Evening velvet dresses, from minis to floor-length gowns

Floor-length velvet for the big invitations

A formal reception or a wedding in winter calls for a long dress. Our navy mermaid gown follows the figure to the knee and opens out below it, so you can walk and pose without thinking about the skirt. Round neck, long sleeves, nothing bare.

Prefer to show some leg? The burgundy floor-length dress has that same closed top and adds a slit. There’s a champagne-gold one with a single long sleeve, and a white maxi on one shoulder that we’d suggest for a civil ceremony or a ball.

Here’s our fitting advice for any of them. Have your party shoes on your feet when you try the dress, then walk a few steps and sit down. In heels, the hem shouldn’t touch the floor.

Midi and mini, when a gown is too much

We’ll say it straight. Most of this page isn’t gowns. It’s midis and minis, and for a restaurant, a theater night or an office party they’re the better pick.

The pleated midis move well. One in black marble-print velvet has a short sleeve and a round neck, and the print is busy enough that we’d keep the bag and shoes plain. Planning to dance? Look at the knee-length burgundy dress with a half-circle skirt. It has cuffs on its long sleeves and a cutout at the back that shows when you turn.

Minis go two ways. Round-neck minis with long sleeves are sewn in emerald, burgundy, blue, red, white and black, and the closed top balances the short hem. The emerald mini on thin straps is the bare option, and it needs a strapless bra.

Looking after the pile and choosing a size

Velvet marks if you iron it on the right side. Steam it from the inside and hang it up to dry.

Everything here is made in XS to XL, so a US 2 at one end and a US 12 at the other. Close cuts go by bust and hips. Off-shoulder ones go by bust alone, since that’s what keeps the neckline up.

Decide on the length first. Then see our long velvet dresses, velvet minis, formal velvet or every velvet style we make.

Frequently asked questions

Will a velvet evening gown keep me warm at a winter event?

With long sleeves, yes, indoors. For the street you’ll want a long coat or a wrap over it.

What jewelry suits an evening velvet dress?

It depends on the neckline. With bare shoulders we’d leave the neck empty and wear long earrings, and a V-neck is the place for a small pendant.

Can I wear velvet as a wedding guest?

Yes, in the cold season. Just leave the white ones to the bride.

Do you make velvet in light colors?

We do. There’s powder pink, beige, lilac and white next to the dark shades.