Sexy mini black dresses, covered up or one shoulder bare

Closed to the chin for the office party

Does a mini need a low neckline? We don’t think so. The black turtleneck mini covers the neck and the arms, and that’s exactly why the short hem looks confident and not loud. At a party the high collar acts as the jewelry. Leave the necklace at home, add large earrings or a wide cuff, and wear heels.

There’s a rib-knit version too. Its raised vertical lines draw the eye up and down. Rib stretches, so between two sizes the choice is about mood. Take the smaller one for a closer evening fit and the bigger one if it’s also going to work with a blazer. A black velvet mini with a round neck follows the same logic, fitted and covered on top. Hoop earrings and stiletto sandals take it to a club.

One sleeve in black velvet for cocktails and dates

Asymmetry is the whole trick here. One shoulder is open, the other arm sits inside a long velvet sleeve, and the dress asks for almost nothing else. Black velvet soaks up light, which gives the color its depth. We’d wear a single earring on the bare side.

This sexy mini black dress suits a birthday at a bar, a date or a New Year’s dinner. Thin black tights and stilettos finish it, and a small bag on a chain is enough. When you try it on, lift your arms and see how the open side stays in place. Cold outside? A straight coat to the knee covers the mini completely.

Polka dots and tiny flowers on black for summer nights

Three summer minis keep the black and lighten everything else. The polka dot one with open shoulders and long sleeves has a ruffled hem and a slightly retro feel. Because the neckline runs straight across, it makes broad shoulders look narrower. Another dotted style goes one-shoulder with a flounce along the edge.

The third is satin scattered with small blue flowers. Almost all of the fabric is polyester, with 2 % elastane for stretch, and the cut has open shoulders and short sleeves. Silver earrings pick up the blue. All three are part of the summer line, so they return to the catalog when it’s warm again.

Next step? Compare with every black mini we make, open-shoulder minis in black and black styles in longer lengths.

Frequently asked questions

Which tights go with a short black dress?

Sheer black for a night out. During the day, matte opaque tights and lace-up boots make a velvet mini look relaxed.

What size should I order in a sexy mini black dress?

Bust and hips matter most in a fitted cut, so measure the two and look at our chart. We cut them in XS to XL.

Is black velvet hard to look after?

No. Turn it inside out and use a delicate wash at 30 °C or cooler, without wringing.

What do I wear over one bare shoulder when it gets chilly?

Drape a blazer over your shoulders indoors. It comes off in a second when the music starts.