Brown Velvet Mini Dress with Balloon Sleeves

The Twylar is a short velvet dress in brown whose silhouette comes from long balloon sleeves gathered into elasticised cuffs.

The fabrication is a soft velvet, lined throughout, so the pile sits smoothly over the body. A high neckline keeps the front closed and lets the sleeves do the talking: they balloon out from the shoulder and then pull in at the wrist with elastic, so the shape holds without any fastening at the cuff. At the back, an invisible zip with a hook and eye clasp closes the dress without interrupting the velvet.

Mini length and full sleeves make this a dress for cold-weather evenings: a December party, a birthday dinner, drinks in a room with a fireplace. Brown velvet is rich enough on its own, so stay with tonal or dark accessories, a pointed heel or a knee boot, and a statement earring if you want a lift. It is a mini dress that feels dressed without being fussy.