A blazer translated into a midi dress. The notch lapel and deep V opening come straight from tailoring, and the single-breasted front runs its covered buttons from the chest down to below the knee so the whole dress closes on one clean line. Princess seams draw the waist in through the body rather than relying on a belt, which is why the shape stays put through a long day rather than shifting as you move.

The fabric is smooth and matte and hangs straight from the shoulder rather than clinging to it. Covered self-buttons keep the front quiet so the cut is what you notice. Long sleeves finish cleanly at the wrist and the skirt falls just below the knee, the length that reads correctly at a desk and still carries into an evening. White, black and burgundy each carry the same silhouette in a different register, and none of the three is the safe option.

• Neckline: notch lapel over a deep V opening
• Front: single-breasted with covered self-buttons
• Sleeves: long and set in at the shoulder
• Waist: princess seams shaping through the body
• Length: midi falling just below the knee