Formal evening gowns from long velvet to sleek midis

One bare shoulder or two

Take the black velvet maxi with off-shoulder sleeves. Your shoulders are out, your arms are covered, and you’re not freezing at an awards dinner in February. Pin your hair up. A thin chain is fine, though big earrings with nothing at the throat look just as dressed.

Our one-sleeve gowns are another idea entirely. Red, white and champagne are three of the shades we sew them in, and with a single long sleeve on one arm, the open shoulder becomes the focus. At the fitting, raise the covered arm as if you’re waving to a friend across the hall. A good size keeps the shoulder seam right where it was.

Gold looks best with your hair swept to the covered side.

A white gown to the floor suits your own registry signing or a ball in winter, and champagne heels go with it. Red needs a stole in January.

Burgundy for a winter wedding, navy for the photos

For a December wedding or an anniversary party in a restaurant, we’d point you to the burgundy velvet with a slit. It closes at a round neck and covers your arms to the wrist, so the shawl can stay at home. The slit opens only while you walk.

Bring the heels you’ve chosen to the fitting. In them, a floor-length hem should hover just above the ground instead of sweeping it.

The navy velvet mermaid is a different formal evening gown altogether, fitted through the hips to the knee and flared below that, which makes walking and posing for photos easy, and we’d size it by your hips. Silver earrings suit the dark blue better than gold.

When a midi is enough

An anniversary dinner or a New Year’s party at a restaurant doesn’t always ask for a floor-length hem. The black lurex midi is knit with metallic thread, so it catches candlelight and ceiling lamps alike. It’s off the shoulder with long sleeves, drapery across the body and a slit on the leg. Underneath, a bra without straps is the only option that works.

Shorter still, the emerald lurex wrap mini keeps long sleeves, so it holds up where the dress code is stricter.

Not sure what the invitation means? Read through all our formal dresses, the sparkly options in lurex or formal maxi styles.

Frequently asked questions

Is a midi ever right for a formal evening?

For a seated dinner, yes, in velvet or lurex with long sleeves. Black tie still means a formal evening gown to the floor.

What goes over bare shoulders outside?

Something easy to take off at the door. A cropped fur jacket, or a coat that ties at the waist.

Can I iron velvet before the event?

Don’t use an iron. Steam out any creases from the wrong side and let it hang.

Which size should I order if I’m between two?

For the close cuts, go by your bust and hips and check both on the chart. A manager can compare your numbers too.