A floor length dress in a soft ivory, gathered tightly across the bust into a sweetheart line with a small open notch at the center. Fine straps hold it at the shoulder and the back is left open, so the whole weight of the dress rests on the bodice and the shape stays clean from the front. That gathering is what holds it, which is why the top half stays put through an evening.

Below the hip the dress changes character. The skirt falls away in a lighter layer that moves against the leg, and a high slit up one side opens as you walk and closes again when you stop. The hem sweeps the floor rather than stopping above it, so the whole line reads longer. This is cut for an evening rather than an afternoon, and it behaves best with a heel and very little else.

• Bodice: ruched sweetheart bust with a small center notch
• Straps: fine shoulder straps
• Back: open back
• Skirt: lighter falling layer with a high side slit and a floor sweeping hem
• Fit: close through the bust and hip