Long dress in velvet for weddings and galas

A long dress from us ends in one of two places, at the ankle or on the floor. Most are velvet for cold evenings, and a handful of airy summer wraps sit beside them.

Let your shoes pick the hem

Maxi length stops around the ankle. It’s fine with a lower heel, and you’ll cross a parking lot without holding up your skirt.

Floor-length is the grander one, and it needs heels. Bring the pair you’ll actually wear to the fitting, put them on, take a few steps. If the fabric brushes the ground, that’s your answer.

Our burgundy velvet maxi with a slit is a good example. Its sleeves are long, the slit opens only when you walk, and the deep red looks rich under evening lights. Patent or suede shoes in a matching tone. One piece of jewelry, a noticeable one. Outside, you’ll want a coat longer than your knees.

Slits, sleeves and a wet sidewalk in January

On the emerald gown the slit sits on the left leg, with a closed round neck and long sleeves up top. Gold earrings look warm on that green. Planning a winter dinner downtown? Wear a long coat to the restaurant so the hem doesn’t soak up slush on the way in, and choose your size by the hips, because then the slit lies flat and won’t gape when you walk.

White velvet is another story. It’s off the shoulder in our version and has three-quarter sleeves and a slit, which makes it a lovely long dress for an engagement party or a wedding photo shoot. Your wrists stay free, so add a thin bracelet. Light or silver heels. On a cold night, throw a pale straight coat or a fur cape over it.

Every velvet color sits together among our velvet pieces in all lengths, and the most formal hems are grouped as gowns that sweep the floor.

Muslin and viscose for July

The warm-weather long dress styles are part of our summer collection, and they’re off the catalog between September and February, back each March.

The white muslin wrap with little pink hearts is thin cotton for a hot day, and it moves nicely in photos when you walk. Espadrilles and a straw hat. The pink maxi wrap with flowers is sewn from lightweight viscose, and if you have a full bust, that V-neck is kind to it. Flat strappy sandals or a low wedge, a woven bag and maybe a ribbon in your hair. For more ankle-length cuts in any season, open our maxi page.