The amaryllis (hippeastrum) is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, but we often associate it with the winter, since it’s become extremely popular to sell as an indoor plant around Christmas.  The Dutch were the first to grow the plant commercially during the 18th century, and, in the 19th century, the amaryllis finally found its way to North America.

Hard to Say, Easily Red by Suzie Baker

“The number of species in this genus, as well as some kindred genera of the same natural order, is very considerable.  Florists say that they are very haughty plants; for, notwithstanding the most assiduous care, they often fail to yield the reward of flowers.  This is doubtless a great loss to the floriculturist.  The most haughty is the Guernsey Lily, a flower of charming beauty, resembling in its bearing and magnitude the Tuberous Polianthus, commonly known as the Tuberose.  The Guernsey Lily is of a rich cherry-red colour, and, when lighted up by the direct rays of the sun, appears to be sprinkled, or to use an heraldic term, semée, with golden spots.  The name of these lovely flowers is derived from the Greek verb amarussein (άμαρύσσειν), to sparkle or dazzle, which is very characteristic of their brilliant appearance.

“The dazzling splendour of the Amaryllis when in full bloom, has sometimes a parallel in society, where a haughty belle in the grandeur of her prime beauty, set off by the skill of a fashionable modiste, eclipses the quiet attractions of as fair but more retiring sister, which are often destined to outlast those of her proud and disdainful rival…”

―The Language of Flowers (1869), Robert Tyas

Dress: Angelic Pretty / Tights: ModCloth / Shoes: Victorian Maiden / Hairpieces: Innocent World / Gloves: Innocent World / Purse: Etsy / Parasol: Victorian Maiden / Jewlery & Other Accessories: Forever XXI, Etsy, Peruvian Connection

Although the amaryllis comes in other colors, the red is the most famous, so I decided to put together a mostly-red outfit.  Perhaps some of the reds are different shades, but I mostly used wine red, since that color is very rich and elegant.  There are also some hints of brown and purple, and then the gold jewelry to keep the red from becoming too overwhelming.  I chose to limit my metallics just to gold.  There’s nothing wrong with silver, but I wanted the main color scheme to be red and gold, which makes me think more of Christmas (without being obviously holiday-oriented).

In terms of style, this outfit is very OTT classic.  I wanted it to be very showy, and I wanted it to “sparkle” like the amaryllis, so I used a lot of velvet pieces, which will give the outfit some extra sheen.  The OP also has some satin bows and trimmings, which add more shine and texture.