Ricki Velvet Maxi Dress - Midnight

Midnight is blue pretending to be black, and in velvet it is by far the more interesting of the two. A V-neckline opens the front and fastens with a hook and eye. Short sleeves sit above gathered detail at the bust, which shapes the top half without any structure showing. The skirt falls to a maxi length with a split cut into the side, and an invisible side zip with a hook and eye clasp finishes the closure. This one is unlined, so the velvet sits light and close rather than heavy. A split is the detail that makes a long velvet dress wearable rather than ceremonial — it lets you walk at your own pace. Save it for a winter wedding, a black-tie dinner, a party in one of the colder months. Silver or diamanté rather than gold, and a heel high enough to respect the hem.