The bodice is gathered at both side seams and again at the shoulder, so the cloth ripples inward rather than lying flat and the waist reads narrower without anything being pulled tight. Below it a wide flat band sits across the hip and carries the skirt, and that band is where the shape of the dress actually comes from. The gathering at the shoulder lifts the neckline a little as well, which keeps the armhole close when you reach.

The skirt is gathered into it and falls in soft folds all the way to the ankle, with real pockets set into both side seams, deep enough to keep your hands in and not just a phone. The fabric is soft and moves easily, the neckline sits high and round, and the sleeveless cut keeps it wearable through heat. In pink, red, green, khaki or beige.

• Bodice: ruched at the side seams and shoulder
• Waist: wide flat band set below the natural waist
• Skirt: gathered and falling to the ankle
• Pockets: deep pockets in both side seams
• Neckline: high round neck with a sleeveless armhole