Wine mini dresses

Q: What colour is wine, exactly?

Wine sits between a true red and burgundy, a deep, slightly muted red with warm or purple undertones. It's darker and more grown-up than a bright red, but not as brown as maroon or as purple as plum. Red-wine, merlot and burgundy are all close cousins, so if one suits you, the others usually will too. On a mini, that depth reads dressy and rich rather than loud.

Q: When is a wine mini dress best worn?

Wine loves the colder half of the year. It comes alive in autumn and winter, and it's a go-to right through the festive season, from Christmas parties to New Year's Eve. It's just as good for an evening out year-round, a dinner, a formal or black-tie do, or a winter wedding as a guest. In summer it still works once the sun's down, just in a lighter fabric like satin instead of velvet.

Q: Is a wine mini dressy enough for an event?

Easily. Wine reads rich and refined, so it holds its own at cocktail parties, festive events and formal dinners. In satin, velvet, bandage or sequin it's plenty dressy, and the deep shade feels elevated on its own, so it needs very little to lift it. In winter, a heeled boot and a faux-fur take it straight to a party; in warmer weather, a strappy sandal does the same.

Q: Where's the best place to buy a wine mini dress in the UK?

Right here. Showpo's wine mini edit is online in sizes 4 to 20, shipping UK-wide, free over £135. New to the shade? The Blog has ways to style wine. The Size Guide sorts your fit, the Returns Policy covers a swap if you need it, and the Shipping page has the delivery timings.