Sexy black dresses with one bold detail each

One slit, one shoulder and sleeves for everything else

Start with the slit. Our black velvet maxi opens at the leg with each step, and the floor-length gown with a boat neck does the same while its neckline shows only your collarbones. That’s plenty. Wear stilettos or metallic sandals. They’re on view the whole night, so don’t save the good pair.

Shoulders are the other easy move. Our velvet mini covers one arm and leaves the other shoulder bare. There’s also an off-shoulder velvet maxi with sleeves to the wrist, which won’t leave you cold in a drafty hall, and a floor-length gown that adds a slit to the open shoulder line. Hair up. One big earring on the open side, and you’re done.

For a restaurant dinner or a photo shoot, look at our velvet midi with bare shoulders. The draping on it ends in a side slit. Wrists stay free. Long earrings and pointed pumps, then go. For a birthday night out, look through our party dresses for your birthday as well.

Rib knit that hugs, from the office to a late dinner

Rib knit is the quiet way to wear a black sexy dress. Take the turtleneck midi in black rib with a slit at the leg. At 9 a.m. it’s under a camel coat with lug-sole boots, and nobody at the meeting blinks. By 8 p.m. you’ve swapped in heeled ankle boots and a watch instead of a necklace. That’s the whole change.

The sleeveless rib midi hugs the body closely, so take your true measurements and check your hips too, since the midi is fitted there as well. Under a thin white turtleneck it’s fine for work. You’ll pull the turtleneck off at six. Then a jacket over the shoulders and heels make it an evening look.

If you like a close fit in other cuts, the black bodycon page has more of it, and every color is on our main sexy dresses page.

Frequently asked questions

Which one is safe for a company party?

The knee-length style with open shoulders and long sleeves. A short jacket goes on for the speeches. It comes off when the music starts.

What bra goes under the one-shoulder polka dot mini?

Go strapless. A bra with one clear strap works too.

Does the keyhole mini have any stretch?

Yes, a good amount. It’s cotton knit, 95% cotton and 5% elastane, and we’d order your normal size. The little drop cutout is small and high on the chest, fine for an office with a relaxed dress code.

Will rib knit lose its shape on a hanger?

It can, over time. Lay it flat on a towel after washing. Keep it folded in a drawer between wears. Ironing, if it ever needs it, goes on the wrong side at low heat.