Black fitted dresses that go from the desk to dinner

How close is close, and which measurement decides

Rib hugs. It stretches over the body and springs back, which is why the elbows on our rib turtleneck midi aren’t baggy when you get home. Buy it by your real measurements with no room added. On a midi the hips count as much as the bust, because the knit clings there too.

The angora-blend midi fits just as closely, and it warms like a sweater. Take that one by your hip number. Velvet is a different feeling, smoother and a little dressier, and our velvet turtleneck midi is what we’d wear to the theater or a business dinner.

What about underwear? Seamless, always. The good news is that under black the shade makes no difference.

A leg slit or bare arms on a black midi

Some of our rib midis have a slit. The top stays closed, with a high collar and sleeves to the wrist, and then the skirt opens at the leg when you walk. It isn’t only for show. A fitted midi with no slit shortens your stride, and with one you can walk all day. We’d wear matte black tights under it.

The sleeveless rib midis work the other way round. Arms out, round neck, a tank shape. In fall you slide a thin white turtleneck underneath and add a straight blazer, and that’s an office outfit. Take the turtleneck off after work and put the blazer over your shoulders.

Want it shorter? Our black fitted dress also comes as a mini, in rib, velvet and a cotton jersey with a small keyhole. Thick tights and a jacket make that length fine for work.

Coats and shoes that suit a narrow black knit

Keep the coat straight. A camel one that falls below the hem looks right over the midis, and so does a trench in milder weather. Loafers by day, heeled ankle boots at night. You can see every black midi we make, the black styles with a high collar, or go wider to all our black dresses, loose cuts included.

Frequently asked questions

Should I size down for a tighter fit?

We wouldn’t. The patterns are already cut close, so your own size gives you the fitted look without pulling at the seams.

Is a black fitted dress too much for the office?

Not at midi length with a high neck. Add a blazer and loafers and nobody will look twice.

Which fabric is warmest?

The angora-blend knit, which we’d compare to a sweater. Rib with a turtleneck and long sleeves comes next.

What’s the right way to keep rib knit between wears?

Folded on a shelf. A hanger can pull the knit out of line over time.