A red velvet dress works for almost every holiday event, from a Christmas Eve service to a New Year's Eve party. Keep the rest of the outfit simple: gold or pearl jewelry, black or nude shoes, and a dark or neutral coat. To care for velvet, follow the label, hand wash cold or spot clean, hang it to dry, and steam it from the inside instead of ironing the front.
Shop our holiday party dresses, winter dresses, and office Christmas party dresses.
What holiday events can you wear a red velvet dress to?
Red velvet reads festive without trying, so it fits most December plans. Adjust the shoes and layers to the event.
| Event | How to wear red velvet |
|---|---|
| Office holiday party | Midi length, closed-toe pumps or loafers, small earrings |
| Family Christmas dinner | Add a cardigan or sleeves, flats or low boots, simple pearls |
| Christmas Eve or Christmas Day church service | Covered shoulders, sheer black tights, a wool coat |
| Holiday cocktail party | Heels, statement earrings, a small metallic bag |
| New Year's Eve | Gold accessories and a metallic shoe |
| Holiday family photos | Pair with family members in cream, gray, black or green |
| The Nutcracker or a holiday concert | Tights, a long coat and a clutch |
What do you wear with a red velvet dress?
- Shoes: black pumps, black velvet flats, nude heels or gold sandals. Black ankle boots work for casual parties.
- Tights: sheer black tights look polished and add warmth.
- Jewelry: pearls, gold or crystal. Pick one statement piece, not three.
- Coat: black, camel, cream or charcoal wool. Avoid a second bright color.
- Bag: black, gold or a small embellished clutch.
Let the velvet be the texture. Skip glitter tights or a sequin jacket on top, which compete with the fabric.
Burgundy or bright red velvet: which should you choose?
Bright red feels the most like Christmas and looks cheerful in photos. Deeper crimson and burgundy feel moodier and dressier, and they carry into January and Valentine's Day. If you cannot decide, hold each color up to your face in daylight and pick the one that makes your skin look warmer and more awake.
Red velvet dresses we recommend
Mary Dress in Red. Rich velvet with a pearl-lined square neckline, fixed straps with adjustable bows at the shoulder, a fitted waistline, pockets and a back zipper. If you are between sizes and smaller chested, size down. XXS to 6X. Why it fits: a true holiday red with built-in details, so you barely need jewelry.
Scarlett Dress in Burgundy, a deep crimson velvet. It has a boat neckline, a drop waist, a bubble skirt and a back zipper. True to size, 100% polyester, hand wash only. XXS to 6X. Why it fits: the darker red and bubble skirt feel dressy enough for a cocktail party or New Year's Eve.
Holly Dress in Black. A midi with allover dimensional floral appliqués, a faux wrap V-neckline, elastic quarter-length sleeves and a removable velvet waist tie, about 46 to 49 inches long. True to size, XXS to 6X (final sale, so check the size chart before ordering). Why it fits: if a full red velvet dress feels like too much, this gives you a velvet accent and sleeves for colder events. Tie a red ribbon or wear red shoes to bring in the color.
Margaret Dress in Red Dahlia. A red floral-embroidered midi with fixed straps and adjustable bows, an empire waist and a back zipper. True to size, XXS to 6X (final sale, so check the size chart before ordering). Why it fits: the same holiday red without velvet's weight, for a warm house or a crowded party.
Browse more festive styles in our Holiday Dresses collection.
How do you wash a velvet dress?
- Read the care label first. The Scarlett Dress, for example, is hand wash only, with no bleach and no tumble drying.
- Spot clean small spills right away by blotting with a damp cloth. Do not rub, which flattens the pile.
- For a full wash, turn the dress inside out and hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent.
- Do not wring it. Press the water out between two towels.
- Hang it to dry away from heat and direct sun.
How do you get wrinkles and crush marks out of velvet?
- Steam from the inside of the dress, holding the steamer a few inches away. The pile lifts back up as it warms.
- Avoid pressing an iron on the front. If you must iron, turn the dress inside out, use low heat and lay a towel between the iron and the fabric.
- Hang the dress in a steamy bathroom for 15 minutes if you do not own a steamer.
- Brush the pile gently in one direction with a soft clothes brush once it is dry.
How should you store a velvet dress?
Hang it on a padded hanger with space on both sides so the pile does not crush against other clothes. Avoid folding it for long periods. Use a breathable cotton garment bag, not plastic.
FAQ
Is a red velvet dress too much for an office holiday party?
Not if you choose a midi length and keep accessories simple. Pair it with closed-toe shoes and small jewelry, and it reads polished.
Can you wear red velvet to church on Christmas?
Yes. Choose covered shoulders or bring a cardigan or wool coat, and add sheer tights for a more traditional look.
Can you wear a red velvet dress after the holidays?
Yes. Deeper reds and burgundy work through winter and on Valentine's Day. Swap gold holiday accessories for black or silver.
Is velvet warm enough for winter?
Velvet feels warmer than cotton or chiffon, but a sleeveless velvet dress still needs a coat outside. Add tights and a cardigan for long outdoor events.
What color shoes go with a red velvet dress?
Black, nude and gold are the safest choices. Black velvet shoes look especially polished with velvet dresses.