Going out dresses in velvet, satin and lurex

Most going out dresses get worn on a regular Friday, not at a gala, so we keep ours to minis and midis you can sit, walk and dance in. Velvet carries the cold months here, with satin, rib knit and lurex mixed in.

Office until six, drinks across town at eight

That’s the day the black rib turtleneck midi was made for. High collar, long sleeves, a slit at the leg so walking all day in a midi isn’t a problem. Rib knit hugs the waist and hips, so at the fitting make sure it doesn’t pull across the hips. In the morning it’s chunky boots and a long coat. Swap them for heeled ankle boots at night, and hang one long chain over the collar.

The black sheath midi is quieter. It has a round neck, three-quarter sleeves and a straight cut that follows the body, and once the blazer comes off after work your wrists are bare for a watch or a thin bracelet. It’s sewn for every season. In October it goes out with ankle boots and a straight coat, and on New Year’s it wants stilettos and a tiny clutch.

One fit note. Pick by the hip number when your bust measures a size smaller, or the skirt will tug at every step.

When the music starts, satin or velvet

For a date or a cocktail bar, there’s our red mini in satin, cut like a slip. Skinny straps, a plunging V, nothing on the arms. Underneath, go strapless or use an adhesive bra.

When it’s freezing out, put an oversized black blazer on top and just leave it on at the table, with sheer tights for your legs. Black and gold look best next to that red. Stiletto sandals, a small bag, tiny earrings. No necklace.

Chocolate brown velvet looks warmer than black under yellow restaurant lights. We cut our chocolate wrap mini from stretchy velvet that fits close but still lets you take a full stride, and the drape gathered at the waist hides the tummy. The hem is asymmetric, one side crossing slightly over the other. Gold jewelry and suede boots in a cappuccino shade. Done.

For a little black dress with one bare shoulder, there’s a velvet mini with a single sleeve. It feels smooth on the skin all night, and heels plus loose curls are all it asks for.

Want more going out dresses with a party mood? Open the party page, look through ideas for a first date or stay with soft-pile velvet styles.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear going out dresses to the office?

Some of them, yes. The black sheath and the black rib turtleneck both pass a work dress code and then go straight to dinner.

What hides the tummy?

Drapery at the waist. The chocolate velvet wrap has it.

Is there anything for summer evenings?

A pink midi with ruffles at the waist, a V-neck and no sleeves. It’s an all-season style, so in fall you can wear it over a thin turtleneck with ankle boots.