Slit dresses that open up as you walk

Floor-length velvet with a slit for the big nights

For a winter wedding, an anniversary or a gala, the long velvet gowns do the job. The pile has a soft glow, so you won’t need much jewelry. Model 1357 in emerald has the slit on the left leg and a round neck, and model 1356 brings a similar closed top in burgundy. Some gowns go further, with one sleeve and a bare shoulder, like the red model 1341, where a high waist makes the legs look longer and a side slit frees your stride.

Shoes matter more than usual here. They’ll show every time the fabric parts, so choose thin heels you like. Heels also lift the hem off the floor.

At the fitting, walk across the room a few times. Watch how far the slit opens. Is it the amount you’re comfortable with when you climb stairs or slide into a car? Better to know before the evening than during it.

Midi slits for theater, dinner and the office

A midi with a slit feels less formal. Model 1463 in powder pink velvet covers the arms and the neckline, and only the leg line shows as you move. We’d put seamless underwear under it, since velvet sits close.

On a midi the slit can also grow out of the drape. Model 1072, black velvet with open shoulders, has folds that run down into a side slit. For a New Year’s dinner, the lurex midi 1672 does something similar and adds sparkle from the metallic thread.

Rib knit makes the slit work by day. Our turtleneck midis in black and red have a high collar, long sleeves and a slit that gives you room to walk. Wear one to the office with a blazer, then swap the loafers for heels at six. Model 1372 has a stand collar instead.

Want something short? Try the angora minis. The pink model 1568 adds movement to a short hem with its slit, and the white model 1577 has one at the front, off to the side. Angora’s a warm knit, so a winter date doesn’t need a sweater on top.

See more long cuts among our evening gowns, or try a high collar from the turtleneck dresses page.

Frequently asked questions

How high do the slits go?

It varies from cut to cut, so look closely at the product photos of the dress you like. A fitting walk tells you the rest.

Can I wear tights with a slit?

Yes, sheer ones look neat, especially under velvet in January.

What size should I take?

Most of these hug the figure, so go by bust and hips. Every style comes in XS to XL, and the size table sits on the product page.