Black formal dresses for evenings with a dress code

An awards night, a premiere, a gala with the dress code printed right on the invitation. Picking a black formal dress for that kind of evening mostly comes down to length and how much shoulder you’d like to show, and we sew nearly all of these in velvet with a deep, soft pile. Maxi, floor-length and midi, plus a few lurex and rib knit styles.

Going all the way to the floor

When the invitation says black tie, go long. We cut one floor-length velvet with a high slit and a boat neckline that shows your collarbones. The sleeves are long, and the slit opens with every step, which means you can actually walk and dance in it. Patent or metallic heels look great in that slit. Try it on in the exact shoes you’ll wear, since the hem shouldn’t touch the floor.

The other floor-length style is fitted, with bare shoulders and a slit as well. Stilettos or thin-strap sandals keep your heel off the hem. Hair up or sleek, no necklace, a black or silver clutch. More long, fitted cuts in other shades sit with our evening gowns.

Prefer maxi? One velvet maxi shows both shoulders and still has long sleeves, good news at a winter wedding. Another keeps just one sleeve. A third covers the arms and opens the leg instead, and you won’t need a wrap at a cold party. You’ll find more of them among our long black styles.

Midi lengths for the theater and a family anniversary

A black formal dress doesn’t have to sweep the floor. At the theater or a concert, our velvet turtleneck midi is warm under a coat, and with your neck closed off you’ll want big earrings or a wide bracelet. Pumps with a steady heel. Knee boots in January.

The velvet midi with bare shoulders has three-quarter sleeves and drapes into a side slit. Your wrists stay free for a watch.

Then there’s marble velvet, pleated in the skirt, with short sleeves and a round neck. Plain accessories only. That print’s busy enough.

Want some shine? The lurex midi sparkles in any light, and it’s off the shoulder with a slit. Wear a strapless bra under it. For other colors with the same dress code, open the formal page.

Frequently asked questions

What goes over bare shoulders in January?

A short faux fur or a wrap coat you can drop off at the coat check.

How close is the fit on the long velvet styles?

Close. The fitted floor-length one should sit with no folds at all, so compare your waist and bust with the size table before you order. We make each of these from XS to XL. For the draped midi, your hips decide the size.