Some evening outfits make an impact through embellishment, this one makes it through colour, draping and silhouette.
The rich deep burgundy slip dress has a quiet elegance which feels more distinctive than the timeless classic of black and is just as sophisticated with delicate straps and softly draped neckline keeping the upper half minimal and delicate ruching through the waist and hip shaping before flowing into a long skirt.
Paired with tonal burgundy accessories and understated gold jewellery this is monochrome evening dressing at its most refined.
The Complete Look
The burgundy maxi slip dress is definitely the star piece. The cowl neckline softens the décolletage and the fitted waist prevents the long flowing skirt from overpowering the model.
Instead of using contrasting accessories, the same colour family is used in order to keep the focus on the dress.
A small burgundy shoulder bag provides a nice structure to the otherwise fluid dress and delicate burgundy strappy heels follow the colour down to the floor. Sticking to the same tone creates a longer silhouette and allows observing the fabric of each piece more closely.
Gold earrings, pendant necklace and a fine bracelet are the only pieces that deviate from the colour to provide the necessary pop. The warm tones of gold complement the burgundy tones beautifully while keeping their presence subtle enough to not overshadow the dress.
Burgundy provides enough depth on its own, so a complex style is not needed to make it look luxe. Working with different shades of one color in the dress, handbag, and shoes gives variety without overpowering.
The silhouette is both snug and flowing, as the ruching tucks in the waist and hip, but the skirt turns more loosely from the knees down.
It's this contrast that makes the outfit flow instead of being one continuous column of color. Gold gives the perfect contrast to complete the look, whereas silver might have been too cool to match oxblood and wine.
How to Style This Look
Set the neckline free. The inherent folds of a cowl neckline mean that heavy jewellery is not required, and in fact can be detrimental. A delicate pendant just grazing the collarbones provides the perfect amount of detail, without overpowering the detail in the neckline.
Similarly, keep earrings simple and small. Barely-noticeable hoops or sculptural studs will do the trick.
The handbag should be small, and if possible, contemporary in shape. A shoulder bag lends a slightly more modern air to the outfit than a clutch, which has more of a classic feel. The tonal bag in this example is particularly effective.
Choosing the Right Shoes
Strappy heels are a great choice here since they mimic the delicate straps of the dress without weighing down the long skirt.
They also help maintain that vertical line, the look of which is achieved by fastening the belt and the dress.
They don’t have to be precisely the same burgundy as the dress, by the way.
A darker shade, like oxblood or wine, will add dimension to the look.
If you want to go a different route, metallic sandals in gold would complement the jewelry and add some much-needed contrast to the get-ready. Black heels would have enhanced the overall look, while nude sandals would have drawn even more attention to the dress than the shoes.
Let Burgundy Replace Black
One of the best things about this particular look is that burgundy is essentially black, but it creates an entirely different atmosphere.
It is more dramatic but not as bright, more compatible with warm neutrals and metallics, and easily transitions into fall and winter.
A burgundy evening dress could be worn all year round by only switching up accessories.
One could pair this dress with a black blazer and pointy heels for a dinner party. Add some faux fur and metallics for a winter holiday. And then wear the same dress but without most jewelry, minimal sandals, and let it steal the spotlight at a destination dinner.
