Long dresses

A long dress falls to the ankle or touches the floor.

More precisely: with your evening shoes on (3–4 inch / 8–10 cm heels), the hem should just graze the top of your foot without dragging. If you take your heels off, the dress can lightly touch the floor (1–2 cm), but should never drag by several centimetres (risk of stepping on it or soiling the hem).

Exception: Wedding or gala gowns can have a short, intentional train (5–15 cm trailing on the floor) for dramatic effect. But for a classic long dress, the hem should simply kiss the floor, nothing more. If your dress is too long, a tailor’s hem costs around €20–40 and changes everything.

Three foolproof tips:

1. Perfect length: Check the hem with your evening shoes before the event. Walk, climb stairs, sit down. The hem should never fall below your heel.
2. Walking technique: Lift your front knee slightly (not high, just 2–3 cm) with each step. This micro-movement naturally lifts the hem and keeps you from stepping on it. Flamenco dancers do this instinctively with their long skirts.
3. On stairs: Gently lift the front of the dress with one hand (pinch the fabric at thigh height) as you go up. Going down, watch your heels: go slowly, heel first, keeping an eye on the hem.

If your dress has a slit: Even easier! The leg on the slit side moves freely, with no risk of stepping on the fabric on that side.

Traditionally, long dresses are reserved for evening events (after 6pm). But the codes are evolving! You can wear a long dress during the day if you adapt the style and accessories:

For daytime: Choose matte fabrics (cotton, linen, jersey) rather than shiny ones (satin, sequins). Light or bright colours rather than dark ones. Minimalist accessories (flat sandals, a small canvas bag). Bohemian or casual-chic style: a flowing long dress + denim jacket + sandals = perfect for brunch or a garden party.

For evening: Luxe fabrics (satin, silk, velvet, lace), dark or metallic colours, high heels, an elegant clutch, jewellery. The whole look exudes formality and sophistication.

Our long dresses are mostly designed with evening wear in mind (fabrics, cuts, daring details). But a simple black or burgundy jersey long dress can be worn during the day with trainers and a leather jacket for an off-beat, urban look.

The right underwear under a long dress depends on the cut:

• Fully open back: An adhesive bra that sticks directly to the skin, or nipple covers if you’re a smaller cup size (A–B). For fuller cups (C+), invest in a good underwired adhesive bra (€30–50, it’s worth every penny). Alternative: some dresses have built-in support (check the product description).

• High slit (mid-thigh+): Choose invisible or seamless underwear. A classic thong risks showing through with movement. If you’d rather have a visible option, go for a nude thong that matches your skin tone under the dress (less noticeable if glimpsed).

• Sheer fitted dress: A nude shapewear body in a matching tone, or coordinating lingerie that becomes part of the look (if you’re embracing the sheerness).
  Opaque flowing dress: Total freedom! Classic knickers or a thong, whichever you’re comfortable in. A regular bra works fine unless the straps would show.

Pro tip: Test your underwear with the dress before your event. Move around, sit down, raise your arms. Nothing should show, leave marks, or be visible through the fabric.

Absolument oui ! C'est un mythe que les petites femmes ne peuvent pas porter de robes longues. Voici comment les porter avec élégance :

• Perfect length: Have the hem altered so it just touches the floor with your heels on. A dragging hem visually shortens you.
• A high slit is a must: A slit (mid-thigh minimum) creates a broken vertical line that lengthens the legs. Without a slit, a long dress can indeed shorten a petite frame.
  Non-negotiable high heels: Minimum 8 cm (3 inches), ideally 10–12 cm (4–5 inches). Nude heels visually extend the leg line for maximum elongation.
• Empire cut: A waistline placed high (under the bust) artificially lengthens the legs. Perfect for petite frames.
• Monochrome: A dress, shoes and clutch in the same shade create one continuous line, making you look taller.

À éviter : Robes longues avec jupe volumineuse (tutu, volants) qui alourdissent, ceintures contrastées qui coupent la silhouette en deux, robes à motifs horizontaux. Privilégiez le fourreau droit, un jersey fluide ou des découpes verticales.