Formal black tie dress in long velvet and lurex

When an invitation says black tie, it’s asking for a formal black tie dress, which for women usually means a gown that reaches the floor. We sew those mostly in velvet with a slit or a bare shoulder, and this page also holds the velvet and lurex midis that suit a black-tie-optional card.

Black tie is a dress code, not a color

Nobody expects you to wear black. The code is about length and fabric, so a burgundy, emerald, navy or red gown in velvet is every bit as correct. Take the champagne-gold velvet. It’s asymmetric, sleeved on one side only, slit at the leg, and under chandeliers the pile turns a warm gold. Gold earrings suit it best.

White is fine at a gala or an awards dinner. Our white velvet floor-length style has a slit and three-quarter sleeves. At a wedding, though, leave white to the bride. Pick the burgundy or the emerald and you’ll still look like you read the invitation carefully.

A gown you can sit, walk and dance in

Strict black tie evenings are long. There’s a reception, a seated dinner, speeches, then dancing, and a floor-length dress has to get you through all of it. A slit helps more than anything. On our burgundy off-shoulder gown, the slit at the side is big enough that it won’t get in your way on the dance floor, while the sleeves stop short of the wrist, which leaves room for a bracelet.

Prefer a closer fit? We cut the navy velvet mermaid close through the hips and thighs, then let it flare out from the knee. Walking up to collect an award is easy in it. So is posing. With every long cut here, try the gown in the exact heels you’ll wear. The hem should just touch the shoe.

Cold venue? Pick long sleeves. In black, we’d go for the long-sleeved velvet with a boat neck. The arms stay covered, and the slit only opens as you step.

Frequently asked questions

Can a midi pass as a formal black tie dress?

Only on a black-tie-optional evening. In that case we’d pick velvet or lurex that ends around mid-calf, and it’s easier at a reception where you stand most of the night.

Is a one-shoulder gown formal enough?

Yes. The open shoulder replaces a necklace, so wear earrings and put your hair up.

How do I pick a size for a fitted velvet gown?

Velvet on these gowns sits close, so measure around the bust and the fullest part of the hips, then check both against the size table. We make every gown in XS to XL, and a size M is close to a US 6–8.

Where do I see only floor-length styles?

Go to our black tie maxis. For a wedding with this code, see gowns for wedding guests, and for every formal length, the formal dress page.