Midi evening dresses in velvet and lurex knit

Midi evening dresses stop somewhere around mid-calf, and that length lets you climb theater stairs, sit through a three-hour anniversary dinner and still dance once the band starts. We sew most of them in velvet, plus lurex knit for shine and rib knit when the night’s a little quieter.

Pleats that move when you dance

Pleated velvet is the fun part of this page. On the white pleated velvet, a round neckline meets sleeves cut to three-quarter length that leave your wrists free for a bracelet, and its skirt swings with every step, which is why it’s our pick for an engagement party or a December photo session next to the Christmas lights. Champagne heels, pearl studs, a milky coat over it. Go easy on the red wine. It’s white velvet.

Red pleats with bare shoulders are made for a friend’s wedding with a lot of dancing. Stable heels get you through the night. On the way there, don’t squash it in a bag or under a belted coat, and at home keep it on a hanger. That’s how the pleats stay sharp.

A midi evening dress for dinner, then the office party

Some evenings you just want something closed and warm. The blue velvet midi comes with a boat neckline plus full-length sleeves. It goes to work with a blazer, then out to dinner once you take the blazer off. Silver and pearls look fresher on that blue than gold does. The red velvet midi with a thin belt sets your waist on its own, and with block-heel pumps and small gold earrings it’s right for a family New Year’s.

Our black sheath, sleeves to just past the elbow, works all year, at a meeting and at a restaurant. Choose it by your hips. Bust says S and hips say M? Then it’s the M, because a tight pencil line drags at every step otherwise.

For more shine, there’s gray lurex with a slit, long sleeves and a round neck, and a violet sparkly knit that hugs the body but stretches enough to sit at a table for hours. Matte tights and a small clutch keep either one from getting too loud. Black velvet with bare shoulders and draping that runs into a side slit is the most dramatic midi evening dress here. Wear thin heels so the slit shows.

Frequently asked questions

Is midi formal enough for an evening wedding?

For most dinners and weddings, yes. A strict black-tie gala is the exception, and there our floor-length evening gowns make more sense.

Can I iron pleated velvet?

No. Steam it on low from the inside and let it dry on a hanger.

What size do I order in a fitted velvet midi?

Go by hips and bust. We make every one from XS to XL, and our XL is about a UK 16.

Where are the cocktail and all-black styles?

Lighter, more party-style ones live among our cocktail midis. If you’ve already decided on black, the black styles for evening are all together on one page.