Elegant black dresses for a gala, the theater or the office

Long black velvet when the invitation says formal

An evening with a dress code calls for the maxi lengths. One of them leaves both shoulders bare but keeps long sleeves on the arms, so you can show the neckline in January without shivering. Another has a single sleeve. With that kind of asymmetry we’d leave the neck bare and let the shoulder carry the look.

Then there’s the floor-length velvet with a slit at the leg. It opens as you walk. Your shoes will be on show all night, so wear heels you actually like.

Heading to the theater or a concert instead? Our velvet turtleneck midi hides your neck and arms alike, and under a coat it’s about as warm as a sweater. Big earrings work better than a necklace there, since the collar already sits high.

Desk to dinner in the same black dress

Some evenings begin at work. The black sheath midi pairs a round neckline with sleeves cut to three-quarter length. It isn’t seasonal, so it earns its place all year. Add a blazer and low pumps by day, then drop the blazer at the restaurant. We cut it close to the body. If your bust and hips land in different sizes, go by the hips, or the skirt will pull on every step.

The rib knit midi with a stand collar and a slit leads a similar double life. Quiet in daylight.

Short and festive is its own mood. A lurex wrap mini with long sleeves glints under string lights at a New Year’s party, and a little velvet mini on one sleeve suits a cocktail night or a date. Want something calmer for a family celebration? Try the pleated midi in marbled velvet, where the print does the talking and your bag can stay plain.

More dark shades wait among our evening styles in black, and black velvet in every length is one click away. If black isn’t a must, the wider elegant range uses the same fabrics in color.

Frequently asked questions

Which elegant black dress suits a winter wedding?

A long velvet one with sleeves. Check the invitation first, though, since some couples would rather guests skip black.

Is there anything here for summer?

A few short black dresses with red flowers or polka dots belong to our summer line. They’re back on the site once it warms up.

How snug is the velvet?

Most of these cuts follow the figure. Take your bust and hips with a tape and check them against the chart for each style. We sew all of them from XS to XL.

Can black velvet go in the machine?

Yes, inside out on a delicate cycle at no more than 30 °C. Hang it up to dry, never on a heater.