Burgundy maxi dresses in velvet for winter celebrations
Velvet turns wine red even darker once the sun goes down, and that’s the whole charm of a maxi burgundy dress at a winter celebration. We’ve kept this page to a few long velvet gowns, the fabric plenty of people call velour, and every one of them has a slit at the leg.
Long sleeves when the venue runs cold
Some December rooms are drafty. For an office party in one of those, or a winter wedding where the doors keep opening, we’d pick the maxi with long sleeves and forget about a wrap. Its slit opens only when you walk. Dancing’s no problem.
The slit shows your shoes, too, so choose them like jewelry. Suede or patent in the same wine shade.
Want it even longer? Our round-neck gown reaches the floor and covers your arms to the wrist. It’s dark wine in daylight and almost black-cherry under the warm lamps of a restaurant. Gold earrings, a plain little bag, hair pinned back. That’s the whole outfit.
And plan the coat. It has to cover the knee, or the velvet hem hangs out underneath.
Bare shoulders at a New Year ball
We cut two of these gowns with bare shoulders and three-quarter sleeves. That sleeve stops above the wrist, which leaves room for your watch. You won’t need a necklace, the bare neckline is enough.
The closer-fitting one follows your shape from the shoulders down to the hem, and its side slit is deep. It’s the gown for a New Year ball, worn with a low bun and long gold earrings, and you’ll feel the slit’s worth on the dance floor around midnight.
A maxi burgundy dress with bare shoulders is a lovely way to go to a winter wedding as a guest, and our wine-red wedding guest page has more ideas for that day.
Getting the hem right
Put on the exact heels you’ve chosen before you judge the length. Slim heels keep a floor-length hem off the ground and show through the slit with every step, and the heel height also changes how the skirt swings. Try it on, take a short walk through the room, then sit. They’re close-fitting gowns. Check both bust and hip numbers against our XS to XL chart.
Want the same shade at another length? Browse all our burgundy cuts, or find the fabric in other colors among our velvet gowns and minis.
Frequently asked questions
Is a long burgundy gown warm enough for winter?
Indoors, yes. The velvet is dense and keeps the warmth in. For the walk from the car, add a long coat.
Which maxi burgundy dress is best for dancing?
All four have a slit at the leg. Wear the heels you tried them on with and the hem stays off the floor.
Can I wash velvet at home?
You can. Turn the gown inside out and use the delicate program at 30 °C or cooler. Then smooth it onto a hanger and let it dry in a room with no heater nearby.
