Formal winter dresses for December parties and January galas

Under a long coat, from the car to the hall

Snow outside, a party inside. The emerald velvet maxi with a slit was made for exactly that kind of night, with sleeves to the wrist and a thick pile that needs no decoration. Wear heels with it. A higher shoe lifts the hem off the floor, and the slit gets to show it.

The coat matters more than you’d think. Pick one that ends past the knee, or your longest puffer, and the velvet won’t hang out under it on the walk in. When you try the dress on, reach up and make sure the sleeves don’t pull across the shoulders.

White velvet to the floor is for an engagement party or an evening reception. Ours bares the shoulders, has three-quarter sleeves and a slit, and on the pile the white looks warm, not icy. A straight light coat or a fur cape on top. Silver heels.

Honestly, take a few steps in front of the mirror and watch the slit open before you decide.

Midi for the office party and the family table

The navy velvet midi with a boat neck pulls double duty. You wear it to work with a blazer, and at six o’clock you take the blazer off and head to the New Year’s dinner. Pearls and silver look fresher on that blue. Order it by your bust, since the boat neck has to sit flat along your collarbones.

Red is warmer. Our red velvet midi ties at the waist with its own thin belt, so you won’t need one of your own, and the V-neck keeps it festive without showing much. Pumps on a steady heel and a little chain bag finish this formal winter dress for an office party.

The black off-shoulder midi has drapery that runs into a side slit. Long earrings, hair up. Try it on and look at the hip, the drape should lie flat there and the shoulders shouldn’t slide down.

More ways to dress for the cold are in our winter dresses for every day, the full velvet collection and guest looks for a wedding in December or January.

Frequently asked questions

Can I actually dance in velvet?

In the emerald one with a half-circle skirt, yes. It’s knee-length and swings out on every turn. The skirt is loose, so choose the size by bust and waist.

What’s warm enough for a daytime event in a cold building?

The milky angora midi with a turtleneck collar. It’s soft, it doesn’t itch, and the long sleeves mean no extra sweater. Lay it flat on a towel to dry.

Is white okay at a winter party?

For your own engagement or a ball, sure. At someone else’s wedding, pick a color.

What tights go with a formal winter dress?

Nude or fine black, matte rather than shiny.