Shirley Ballas dazzled in a red velvet mini dress for the Strictly Come Dancing results show tonight and this timeless outfit formula is one worth investing in. Sharing a picture before the show to Instagram, the star smiled broadly as she posed backstage.
Her elegant dress featured a striking choker-style, bejewelled neckline, drawing the eye and away from the mini hemline, instantly lengthening the star's petite frame, which was also complemented by Shirley's chic stiletto sandals. With a strong, squared-off shoulder, the well-tailored dress created an hourglass silhouette, broadening her shoulders and narrowing her waistline.
The dress was the perfect example as to why a well-designed mini dress is a festive fashion formula that never goes out of style, and in an on-trend red hue and seasonal velvet fabric, this outfit choice was absolutely spot on.
Get the look
An exact match, Nadine Merabi is a celebrity favourite, and we've fellow Strictly cast member, Claudia Winkleman, in Nadine's designs in recent weeks. The fitted bodice, paired with the A-line mini skirt, helps to create an hourglass silhouette that will flatter curves.
Delivering a mix of red velvet and sparkle, this Dorothy Perkin's design offers a slightly longer and looser hemline, as well as a full sleeve for added coverage. A great option for this year's Christmas party, or the big day itself.
Want a little bit more movement in your red mini dress? Then this feathery finished design offers a little bit of the Strictly Come Dancing style, with just a hint of sparkle at the neckline. With a similarly statement sleeve, this design is a great price too.
If velvet isn't your festive fabric of choice, then this puff sleeved, mini dress, crafted from party-ready organza is a great choice. The well-crafted seam detailing helps to create a lengthened silhouette. Add a bold necklace for a touch of evening glam.
This dress is selling fast, but offers a brilliant lookalike for Shirley's dress, albeit without the sparkle. With a mini hemline and gathered sleeve, the round neckline is just crying out for a costume jewellery-style choker.
You don't need to spend a lot to get statement jewels, and this ASOS necklace proves it. Look to the high street for affordable jewellery options that will still have those compliments rolling in.
If you're looking to wear a mini dress, the key take away from Shirley's outfit is that, as always, it's all about proportions. A high neckline, with a mini hemline delivers a perfectly balanced silhouette, and a striking neckline, or adding a statement necklace draws the eye up, lengthening your silhouette.
Whether you go bare-legged, or add sheer or opaque tights will depend on your personal preference, but a pair of high heels for an evening, fitted, mini dress once again helps to balance the look and create an elongated silhouette.
Shirley Ballas is a pro when it comes to glamorous looks, but this one delivers the perfect level of festive party inspiration. From the bold red hue to the chunky choker style neckline, the star proves that mini dresses are a Christmas season classic for a reason.
When shopping for your own mini dress, balance your silhouette by keeping shorter hems with higher necklines, and help to lengthen your frame by drawing the eye up and creating a feature of your neckline.
Red and velvet are both classics at this time of year, but if this isn't your hue, look for similar shapes in metallics, classic black or jewel tones to lean into seasonal trends in style.
