Long jacquard dress with a shirt collar

A covering ceremony dress, in jacquard with a raised floral motif, defined waist and a skirt flaring to the ankle.

This long dress plays on the material rather than on a print. The jacquard draws a raised floral motif, visible in the light, which gives the fabric body and holds the shape of the skirt. It is a piece designed for ceremonies: a wedding, a christening, an end-of-year dinner, anything that calls for a dressed-up outfit without bare skin.

The cut

The bodice is fitted and closed by a pointed shirt collar, extended by a small button placket with decorated buttons. The waist is underlined by a wide pleated and corded panel, which structures the silhouette with no added belt. Below, the skirt opens out in an A-line, very full, and falls below the ankle. The sleeves are long and fitted, with gathers at the sleeve head for a slight puff effect, and narrow cuffs.

How to wear it

• At a ceremony, with a court shoe or a fine-heeled sandal and a rigid clutch.
• The jewelled buttons stand in for jewellery: a necklace becomes superfluous — prefer discreet earrings.
• In winter, with a straight coat that follows the length, or a short blazer laid over the shoulders.
• In mid-season, with fine tights and a thin belt if you want the waist more defined.

The fabric

100% polyester woven in jacquard. The fabric is opaque, a little thick (about 950 g for the dress), and it creases little, which makes it a good dress for travelling or a long day. Polyester breathes less than natural fibres: in a heated room or in high summer, it is warm.

Key points

• Jacquard with a raised floral motif, no print
• Waist marked by a structured pleated panel
• Long flared skirt, below the ankle
• Long sleeves and a shirt collar: a covering ceremony outfit
• Opaque fabric that creases little, practical when travelling
• Decorated button detail that does away with jewellery

Fabric and care

Composition: 100% polyester. Jacquard weave with a raised floral motif. Garment weight: about 0.95 kg.

Care: Machine wash at 30 °C on a delicate programme, inside out, in a net bag. No bleach. Air dry on a hanger, or flat to avoid the weight of the skirt pulling on the shoulders. Drum drying is not advised. Iron at low temperature on the reverse, without pressing on the relief of the jacquard, or steam from a distance.

Size

Garment measurements taken flat, to be doubled for the full circumference. S: bust 80 cm, waist 66 cm, length 135 cm, sleeve 59 cm. M: bust 84 cm, waist 70 cm, length 136 cm, sleeve 60 cm. L: bust 88 cm, waist 74 cm, length 137 cm, sleeve 61 cm. XL: bust 92 cm, waist 78 cm, length 138 cm, sleeve 62 cm. 2XL: bust 96 cm, waist 82 cm, length 139 cm, sleeve 63 cm. The cut is fitted at the bust and the waist: if you are between two sizes or have a fuller bust, take the size up. The total length exceeds 135 cm: under 1.65 m, plan on a heel or a hem by a tailor. Tolerance of 2 to 4 cm, as the measurements are taken by hand.

Good to know

• Polyester — isn't that too synthetic for a dressed-up dress? The effect here comes from the jacquard weave, not from a shiny finish. The floral relief catches the light and gives a matte material with hold. In return, polyester breathes less than a natural fibre: in a heated room or in summer, you will be warmer than in cotton or viscose.
• Will the dress be too long for me? The total length runs from 135 cm in S to 139 cm in 2XL, measured from the shoulder to the hem. It is designed to fall below the ankle with a small heel. Under 1.65 m and without a heel, it risks trailing: shortening the hem is simple on this kind of flared skirt.
• Does a defined waist suit me if I am not very slim? The pleated panel is wide and firm: it holds the waist rather than compressing it, and the very full skirt that starts just below balances the hips. Go by the waist measurement given size by size and keep a few centimetres of ease to stay comfortable seated.