Short sleeve formal dresses, pleated midi to satin wrap
Every short sleeve formal dress we make covers the shoulder and stops there, which is enough for most dress codes and far cooler in a crowded room than a long sleeve. We sew two kinds. One is a pleated midi for the cold season, the other a matte satin style for summer events.
Pleated midis for the restaurant, the theater and New Year’s
These are the dresses to pick when there’ll be dancing. The pleated skirt opens with every step, while the top stays plain, with a round neck and a short sleeve. We make the style in red velvet, in black velvet with a marble print, and in emerald. All three end below the knee.
The red one is soft velvet and is our pick for New Year’s dinner or a wedding where friends are getting married, worn with black heels and gold earrings. Nothing else. The marble print is busy already, so we’d keep accessories smooth and plain with it. Emerald likes a small black bag and a mid heel.
Cold outside? Here’s a trick these three share. A thin black turtleneck fits under the short sleeve, and the dress suddenly works for a christening or a day at the office. Pleats never go under a flat iron. Use a steamer on low and hang the dress up.
Satin wraps and ruffles for warm-weather events
Summer formal is a different mood. Think of a graduation in June, a cocktail hour on a terrace, a friend’s wedding in the afternoon. For those we cut matte satin, a smooth fabric that isn’t natural silk, into wrap dresses with a V-neck and short sleeves. The wrap marks the waist and you adjust it yourself.
Most formal of this group is the green midi, which has ruffles at the waistline. Its hem covers the knee, and gold jewelry warms up the color. A white midi with purple flowers wraps the same way. Floral minis and the knee-length navy one with polka dots sit at the lighter end, closer to a garden party than a banquet. These belong to our summer collection, so you’ll see them on the site again once it’s warm.
Sleeve, length and size, in that order
Does the sleeve have to be short on both sides of the calendar? No. If you’d like more cover in winter, the turtleneck trick does it, or you can look at formal styles with long sleeves. One more cold-season dress worth knowing is our navy velvet gown with bare shoulders, draped folds and a floor-length hem. Try it on with your shoes so the hem clears the floor.
We make everything here in XS to XL. With pleated styles, measure bust and waist, because the skirt is loose. For wraps, bust comes first. Then compare with the wider midi formal selection, more pleated midis or all formal dresses.
Frequently asked questions
Is a short sleeve formal enough for an evening event?
Yes, when the fabric and length do the work. Velvet pleats at midi length look right at a restaurant or the theater. For black tie, go floor-length.
Can I wear a short sleeve formal dress in winter?
You can. Add thin tights, a long black coat that lets the midi hem show, and that turtleneck underneath if the room is cold.
How do I keep the pleats sharp?
Cool water, dress turned inside out, no wringing. Then hang it up and smooth each pleat into place while it’s damp.
Which one would you pick for a graduation?
We’d take a satin wrap in a print for a summer ceremony. The lilac pleated midi is our other pick, since the color is soft and doesn’t compete with anyone.
