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    Stuck on what to wear this Lunar New Year? These are our ultimate top 12 scene-stealing red dresses

    The most stylish dresses to ring in the Year of the Snake

    Sofia Piza's avatar
    By Sofia Piza
    Published 19 January 2025 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Brand campaign imagery including models wearing red dresses
    (Image credit: H&M, Cala de la Cruz, Birkenstock 1774)
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    Lunar New Year is right around the corner, and for those who celebrate, the festivity marks a time of prosperity and renewal. Based on the Lunar calendar, 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, believed to be a time of transformation, rebirth, and creativity.

    Although we are avid fans of the snake print, this Lunar New Year, we are key purveyors of attracting as much prosperity for the year to come. Hence, the tradition of wearing red during Lunar New Year celebrations.

    Not only is the colour believed to be quite lucky, but it also comes as a modern hue that honours traditions whilst allowing for plenty of styling possibilities. One of our favourites? A red dress.

    A post shared by Hyojung kim (@dreaming.fiona)

    A photo posted by on

    Chic and sophisticated, red is a universally loved colour that can serve as a show-stopping accessory or the base of an incredible look. For those who may require some extra convincing, we consulted one of our favourite style connoisseurs, Lisa Ing-Marinelli, for her expert advice.

    "I would say that the key is always to wear a piece of red. It doesn’t need to be a solid red colour, but have some of it to bring good fortune," she says, "I would stick to a simple solid piece of red so you can reuse it over and over again."

    A post shared by Susie Lau (@susiebubble)

    A photo posted by on

    According to Chinese culture, mixing red and gold (symbolising fortune and harmony) for the ultimate lucky formula is a winning recipe if you want to incorporate your favourite 2025 jewellery staples or investment handbags. From long to short red dresses, you can't go wrong. If you're looking to go mini, simply add a pair of tights for extra warmth or your favourite knee-high boots.

    With some extra expert guidance from Lisa Ing-Marinelli, you can also add a sleek red neckpiece, like a triangle scarf, a red cardigan, and a pair of red underwear to ward off negativity and bring even more luck.

    Ready to find the ultimate look? Scroll below for our top red dress picks to ring in the festivities.

    Shop red dresses

    Rhinestone-Embellished Fishnet Stretch-Woven Midi Dress

    Self-Portrait Rhinestone-Embellished Fishnet Stretch-Woven Midi Dress
    £550 AT SELFRIDGES

    Known for their elegant designs, Self-Portrait is a failsafe go-to when it comes to timeless party wear.

    Bow-Embellished Satin Mini Dress

    Ganni Bow-Embellished Satin Mini Dress
    £285 AT HARVEY NICHOLS

    Looking for something short? Pair this Ganni mini dress with sheer tights and heels.

    Draped Jersey Gown

    Norma Kamali Draped Jersey Gown
    £188 (WAS £235) AT MYTHERESAA

    Few things are as chic as a draped gown with maxi sleeves, this elegant dress is a total must-have.

    Circular-Skirt Dress

    H&M Circular-Skirt Dress
    £19.00 (WAS £54.99) AT H&M

    If you're looking for an effortless look that is as elegant as it is functional, this H&M dress is perfect to dress up for an evening event or dress down for the daytime.

    Montenegro Dress

    Cala de la Cruz Montenegro Dress
    £942 AT CALA DE LA CRUZ

    Red and gold are the luckiest colours to wear during the Lunar New Year, so why not wear both in a sleek maxi dress?

    Faye Watermelon Floral Jacquard Mini Dress

    Kitri Faye Watermelon Floral Jacquard Mini Dress
    £96 (WAS £160) AT KITRI

    Kitri's Faye dress has been on my wish list for months and I think now is the perfect time to invest in this chic transeasonal piece.

    Dana Knit Dress

    Reformation Dana Knit Dress
    £198 AT REFORMATION

    Bubble hem dresses aren't going anywhere during 2025 and this Reformation mini dress is the ultimate proof.

    Zw Collection Satin Dress

    Zw Collection Satin Dress
    £14.99 (WAS £49.99) AT ZARA

    A long satin dress is a true capsule wardrobe staple, opt for a red one if you want to give this basic a simple twist.

    Calluna Ruffled Organza Gown

    Staud Calluna Ruffled Organza Gown
    £332 (WAS £475) AT MYTHERESA

    Staud's organza gown crosses over between a mini and maxi dress for some extra coverage if you're not yet ready to pull out a mini dress.

    Jemima Mini Dress - Red Cherries

    Damson Madder Jemima Mini Dress
    £85 AT DAMSON MADDER

    Adding some pattern, this Damson Madder mini dress has dainty polka-dots for some extra detail.

    Losanna Satin Halterneck Maxi Dress

    Rixo Losanna Satin Halterneck Maxi Dress
    £475 AT NET-A-PORTER

    Rewear this dress for summer weddings, Christmas events- it's the perfect multi-hyphenate.

    Lotta Off-Shoulder Crêpe Gown

    Solace London Lotta Off-Shoulder Crêpe Gown
    £392 (WAS £490) AT MYTHERESA

    Similar to the above, this elegant Solace London dress will see you through plenty of occasions by adding a touch of pizzazz in the sleeves.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Sofia Piza
    Sofia Piza
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    Junior Fashion Editor

    Sofia Piza is the Junior Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. With extensive experience and a degree in Fashion Journalism, she covers runway trends, shopping picks, celebrity fashion, and industry news.

    Throughout her career, Sofia's work has ranged from in-depth interviews with industry experts and high-profile celebrities to creative production for editorial cover shoots and red-carpet coverage. Born in Mexico and raised in five countries, Sofia's multicultural upbringing has fed into her interest in international markets, leading her fashion week coverage across London, Milan, Paris, New York, and Copenhagen.

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