Best red velvet dresses under $50

Start here: the Looking Your Way burgundy velvet bow-detail mini. It's the most party-ready of the bunch — a true velvet mini with a bow detail, and it's the one I'd trust for a holiday do without a second thought.

Who the others suit:

• Forever Royalty velvet midi (Fashion Nova) — if you want a longer, sleeker tube silhouette for dinner or a dressier night.
• Vivian velvet mini in wine — a mock-neck long-sleeve mini with the strongest reviews of the Fashion Nova picks; good for a cold-weather party.
• Sienna velvet long-sleeve mini — the budget hero if you just want a red velvet look for one night.
• Hell Bunny Carrie swing dress — the retro, off-the-shoulder choice; note it ships from Unique Vintage with a hefty shipping charge.
• Catherine strapless mini — for a dressier, going-out look.
• SwiftWear velvet maxi — if you'd rather be covered up in a floor-length gown.

Skip the silver cowl-neck and the black Beloved mini — wrong colour for red velvet.