Pleated dresses at midi length that swing as you dance

Getting the size right when only the top fits close

The skirt part is loose. That’s the whole idea of pleats. So the numbers that matter are your bust and your waist, not your hips, and we make each of these from XS to XL.

One style needs an extra minute at the fitting. The red velvet with open shoulders and three-quarter sleeves sits on the line of your shoulders, so lift both arms over your head in front of the mirror and make sure it stays put. If it slides, message us before you order. On the round-neck cuts you can relax. They’re simple up top, and the folds do the work below.

Which shade for which night out

Red is for dancing. There’s the off-shoulder one and a red velvet with a short sleeve and a pleated skirt, and both look right at a friend’s wedding or at a New Year’s dinner that runs past midnight. Black shoes, gold earrings, a little chain bag.

The black one has a marbled print on velvet. It’s busy enough on its own, so keep the bag and shoes plain. White velvet with three-quarter sleeves works for an engagement or a winter photo shoot by the tree, though honestly, go easy on the red wine and the pasta sauce in it.

Powder pink, lilac, emerald, beige and blue are the calmer group. The emerald pleated dress has short sleeves, and on a cold night you’ll want a thin black turtleneck underneath and a long dark coat over it. Beige goes to the office with loafers and a chocolate bag. The blue velvet is fine for a weekday with thick tights and low boots, then dressier with heels and silver earrings.

Lilac is the one to wear when you’re a guest at a graduation. It’s soft and won’t pull attention from the graduate, and the next morning it goes out with white sneakers and a denim jacket. Powder pink with three-quarter sleeves wants nude tights, ankle boots with a steady heel and a camel or milky coat in January. For more party ideas, see our dresses for New Year’s Eve.

Frequently asked questions

Can I iron a pleated dress?

Please don’t press it flat. A steamer on low brings the folds back, and it lives on a hanger between wears.

How do I wash the velvet ones?

Inside out, cool water, delicate cycle in a mesh bag, or by hand. Don’t wring it. Hang it to dry along the pleats.

Will the pleats crush in my bag on the way to the party?

They might. Wear a coat without a belt over it and don’t stuff it into a tote. Carry it on a hanger if you’re changing there.

Is there another fabric besides velvet?

Velvet makes up most of this page. If you love the texture, our velvet collection has it without pleats too, and the midi page shows every fabric at this length.