braver with jewelry, and on a frosty night knee boots nearly meet its hem. Another midi comes with a narrow belt and a shallow V.

The minis are for birthdays and dates. On the wrap one you tighten or loosen the front to set the V yourself. Our marsala wrap mini is a shade deeper than burgundy and 88 cm long. There’s a one-sleeve mini too, with the other shoulder bare, and it needs a strapless bra.

Fit on a close velvet cut

Most of these follow the body, so have your bust and hip numbers ready when you open the XS–XL table. On a wrap the bust number matters more. If dancing is planned, pick a steady heel. For this color at every hour of the day, see our burgundy dresses.

Frequently asked questions

What shoes go with dark red velvet?

Black patent or suede pumps, or nude ones. With a slit they’re on show at every step, so choose a pair you like looking at.

Is velvet too warm for a party?

In winter it’s about right. The sleeves replace a jacket indoors. More ideas are under velvet for the evening.

How do I wash it?

Use cool water, turn the dress inside out first, and never wring it.

I only want the long ones. Where are they?

Go to burgundy maxis, or to formal styles in this shade for strict dress codes.