With a whole host of variables to consider, what makes a really great dress is a hard conundrum to answer simply. Firstly, consider personal choice. Then there’s factors like occasion-appropriateness and price point, but other considerations prove more universal. A great dress should always be memorable, but versatile. Be stand out and feel good. It’s why our Olivia Midi Dress in its sumptuous red hue often proves to be that really great dress that so many of our customers return to time and time again.

Different from a classic black dress, but still eternally chic, this A-line dress has clear vintage inspirations with its corseted top half pairing with a full-skirted bottom mid-length with a raw-cut hemline for a thoroughly modern moment. In its all-over scarlet tone, the Olivia Dress is made for you to make your own, whether you’re opting to wear her for your birthday celebrations or a friend’s countryside wedding. And forgive us for looking a little further ahead, but what’s Christmas party season without a brilliant red dress in your festive arsenal?

Here, five alluring styling propositions to make the Olivia Dress your own, no matter the occasion, or your daily disposition.

Sometimes, only classic will do and, with a dress like Olivia, this does not have to go hand in hand with boring. Its elegant, ultra-feminine silhouette and ladylike colour palette can be easily accentuated with accessories that lean into this element of the dress. Our suggestion? A pairing of Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps in nude suede (the preferred shoe of the Duchess of Cambridge) with a top-handle style bag, like Saint Laurent’s practically perfect Cassandra. All that’s then missing is a swipe of red lipstick in your preferred hue, but do try a matte finish for a more contemporary finishing touch.

With Olivia being an all-over singular shade, there’s room for experimenting with a complementing colour palette. Of late, we’ve been loving the recent vogue for the once frowned upon colour pairing of red with equally romantic pink. The trick to pulling off this pairing with confidence is to choose a shade of pink that’s softer, rather than brighter. This baby pink Amina Muaddi bag is a case in point, but so is this patterned Pucci option to rent from HURR for those looking to make a splash.

Red and pink isn’t the only colour combination worth trying out for Olivia. Red and black is a gothic-leaning pairing that will forever endure. Why not embrace a little toughness come wintertime by wearing her with an oversized leather jacket and chunky platforms or even lace-up biker boots if the mood takes you? Here, the toughness of these darker pieces will be offset with Olivia’s femininity for stylish equilibrium.

One of the design elements that makes Olivia so special is the floral embroidered lace that adorns it. For those with a predilection for all-things flora, consider leaning into this by pairing your dress with additional blooms. Perhaps that means an elevated take on the flower crown from Verbena Madrid or these extra-long, extra-fabulous Shrimps beaded earrings. Blooming gorgeous!

We can’t wait to see the way you wear your Nadine Merabi Olivia Red Dress today, tomorrow and forever. ENDS.