Summer gives generous occasions to slip into a dress

But not all of those occasions are generous with the freedom to let your hair down and show off your beautiful legs to the curious gazes of others. And that’s not exactly a “pity.”

There are events where the rules are strict. That can feel limiting, yes - but it also stirs the imagination and spices up the event’s atmosphere with a touch of sultry saffron allure.

Men in black clothing. Women in floor - length gowns. In the folds of the dresses - like behind a stage curtain - you can almost hear the faint clicking of invisible heels... The court shoes of elegant men creak with noble leather. It's wonderful.

Black Tie is one of the most formal evening dress codes - historically strict for men (black tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie, and elegant shoes), but much more flexible for women. It allows - silently encourages - even a daring playfulness. The key is not in the dress length (only two options are acceptable: maxi or midi), but in the color (emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red), the fabric and its texture (silk, satin, velvet, lace), and of course, the accessories.

So even though the dress code is formal and strict, it’s also elegant, refined, intriguing, aesthetic, and a little mysterious - a game in which… a great card from the UNDRESS collection can always be played.

Maxi or Midi?

Traditionally, Black Tie events call for an elegant and formal maxi dress, but often a luxurious, refined midi in exceptional fabric will also do - especially if the invitation includes slightly more relaxed terms like “optional” or “creative.”

Then again, for us women, that “but” often feels like a punctuation mark left by a new beloved - uncertain if it’s really the end, or just a pause. A period? An ellipsis? A comma? Placed with hope? Or a promise? Or maybe...

To help you feel more confident, here’s a cheat sheet:

Evening weddings (after 5 PM), especially in luxury restaurants or 5-star hotels

Maxi

Charity dinners, diplomatic receptions, opera and ballet premieres with red carpet and photo wall

Maxi

Outdoor summer weddings (grandparents’ garden, beach, vineyard estate)

Midi or Maxi

Contemporary art, design, or fashion events

Midi (bold but elegant)

Formal events for younger audiences (e.g., university graduations)

Midi

Family anniversaries

Midi

Business dinners

Midi (elegant and formal)

As Coco Chanel famously said: “Dress impeccably and they will remember the woman, not the clothes.” A floor - length gown for Black Tie events is always the safest choice. So, when in doubt - choose confidence. Always.

With love, UNDRESS