Purple formal evening dresses from violet shimmer to lilac pleats

Violet lurex, short or midi

Both violet styles shimmer with each move, and the knit hugs the body. The midi stretches, so you can sit through a long anniversary dinner and still dance after the toasts. Its sister is a mini with the same long sleeves. We’d send that one to a club birthday or a New Year party.

They fit close, so write down three measurements, bust, waist and hips, and check each against the chart. Seamless underwear helps under both. Got a cold walk to the venue? A short faux fur coat over the midi keeps the shine visible at the hem, and silver or graphite sandals finish it without competing with the thread.

Violet loves gray and black. A charcoal coat or a black leather jacket on top keeps the color in front, and that’s exactly where you want it on a night like this.

Lavender velvet and a pleated lilac midi

The velvet one has a slit up the leg, long sleeves and a midi hem, so only a bit of leg shows when you walk. That soft lavender takes the edge off the slit. It’s right for the theater or a birthday in a restaurant. Thin heels show the slit best. Under velvet we’d choose sheer nude tights, so the soft pile stays the main texture. In winter a long gray coat finishes the outfit.

The pleated lilac midi moves differently. Tiny pleats swing with every step, and the vertical lines make you look a little taller. It’s the dress for a night with a dance floor. It also works at a graduation where you’re a guest, because the shade is soft and won’t upstage the girl of the hour. To keep the pleats sharp, wash it inside out in cool water and smooth it with a steamer on low rather than pressing it.

Frequently asked questions

Which purple style is warmest?

The velvet midi, with its long sleeves and closed top. Put a long gray coat over it in December.

What tights should I wear with violet lurex?

Matte nude or sheer black. With glitter already in the knit, glossy hosiery would be overkill.

How do sizes run?

From XS to XL, made in our own workshop in Ukraine. A US 6–8 usually means our M, though the chart on each dress is the safer guide.

Where can I compare more shades of purple?

Our purple dress page has every tone, and the two lavender styles also sit on formal lavender dresses. For other colors, open the evening gown collection.