Off the shoulder ball dress, velvet gowns with slit

If your invitation says long, an off the shoulder ball dress in velvet gets you there without a single bead. Ours bare the shoulders and cover part of the arm, and most of the long ones open into a slit at the leg.

What the dress code on your invitation is asking for

Black tie means the hem meets the floor. Our burgundy velvet gown fits close from the shoulder line down, has sleeves that end below the elbow, and a deep slit at the side that won’t get in the way of a waltz. Black is the quieter answer. That one is a velvet maxi with sleeves to the wrist, and we left it bare of sparkle and trim because the pile of the fabric is decoration enough.

Two more gowns deserve a look. The navy one is draped, and under warm light its blue turns almost inky. We also sew a white velvet gown with one long sleeve and a slit, for the night you’d like to be the brightest thing in the room.

Does the card say formal or cocktail? Then your off the shoulder ball dress can be a midi. In our black draped velvet midi the folds run into a slit at the side. Our red dropped-shoulder dress stops around the knee, and its small slit is there so you can move.

Bare shoulders between the cloakroom and the last waltz

You’ll hand over your coat at the door, so think about the minutes before that. A long coat covers a floor-length hem on the street. Bring a stole for the terrace. Inside, dense velvet is warm enough that the red dropped-shoulder dress feels comfortable in a hall even with nothing on your shoulders.

Three-quarter sleeves leave your wrists free, so a bracelet or a watch has room to show. With emerald velvet we’d pick gold. Keep your neck bare and let long earrings do the talking. If the ball you’re dressing for is in the cold months, there’s more velvet on the winter ball page.

Frequently asked questions

Is a white gown allowed at a ball?

Yes. White looks warm on velvet instead of bridal, and our white off the shoulder ball dress has a slit and three-quarter sleeves. Save it for balls and galas, not for someone else’s wedding.

Which measurement matters most on a fitted gown?

Bust first, hips second. These gowns sit close, and the neckline only stays where it should when the bust is right. Make sure the band doesn’t press on your arms when you reach forward. We make every one in XS to XL, and the chart on the product page has the numbers.

How do I get a velvet gown to the venue without creases?

Hang it in the car instead of folding it. If a crease shows up anyway, steam it from the inside and never run an iron over the pile.

Do you make shorter styles with the same neckline?

We do, in velvet and in lurex knit. Start with our formal off-shoulder styles, or see every length side by side under all ball dresses. Long velvet with other necklines is on the velvet maxi page.