Long graduation dress in velvet with a slit

Your long graduation dress comes out when the robe goes back to the rental table, at the gala or the dinner where everyone finally dances. Every gown here is velvet, sewn to maxi or floor length. Most have a slit that opens when you walk.

Velvet for a winter ceremony and the ball after

Velvet keeps you warm. So we’d send you here for a December commencement or a formal dance in late fall, not for a sunny lawn in June. The soft pile soaks up light, which makes black look deep and pushes burgundy a shade darker under the lamps of a banquet hall.

Plenty of these gowns have long sleeves, so a wrap isn’t something you’ll need indoors. Others bare both shoulders or just one. Our champagne gold style covers a single arm and leaves the other shoulder bare. Under evening light that color turns warm and soft.

There’s a white gown too, with one sleeve and a slit, if your school has no rule against white at the party.

Want something calmer for photos with your grandparents? Try the emerald gown with a round neck. It covers the arms and shoulders, and the slit sits on the left leg, so it only shows when you move.

Heels, hems and a fitting that counts

Floor length needs a heel. We cut the hem to reach the floor, and in flat sandals it’ll drag and catch. Don’t guess at this one. Bring the exact shoes you plan to wear to the fitting.

Shapes differ a lot here. Take the navy mermaid. It’s fitted through the hips and thighs, then opens out from the knee, and walking or posing stays easy. Two off-shoulder gowns, one red and one burgundy, are cut from velvet with good stretch. They lie smooth over the hips and won’t fight you on the dance floor. Twirl in the fitting room once before you decide.

Each long graduation dress comes in XS to XL, with the XL about 10% dearer than the rest. Fitted velvet forgives less than a wrap does, so go by your bust and hip numbers rather than the size on your favorite jeans.