Sexy formal dress in velvet, bare shoulder or slit

For us, a sexy formal dress comes down to one rule. Show one thing, a shoulder or a leg or a short hem, and keep the rest covered in velvet. Here’s how that plays out by event.

Black tie and receptions call for floor-length velvet

Start with the slit. On our long velvet gowns it opens with every step and closes when you stand still, so the dress looks strict in the receiving line and a lot less strict on the dance floor. The black one is cut with a boat neckline, and its sleeves run all the way down. Your shoes will be seen, so we’d go for patent or metallic heels, tall enough to lift the hem off the ground.

Want bare shoulders in winter without freezing? The off-shoulder maxi in black velvet has long sleeves for exactly that. Hair goes up, earrings get bigger and the neck can stay empty. We sew long one-shoulder gowns as well, in black, red, white, powder pink and gold, and the asymmetry does the job a necklace would.

A word on color. Velvet makes black, burgundy, emerald and navy look deeper in evening light, and none of them need sequins. If you’re a guest at a wedding, leave the white one for another night.

Dinner, an anniversary or a work party in a midi

Midi is easier to sit in. The black velvet midi with dropped shoulders is draped across the front, the folds end in a side slit, and a watch shows below the cropped sleeve. For more shine there’s a lurex knit midi, off the shoulder with a slit, where the glitter is in the fabric itself.

Not sure about showing your shoulders at the office party? Then look at the rib turtleneck midis with a leg slit. Everything on top is closed, and the slit is the single bold detail. That’s still a sexy formal dress in our book, just a quieter one.

Cocktails and birthdays in a one-sleeve mini

Short and asymmetric is the party version of a sexy formal dress. You get one full sleeve and one bare shoulder, and we make it in black, red, burgundy, emerald and blue velvet. You’ll need a strapless bra. Try it on with sheer black tights and heels, then lift your arm to make sure the open side stays in place.

From here you can go to formal velvet in all cuts, maxi dresses with a slit, one-shoulder styles or the wider formal page. Sizes run XS to XL throughout.