A velvet wrap dress with a deep V neckline, cut so the front panels cross low and the gathers pull toward one hip. Velvet is the reason it works, because the pile catches light along every fold, which turns the ruching at the waist into the detail that shapes the dress rather than merely decorating it. The skirt wraps over itself and finishes in a soft curve at the front.

The velvet follows the body closely without straining at the seams, and the gathers at the hip keep the waist defined without needing a belt. It falls to mid-calf, and the front hem lifts slightly where the skirt overlaps. Wear it with a heel for an evening out and with very little jewelry, because the fabric is already doing that work for you. It suits a long evening rather than a quick one.

• Fabric: velvet with a soft pile that catches the light
• Neck: deep V wrap neckline crossing at the bust
• Waist: ruching gathered toward one hip
• Sleeves: long and fitted to the wrist
• Fit: close through the body falling to mid-calf