Black Velvet Bodycon Maxi Dress

A black velvet maxi dress cut to a bodycon fit, with a high neckline and a split at the front.

Velvet is the reason a close fit works here: the pile absorbs light instead of reflecting it, so the shape is read as outline rather than shine. The neckline sits high and closed, which balances the split running up the front of the skirt. At the hip, gathered ruching pulls the fabric across the body and breaks up the line where a plain bodycon dress would look flat. The dress is lined.

High neck, long length and a front split is a combination that only really works in the evening, and black keeps it from looking theatrical. Because the neckline covers everything, there is no need for a necklace at all. A heel is the point of the split. Wear the hair up, keep the bag small, and let the velvet maxi dress be the only texture in the outfit.