Red dresses for the evenings you want remembered

Bright red or deep burgundy?

Bright red is bold, warm and instantly festive. It looks spectacular in photographs, works in every season and suits short and long dresses equally well. Deep burgundy is its quieter, richer sibling: darker, softer under artificial light and especially beautiful in autumn and winter.

As a general guide, cooler, clear complexions are often flattered by a true red, while burgundy is very forgiving and works with most colouring. If you are unsure, hold the colour close to your face in daylight before you decide.

From mini to gown: the red line-up

For a party, the minis lead: Joy with a rose cape bow, Luna with a square neckline and big bow, and Rose, a mini made entirely of sculpted rosettes. Sky brings deep burgundy into the short range, with a V neckline, a camellia brooch and a tulle skirt.

Midis add polish: Kira is a strapless red pencil midi with a side bow, and Mia a strapless A-line midi with an oversized flower. For galas, the gowns take over — Ida (red cone maxi, square neckline), Noa (red maxi, square neckline), Ava (red V-neck pencil maxi with a side bow), and, in deep burgundy, Gigi with a draped tulle top and Glory, a mermaid maxi with a camellia brooch.

Shoes, make-up and accessories with red

Red does a lot of work on its own, so keep the rest simple. Nude shoes lengthen the leg, black adds drama, gold or silver adds evening sparkle. With burgundy, black or dark metallic shoes look especially rich.

Choose jewellery in one metal — gold warms red, silver cools it — and keep it to earrings if the dress has a bow, flower or brooch. A red lip that matches the dress is a classic; if you prefer something softer, a neutral lip and defined eyes let the dress stay the focal point.

Red at weddings and formal events

Red is a striking choice for galas, black-tie dinners and festive parties. At a wedding, customs differ between families and countries; if you would like to wear red as a guest, it is a thoughtful gesture to ask the couple first. Deep burgundy is often an easy alternative for autumn and winter weddings.

For a company or business event, a red midi or a burgundy gown reads as confident and elegant. Wear a structured coat or a tailored jacket on the way there, and let the dress take over once you arrive.