Coralie | Formal Maxi Dress

A sleeveless bodycon floor-length dress with open cut-outs at both sides of the waist — the bodice above is a close-fitting mock-neck tank that covers the chest and back, then the fabric cuts away entirely at the midriff before rejoining in a ruched waist band below. The cut-outs are clean and intentional, exposing a horizontal band of skin on each side at the narrowest point. Below the ruched band, the skirt is a smooth column through the hip that eases into a slight flare at the floor.

The mock neck sits close at the throat and the bodice follows the body from neck to waist in the same jersey fabric — fitted without being compressed, the stretch doing the work. The ruched waist band gathers the fabric horizontally at the high hip, creating a concentrated texture at the transition point between the exposed midriff and the fitted skirt below. Small shoulder slits at the top of the armhole are a secondary detail — subtle against the more dramatic cut-outs at the waist.

Wear with strappy heeled sandals and minimal jewellery — the cut-outs and ruching carry the visual weight of the dress without assistance. A sleek updo or pulled-back style keeps the mock neck and shoulder detail visible. This is a dress for evening events, parties, and occasions where the brief is bold.

Why You'll Love This

• Open cut-outs at both sides of the waist — clean, intentional apertures at the midriff exposing a horizontal band on each side between the bodice and ruched band
• Mock neckline — sits close at the throat, fitted from neck to the waist cut-out in a single smooth panel
• Ruched waist band — gathers horizontally at the high hip, the transition point between the exposed midriff and the fitted skirt below
• Fitted jersey column skirt — follows the body closely through the hip before easing into a slight flare at the floor
• Shoulder slits — small secondary detail at the top of the armhole, subtle against the more prominent waist cut-outs
• Floor-length — falls to the ankle for formal-length coverage across evening events, parties, and occasion dressing