Off shoulder prom dress in velvet, long or short

Collarbones do the talking in an off shoulder prom dress, which is why most of ours are plain velvet with no trim at all. We cut them as minis, as midis and as gowns that reach the floor, and nearly every one keeps a sleeve. Prom has its own season, so treat this page as a place to choose and measure early.

Keeping a bare neckline in place through the last song

That’s the first worry. It’s a fair one, too. The neckline stays up when the dress fits your bust, so we’d size any off-shoulder style by that number and let the hips follow. Try this at home. Lift both arms as if you’re squeezing into a group selfie, and if the band digs into your upper arms, go up a size.

Our red and burgundy one-sleeve gowns are sewn from a dense velvet that stretches well. They lie flat on the body and you can still dance. Sort out a strapless bra before the fitting, because on prom day you won’t have time to hunt for one.

A slit gown in long velvet for the grand march

Want the full gown? Our emerald one drops to the floor with three-quarter sleeves and a slit that opens as you walk, and we sew the same idea in burgundy and white. There’s a dark navy gown as well, draped across the body so the folds do the decorating. Check the length in the heels you’ll really wear. A slit shows your shoes at every step, and a heel keeps you from treading on the hem.

One bare shoulder is the other route. Our red, white and burgundy gowns each have a single long sleeve, and that asymmetry already works like jewelry. Earrings are enough.

Midi and mini cuts when the dance isn’t black tie

Not every school expects a gown, and an off-shoulder prom dress can just as well stop at the knee. The red pleated velvet midi was made for dancing, with fine folds that swing and catch the light. A lilac velvet style stops at the knee, and the red or black minis bare one shoulder only. For a different kind of shine, the black midi in lurex knit is draped, long-sleeved and slit at the leg. You’ll find every hem length on our main prom page.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do with my hair and a necklace?

Put your hair up or sweep it to one side so the shoulder line shows. Skip the necklace. Long earrings do more for an off shoulder prom dress than anything around your neck.

Isn’t velvet too warm for a spring dance?

Velvet is warmer than satin, and that helps during photos outside after dark. If your prom is in a hot tent, look at the all-season red mini with one sleeve or the short floral styles we make for warm weather. More bare-shoulder cuts in other fabrics sit under off-shoulder dresses.

How early should I settle on a size?

Earlier than feels necessary. Measure bust, waist and hips and hold the numbers against our size chart. The range is XS to XL, roughly US 2 to 12. Between two sizes on a fitted gown, the bust decides.

Are your one-sleeve gowns still off the shoulder?

Half of them is. There’s a full sleeve on one side and bare skin on the opposite shoulder, so you get the open neckline with a bit more security. The whole group lives with our one-shoulder styles.