Red ball dresses for an evening with a dress code

One sleeve, one bare shoulder, a slit

That’s the shape of our floor-length red velvet. One arm’s covered, the other shoulder’s bare, and the slit at the side opens up with every step. A high waist on one of them makes your legs look longer. That one’s also a dense velvet with good stretch, so it lies smooth over the body without pulling anywhere.

The asymmetry already does the work of a necklace. Wear earrings and nothing at the neck. Pull your hair up, or sweep it over the bare shoulder.

Thin-heeled sandals show the slit best. For the walk in, pick a coat that falls below the knee so the hem doesn’t stick out underneath and get wet on the sidewalk. There’s also a red velvet maxi with a single sleeve, a little simpler in cut. Want more long shapes like these? Our long red styles are all on one page.

Red midis that keep up with the band

Balls run late. Really late. If yours has a live band and you plan to be on the floor until midnight, a red midi is the more practical ball dress. Red velvet in that length still feels very dressed up, and you won’t be holding your skirt off the floor every time someone asks you to dance or the dessert comes round.

The pleated off-shoulder midi has three-quarter sleeves, and the tiny pleats move with you as you dance. Wear heels you can stand in for hours. Then there’s a velvet midi cinched by its own thin belt, so you don’t need to hunt for one, with a V-neck and long sleeves. Pumps on a steady heel and gold earrings are all it needs. Another one has a pleated skirt and short sleeves.

Frequently asked questions

Is red too loud for a charity ball?

Not in velvet. The pile softens the light on it, and the red ends up looking deep rather than bright. If you’re worried, keep everything else black or gold.

Can the midi work at a black tie event?

Usually not, since black tie means floor-length. For that invitation, a floor-length ball dress in red velvet is exactly right.

How do I look after velvet?

Cool water, inside out, then onto a hanger and nowhere near the radiator. If it’s creased after the drive, a steamer on the wrong side sorts it out. An iron on the pile won’t.

Where do I find other colors?

Take a look at balls in every color, or narrow it to dresses for a winter ball. We sew every style from XS to XL, and XL is about a US 12.