One Shoulder Ruched High Slit Maxi Dress

Three things are doing the work here and they all pull in the same direction. The one shoulder neckline makes the top half asymmetrical and interesting, the ruching runs through the body so the fabric never sits flat, and the high slit breaks up a long black column and lets you actually walk. Take any one away and it becomes an ordinary maxi dress.

The fabric is 100% polyester that is slightly stretchy, so the ruching gathers softly and the dress follows the body rather than holding rigid. It is not lined. Length is genuinely long at 51.2 inches in a small through 52.8 inches in a 2XL, so plan on a heel unless you are tall. The bust runs 29.5 inches in a small to 37.8 inches in a 2XL measured unstretched, and the stretch takes it comfortably beyond that. The full run goes from S through 2XL.

Black, floor length, one shoulder: this is a dress with a job to do. Weddings, evening events, anywhere the invitation gives you pause. Because the neckline is asymmetric, earrings do more for it than a necklace, so a strong pair of gold or silver drops and a small clutch is the entire styling brief. A heel is close to necessary given the length. Keep everything else restrained and let the slit and the shoulder be the only statements you are making.

Why you will love it

• Asymmetrical one shoulder neckline
• Ruched detail through the body
• High slit that breaks the long line and eases movement
• Slightly stretchy fabric that follows the body
• Not lined
• Material composition: 100% polyester
• Available in sizes S through 2XL

Care

• Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low.