Brown evening dresses in chocolate velvet, cut short
Chocolate velvet is our answer to the brown evening dress, and at the moment we sew it in two cuts. Both are minis with long sleeves. Neither is a floor-length gown, so read on only if a short hem suits your evening.
Round neck or deep V in chocolate velvet
The first dress keeps your top half covered and puts the legs on show. It has a round neck, and soft folds gather the velvet from the waist to the hip. Its hem crosses over at a slant, and a little more leg appears with each step. We like it for evenings that begin at work and end at a restaurant table.
The second is a wrap. We sew it from stretch velvet, which is why it fits closely and still lets you walk at a normal pace. Its crossover forms a deep V, the draping collects at the waist and hides the tummy, and one side of the hem overlaps the other. The sleeves are long, with light folds of their own.
Which one? The chocolate shade is the same on both, so it comes down to the neckline. If you’d rather keep your neckline closed, take the round neck. The wrap is the dressier of the two.
Can a mini count as a formal brown dress?
It depends on the invitation. For a restaurant birthday, a date or a company dinner, yes, and the long sleeves help. Black tights make either dress look stricter. Nude ones lighten it. If the card says black tie, though, you’ll want real length, and our evening gowns are where to look.
Brown velvet has one advantage over black. Under yellow restaurant light it looks warmer and throws a copper sheen, which is kinder to the face.
Gold, boots and coats beside brown velvet
Gold jewelry is the easy match. Small hoop earrings with the round neck, earrings and a bracelet with the wrap. Leave your neck bare above the deep V, since the neckline already draws the eye there. For shoes, think mocha or cappuccino suede boots, or beige pumps. A beige coat and a caramel leather bag finish the outfit on the street.
We make each brown evening dress in XS to XL. Stuck between two of them? Message us your measurements and we’ll say which one to order.
Frequently asked questions
How do I wash chocolate velvet?
Cool water, with the dress turned inside out. Skip the wringing and the pile stays even. Dry it on a hanger, well clear of any radiator.
Are these dresses for winter only?
They’re part of our cold-season line. Velvet and long sleeves suit fall through early spring.
Which tights go with a brown velvet mini?
Matte nude tights with the wrap. Black works when you’d like the look more severe.
Do you sew brown in other fabrics or lengths?
Yes. Browse our brown dresses, the long-sleeved browns or velvet for the evening in other colors.
