Polka dot midi shirt dress with a pussy bow

A polka dot shirt dress, defined waist and flared skirt, worn to the office as well as out in the evening.

This shirt dress takes up the codes of the retro wardrobe: regular polka dots, a pointed collar extended by a long pussy bow, buttons running the full height. The fabric is fine and supple, it falls without stiffness and follows the movement.

The cut is fitted at the bust and the waist, where gathers placed on either side of the button placket release an A-line flared skirt. The midi length, between 130 and 134 cm depending on the size, stops below the knee. The long sleeves are slightly puffed at the shoulder and close with a buttoned cuff.

How to wear it

• Bow tied high and tight, court shoes or low-heeled ankle boots: an office silhouette.
• Bow untied and left hanging like a soft tie, white trainers: the relaxed version.
• A fine belt at the waist to define it further, or an open trench over the top in mid-season.
• Two or three of the lower buttons undone to free the leg and lighten your stride.

The details that count

• Pussy bow collar: a long panel of fabric you tie as you like, or let fall.
• Full button front: the dress goes on like a shirt, without pulling it over your head, and adjusts from the collar to the hem.
• Waist gathers: they create the skirt's volume without adding bulk to the silhouette.
• Plain back, with no fastening or visible vent.

The fabric is fine and non-stretch: it does not give with wear, but nor does it make up for a size that is too tight. Refer to the size guide before ordering.

Key points

• Pointed shirt collar and pussy bow you tie to your taste
• Waist defined by gathers, A-line flared skirt
• Midi length below the knee, covering and easy to wear
• Buttons running the full height: simple to put on, adjustable neckline
• Long, slightly puffed sleeves, buttoned cuffs
• Fine, supple fabric, suited to spring and autumn

Fabric and care

Composition: Fine woven fabric, supple to the touch, fluid and non-stretch, unlined. The exact composition has not been communicated to us by the workshop: the label sewn inside the garment is authoritative.

Care: Machine wash at 30 °C on a delicate programme, in a net bag to protect the bow and the buttons. No tumble dryer: the fabric is fine and could mark. Dry flat or on a hanger, buttons fastened, to limit creasing. Iron at low temperature on the reverse, or steam from a distance on the collar and the bow.

Size

Measurements taken flat, in centimetres, tolerance of 2 to 3 cm (measured by hand). S: bust 94, waist 72, length 130, sleeve 60. M: bust 98, waist 76, length 131, sleeve 61. L: bust 102, waist 80, length 132, sleeve 62. XL: bust 106, waist 84, length 133, sleeve 63. 2XL: bust 110, waist 88, length 134, sleeve 64. The cut is fitted and the fabric is not stretch: if your bust or waist measurement sits at the top of the range, take the size up. The length is designed for a height of about 1.65 m to 1.70 m; above that, the dress will fall at the knee instead.

Good to know

• Is the dress see-through? The fabric is fine and unlined. In the lighter shades, nude underwear or a short slip remains preferable in bright light. In the dark colourways, the question does not arise.
• Is the pussy bow removable? No, it is sewn to the collar. It can, however, be worn several ways: a tight bow, a soft loop, or simply left to fall down the front like a tie.
• Can I wear it at the office all day? Yes. The midi length and the long sleeves cover well, the buttons let you adjust the neckline and the flared skirt leaves ease for sitting and walking. The fabric takes few creases from sitting.