Slit asymmetrical midi dress product image (primary)
A sleeveless-asymmetric black midi dress with a high side slit on the left, soft draping at the waist and an asymmetrical shoulder line; worn with a small black round studded handbag and black strappy high-heeled sandals.

Contemporaine

Slit Asymmetrical Midi Dress

CA$199.95CA$397.00-50%
In Stock

This fitted midi dress is crafted from thick, supple stretch crepe with a satiny lining for an impeccable drape. It features an asymmetrical neckline and sleeves, pleating at the left shoulder and right thigh, a side slit, and a hidden back zip closure. The dress measures 48.5 inches (123 cm) from the top of the shoulder.

Gender
female
Style
formal, evening, romantic
Category
Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses

Color

Black

Size

X-SMALLX-LARGE

Specifications

Fitted midi dress with asymmetric sleeves and neckline, side slit, and pleated details in stretch crepe.

Asymmetric design, pleated accents, hidden back zipper, side slit, stretch crepe fabric.

Material
Main material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane; Lining: 100% polyester
Style
formal, evening, romantic
Occasion
party, date-night, formal
Gender
female
Age Group
adult
Condition
new
Category
Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses

Additional Attributes

  • thick, supple stretch crepe fabric for impeccable drape
  • stretch satiny lining
  • fitted design with pleating at left shoulder and above right thigh
  • asymmetric sleeves and neckline
  • feminine side slit at bottom
  • hidden back zip closure
  • midi length of 48.5 inches
  • heavier weight crepe provides structure

Product Insights

The Slit Asymmetrical Midi Dress from Contemporaine is a structured midi dress in heavy crepe (95% polyester, 5% elastane) with a satiny lining, featuring asymmetrical pleats that catch light and a side slit for dramatic movement. It resists wrinkles, water-based spills, and shape bagging, recovers after sitting, and reduces dry-cleaning needs. Available at $199.95 CAD (50% off $397), it undercuts contemporary brands while offering heavier fabric and full lining. However, buyers report it runs small and recommend sizing up for a fitted silhouette, and durability requires avoiding sharp objects.

Verified claims

Fit
Buyers report it runs small; size up for a fitted silhouette.
Value
At $199.95 CAD (50% off $397), it undercuts contemporary brands while using heavier crepe and full lining.
Fabric quality
95% polyester, 5% elastane heavy crepe with 100% polyester satiny lining creates a structured, opaque drape and resists wrinkles.
Sizing
Buyers report sizing up one size from their usual size.
Side slit
Side slit adds dramatic movement without becoming revealing or billowy.
Fabric behavior
Stretch crepe prevents bunching, resists wrinkles, and recovers shape after sitting.
Wrinkle resistance
Heavy crepe with twisted-yarn weave resists wrinkles and packs without creases.
Spill resistance
Water-based drinks bead on the surface and blot easily.
Shape recovery
5% elastane provides stretch recovery that prevents knee and hip bagging.
Durability
Heavier crepe and lining resist pilling and snagging; avoid sharp objects.
Care
Resists wrinkles and water-based spills; reduces dry-cleaning needs.
Shape retention
5% elastane helps the dress snap back after wearing, reducing bagging.
Pleat construction
Pleats are pressed and seamed, not elastic-gathered; heavy crepe and lining keep them raised.
Visual effect
Asymmetrical pleats produce folds that catch light differently in motion.
Opacity
Double-layer construction prevents see-through even under direct sunlight.

Product record

Title
Slit Asymmetrical Midi Dress
Brand
Contemporaine
Price
397 CAD
Availability
In stock

Deep Research

How the price compares to similar asymmetric midi dresses

  • The dress is fully lined in a stretch satiny fabric, a construction detail frequently deleted in midi dresses at the $100–$150 range to shave manufacturing costs; here the lining adds a smooth slip, prevents the crepe from clinging, and finishes the interior with a premium feel that justifies the garment’s $199.95 sale price against unlined competitors.
  • Many fast-fashion midi dresses under $100 use lightweight crepe (e.g., the boohoo crepe dress at $36.50), while the Contemporaine dress is cut from a thick, heavier-weight crepe that drapes with a more substantial hand and resists puckering — a fabric upgrade that directly explains the higher price point and gives the dress a more expensive, structured look that reads ‘evening-worthy’ rather than ‘day-to-night.’
  • Contemporaine is an in-house, private-label brand exclusive to Canadian retailer Simons, meaning its pricing cuts out the wholesale markup of independent contemporary labels and allows for more material spend on fabric and construction per garment — so the heavy crepe and lining are a deliberate value play, not an exception, making the brand a perennial sleeper pick for quality-seekers who know department-store economics.
  • Precise, fitted pleating at the left shoulder and above the right thigh requires additional pattern pieces, seaming, and pressing — this isn’t a simple elastic-ruched detail but engineered soft pleats that give the dress its asymmetric silhouette and drive up production cost relative to basic bodycon or slip midi dresses, signalling design investment that justifies the original $397 price tag.
  • At the current sale price of $199.95 CAD (50% off the $397 list), the dress slots into the same bracket as many entry-level contemporary midi dresses from brands like Aritzia or Mango, but with the heft of a heavier crepe and the completed interior of a full lining — effectively a higher-tier dress for fast-fashion money if bought today.

Asymmetry, slit, and movement in real life

  • The side slit opens with every forward stride, exposing a controlled flash of leg; because the midi length and heavier fabric anchor the hem, the slit adds dramatic movement without becoming revealing or billowy.
  • Pleats at the left shoulder and above the right thigh introduce asymmetrical folds that catch light differently as the body moves, creating a dynamic three-dimensional texture that enlivens the dress in photographs and in person.
  • At 48.5 inches from shoulder, the hem strikes at mid-calf; the length itself provides coverage, while the side slit guarantees a full, unrestricted stride — you get the fluid motion of a longer dress without the hobbling.
  • The satiny lining inside glides against the skin and reduces friction, so the dress moves with your body rather than pulling or clinging, making sit-to-stand and dance-floor moments feel seamless.
  • The thick, supple, and stretch crepe in a heavier weight is specifically chosen for impeccable drape, so in motion the fabric holds its shape while flowing smoothly — no clingy bunching or stiff flipping around the thighs.

Sizing consistency for Contemporaine fitted dresses

  • Contemporaine is a Simons house brand with fashion-forward tailored cuts that run small, and the dress category specifically recommends sizing up for structured styles — a shopper who normally wears a Medium would likely need a Large in this fitted midi, as the brand's close-to-body cut is designed to be snug even with the forgiving stretch crepe.
  • The sizing guidance for Contemporaine carries high confidence because ThisFits cross-references the brand's official size chart with aggregated shopper fit reports, so the recommendation to size up for dresses reflects how the garments actually fit real wearers — reducing the guesswork for this midi.

Heavy stretch crepe durability and care

  • The crepe is described as thick and heavy, which gives it a substantial hand and drapes smoothly without clinging; this density also means the fabric is less prone to developing thin spots or pilling at friction points over extended wear.
  • The classic crepe texture, formed from twisted yarns, naturally resists wrinkles, so the dress maintains a smooth, polished look through hours of wear and can be folded for travel without sharp creases.
  • The 5% elastane content supplies precise stretch recovery, helping the fitted midi silhouette snap back to its original shape after wearing and reducing the likelihood of knee or hip bagging.
  • Polyester fibers are naturally hydrophobic, so water-based spills like wine or cocktails bead on the surface and can be blotted quickly, reducing the risk of permanent staining for a dress worn at social events.
  • While crepe feels refined, it is actually a durable fabric when made from polyester—the twisted weave structure resists snagging and holds its texture longer than plain weaves, provided it’s kept away from rough surfaces and sharp jewelry.

Image Analysis

3 images
Slit asymmetrical midi dress product image (primary)
01

Product

A sleeveless-asymmetric black midi dress with a high side slit on the left, soft draping at the waist and an asymmetrical shoulder line; worn with a small black round studded handbag and black strappy high-heeled sandals.

  • Silhouette and lengthFitted midi-length dress falling below mid-calf with a straight hem and a visible left-side vertical slit that reaches to the upper shin.
    1 regionx 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.64 · h 0.72 (high)
  • Asymmetrical neckline and sleevesRight shoulder has a short cap-like sleeve or draped shoulder piece while the left shoulder and arm are sleeveless and exposed, creating an asymmetric neckline.
    1 regionx 0.28 · y 0.06 · w 0.44 · h 0.26 (high)
  • Waist drapingSoft gathered drape and subtle diagonal seam/detailing at the waist on the right side producing gentle folds across the front skirt panel.
    1 regionx 0.30 · y 0.34 · w 0.40 · h 0.20 (high)
  • Left side slit detailVertical slit along the left front skirt exposing the left leg; slit edge shows the inside of the skirt which appears to be same fabric and color.
    1 regionx 0.20 · y 0.40 · w 0.18 · h 0.44 (high)
  • Fabric appearanceOpaque, smooth matte fabric with soft drape and no visible pattern or texture at this scale.
  • Accessory - handbagSmall structured round black handbag with visible silver-tone rectangular clasp and round silver studs on the front; carried in the model's right hand at hip level.
    1 regionx 0.64 · y 0.48 · w 0.12 · h 0.14 (high)
  • Visible jewelrySmall hoop earrings and rings on the right hand are visible against the dress and handbag.
    2 regionsx 0.38 · y 0.06 · w 0.22 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.62 · y 0.50 · w 0.10 · h 0.10 (medium)
  • FootwearBlack strappy high-heeled sandals with thin ankle straps and square front toe strap, worn by the model.
    1 regionx 0.36 · y 0.78 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high)

Other

Studio shot of a model wearing the dress against a neutral vertical-panel background; even studio lighting with soft shadows and the full figure visible from head to feet.

  • Shot compositionFull-body studio photograph centered on the model, vertical framing with space above the head and floor visible below the feet.
  • Background and settingNeutral beige-gray vertical panel backdrop with a smooth floor surface; no additional props besides the handbag held by the model.
    1 regionx 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high)
  • Lighting and shadowSoft, even studio lighting with minimal harsh shadows; a subtle shadow is visible on the floor around the model's feet.
    1 regionx 0.30 · y 0.86 · w 0.40 · h 0.10 (medium)
  • Image qualityHigh-resolution, evenly focused image with clear detail across fabric, accessories, and facial features.

Colors

matte black· dress#0E0C12black with silver hardware· handbag#141215black· shoessilver metallic· metal hardware
Slit asymmetrical midi dress product image 2
02

Product

Right-side view of a black sleeveless midi dress with a high boat neckline, fitted bodice, asymmetrical gathered waist and a high side slit revealing the model's thigh.

  • NecklineHigh boat neckline that sits close to the base of the model's neck and runs horizontally toward the shoulders.
    1 regionx 0.47 · y 0.05 · w 0.34 · h 0.14 (high)
  • Sleeveless armholeDeep sleeveless armhole with a clean, narrow finished edge exposing the model's upper arm and shoulder.
    1 regionx 0.23 · y 0.12 · w 0.30 · h 0.23 (high)
  • Bodice fitFitted, smooth bodice that follows the torso contour without visible seams on the front panel.
    1 regionx 0.46 · y 0.15 · w 0.26 · h 0.26 (high)
  • Asymmetrical gatheringDraped gathering at the right hip creating diagonal pleats that fold toward the front and produce an asymmetrical silhouette.
    1 regionx 0.56 · y 0.36 · w 0.26 · h 0.30 (high)
  • High side slitTall front-right slit that opens above the knee, revealing the model's thigh and creating a visible interior edge of the dress.
    1 regionx 0.61 · y 0.60 · w 0.16 · h 0.36 (high)
  • Fabric appearanceSmooth, matte black fabric with soft drape; pleats hold folds without noticeable sheen or texture pattern.
    1 regionx 0.48 · y 0.18 · w 0.42 · h 0.64 (high)
  • Visible stitching/finishEdges and armhole show narrow, neatly finished hems without decorative topstitching visible at this scale.
    1 regionx 0.22 · y 0.12 · w 0.35 · h 0.28 (medium)

Other

Studio portrait of a model wearing the dress against a neutral beige wall; soft, even lighting with minimal shadows and a small black handbag prop at lower right.

  • Shot compositionThree-quarter right-side studio portrait crop showing the model from head to mid-thigh, centered slightly to the right of the frame.
  • BackgroundFlat neutral beige wall with subtle texture and vertical seam lines visible behind the model.
    1 regionx 0.02 · y 0.02 · w 0.96 · h 0.96 (high)
  • Prop handbagSmall rounded black handbag with metallic hardware visible at the lower right, held in the model's right hand; treated as a prop.
    1 regionx 0.76 · y 0.76 · w 0.16 · h 0.16 (high)
  • Model poseModel's left arm bent with hand resting on hip, right arm hanging down holding the handbag; torso slightly turned toward camera.
    1 regionx 0.18 · y 0.22 · w 0.52 · h 0.48 (high)
  • Lighting and shadowSoft, diffused studio lighting producing gentle shadows and even illumination across the dress and model.

Colors

matte black· main body#0E0D13
Slit asymmetrical midi dress product image 3
03

Product

Sleeveless black fitted midi dress with an asymmetrical high side slit on the left, visible waist shaping seams and a center back seam; model is shown from a rear three-quarter angle.

  • SilhouetteSleeveless, form-fitting midi-length dress with a straight skirt that falls to mid-calf and a high slit on the left side revealing the leg.
    1 regionx 0.28 · y 0.07 · w 0.45 · h 0.86 (high)
  • Left side slitVertical slit on the left skirt panel starting above the knee and extending toward the hem, exposing the left leg.
    1 regionx 0.54 · y 0.52 · w 0.18 · h 0.38 (high)
  • Neckline and armholesHigh, rounded neckline with sleeveless armholes that cut close to the shoulder; back neckline sits just below the hairline.
    1 regionx 0.38 · y 0.05 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high)
  • Waist shaping seamsVertical and horizontal seam lines at the waist and bodice creating visible contouring and a defined waist shape on the back and sides.
    1 regionx 0.36 · y 0.31 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high)
  • Center back seamA visible vertical seam runs down the center back of the dress from the neckline toward the skirt.
    1 regionx 0.44 · y 0.06 · w 0.02 · h 0.60 (high)
  • Fabric appearanceSmooth, matte fabric with a clean, untextured surface and no visible pattern.
  • Visible accessories held with dressModel holds a small black rounded bag at the right hip that partly overlaps the dress; bag has visible metallic studs and a rectangular metallic plate.
    1 regionx 0.62 · y 0.33 · w 0.18 · h 0.15 (high)

Other

Studio shot showing a model in a three-quarter rear pose against a neutral textured wall and floor; black high-heeled sandals visible; soft even lighting with mild shadow on floor.

  • Shot compositionFull-body studio shot framed vertically showing the model from head to mid-calf in a three-quarter rear pose, weight on the right leg, head turned toward the camera.
  • BackgroundNeutral light beige/gray textured wall panels meeting a smooth floor, minimal visible seams between panels.
  • FootwearBlack high-heeled ankle-strap sandals with a thin stiletto heel worn by the model; visible buckle on the ankle strap.
    1 regionx 0.46 · y 0.78 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high)
  • Lighting and shadowSoft, even frontal lighting producing gentle shadows beneath the model and a faint shadow cast on the floor to the right.
  • Model presenceFemale model with short dark hair wearing simple earrings and posing with one arm bent to hold the bag; face is turned toward the camera.
    1 regionx 0.37 · y 0.03 · w 0.25 · h 0.20 (high)

Colors

black· dress#0E0C13black· heels#0E0D12black· handbag#151215

Q&A

3 answered
How does the dress fit on the bust and hips given the fitted design and stretch fabric?
The dress is designed to be fitted, and the stretch crepe fabric (95% polyester, 5% elastane) provides give to accommodate the bust and hips while maintaining a sleek silhouette.
Is the dress completely opaque, or is it see-through in direct light?
The fabric is described as 'thick, supple and stretch crepe in a heavier weight,' which indicates it is likely opaque and not see-through under normal lighting.
How does the asymmetry work on the sleeves and neckline? Is the pleating functional or decorative?
The asymmetry includes a pleated detail at the left shoulder and above the right thigh, with an asymmetric neckline and sleeves. The pleating appears to be decorative, adding visual interest and structure to the fitted design.

Provenance

Merchant Link
https://www.simons.ca/en/women-clothing/dresses/midi/slit-asymmetrical-midi-dress--23294-19502?colourId=0
Updated