Floor-length evening gowns in velvet with slits and bare shoulders

Pick the shoulder line first

One sleeve and one bare shoulder is the cleanest look we make. The asymmetry does the decorating, so leave your neck empty and wear earrings, and pin your hair up so the shoulder stays in view. We sew it in black, red, white, powder pink and a warm gold that’s close to champagne, and several of these also open at the leg. You’ll find more like them on the one-shoulder page.

Off the shoulder is the other route. Some come with long sleeves, some with three-quarter sleeves that leave your wrists free for a thin bracelet. On the dark navy style, soft draping gathers the velvet into folds.

Want both shoulders covered? Look at the boat necks in black and navy, or the round-neck emerald and burgundy styles with long sleeves. No wrap needed in the hall.

Slits, heels and the coat on top

A slit shows your shoes on every step. That’s why they matter more than usual here. Thin heels or stilettos, patent or with a little metallic shine, and high enough that the hem doesn’t touch the floor.

Gold earrings and a gold clutch with emerald. Silver with navy. With burgundy, one piece of jewelry is plenty.

The navy mermaid hugs you through the hips and flares out under the knee, and if you’re between sizes in that one, go by your hips. Outside, you’ll want a coat that’s longer than your knee, or a short faux fur jacket you can slip off in the cloakroom without crushing anything. Any maxi evening gown in velvet will crease a little in the car, and you fix that with a steamer from the wrong side, never an iron on the pile.

Before the night, walk around the house in the floor length evening gown and the actual shoes, then sit down once. It’s the best ten minutes you’ll spend on the outfit.

Frequently asked questions

Is white velvet okay for a wedding I’m not the bride at?

We wouldn’t. Save white for a civil ceremony of your own, a wedding photo shoot, a ball or prom.

Will I be cold with bare shoulders?

Velvet is warmer than satin, and a wrap or a short bolero covers the shoulders between the car and the door.

Can I dance in a long hem?

In the ones with a slit, yes. The slit gives your legs room, so a floor length evening gown like that works for a wedding reception or a New Year’s ball where you’ll be up and moving most of the night.

How do I size an off-shoulder gown?

Measure your bust. That’s what keeps the neckline in place. Sizes go from XS to XL, and the full range of velvet cuts is in our velvet dresses, with other fabrics among the long maxi dresses.