Lavinia | Suede-Look Winter Maxi Dress

A suede-look maxi dress with a silhouette that earns the length. The bishop sleeve — full through the upper arm, elasticated at the wrist — adds volume at the top while the mermaid skirt adds volume at the hem, leaving the fitted bodice as the structured middle that holds the two in proportion. The high mock neck closes the neckline; the thigh-high front slit opens the hem. It's a dress that's considered about where it adds drama.

The matte suede-look fabric has the texture and weight to hold the dress's structured shape without stiffening. Panel seaming through the mermaid skirt adds construction detail visible at close range. The studded belt shown in the styling image is not included — the dress works with or without one, the waist seam is defined regardless.

Wear to a formal evening event or occasion where a full-length dress is the right call, style for a wedding or gala with heeled boots, or wear open at the slit for ease of movement on a night that requires dancing.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS

• Suede-look matte fabric — substantial texture that holds the bishop sleeve and mermaid skirt in shape without stiffening
• Bishop sleeves with elasticated cuffs — voluminous through the upper arm, gathered at the wrist; the defining detail of the silhouette
• High mock neck — closes the neckline fully; balances the open slit at the hem
• Mermaid flared skirt — fitted through the hip, flaring below the knee to a floor-length hem; panel seaming adds construction detail
• Thigh-high front slit — opens the hem for movement; a considered contrast to the covered mock neck
• Defined waist seam — the join between fitted bodice and mermaid skirt creates a natural waist without a belt