Long evening dresses and gowns for the nights that matter

When the invitation calls for a long dress

A floor-length dress is the classic answer to 'black tie', 'evening dress' or 'gala' on an invitation. It also suits late ceremonies, opera and theatre premieres, a charity ball or a milestone birthday with a formal dinner. For the mother of the bride or groom, a long dress is the elegant, considered choice — festive, but not in white.

If the event begins in the afternoon and runs into the night, a long dress takes you all the way, especially in a darker shade such as deep burgundy, black or red, which grows more striking as the light fades.

Mermaid, cone, pencil or A-line

Each gown in the edit has its own line. Glory is a strapless mermaid maxi in deep burgundy: it follows the figure to the knee and then flares, with a camellia brooch as the focal point. Gigi is a strapless cone maxi in the same burgundy, softened by a draped tulle top, and Velissa is a long white cone dress on spaghetti straps — one for your own engagement party or a white dress code.

Ida and Ava are pencil maxis — Ida in black with a square neckline and small bow, Ava in red with a V neckline and side bow — sleek and close to the body. If you want movement, look at the A-lines: Salvia in powder pink with a camellia brooch and Eve in black with diamanté detail. Noa (red, square neckline), Lola (nude, V neckline) and Cleo (frozen blue, boat neckline with a diamanté belt bow) complete the line-up.

Choosing a silhouette for your figure

A mermaid gown highlights the waist and hips and creates a dramatic flare at the hem — the choice for an entrance. A cone or pencil maxi draws one long vertical line and suits anyone who loves a streamlined, minimal look. An A-line skims the hips, moves freely and is the easiest gown to sit, walk and dance in all night.

Necklines change the effect too. A strapless or square neckline opens up the shoulders and collarbones; a V neckline lengthens the neck and torso; a boat neckline frames the shoulders more modestly. Check the size chart on the model's page at Bae, and measure in the underwear you will wear on the night.

Shoes, hem and the finishing touches

With a long dress, the shoe sets the hem. Try the gown on with the heels you plan to wear, so you can see where it falls — it should brush the floor or sit just above it. A slim heel or a platform sandal keeps the line long; flats work only with a hem that clears the ground.

Let the dress lead. A camellia brooch or a diamanté belt needs nothing more than earrings and a small evening clutch. For winter events, a long coat or a stole over a strapless gown keeps you warm between the car and the door; in summer, a light wrap is enough. Hair worn up shows off a strapless or boat neckline best.