Long black dress with a two-piece effect

One dress, two looks: a double-breasted tailored bodice and a fluid pleated skirt down to the calf.

This long dress plays the false two-piece card: a bodice in the manner of a double-breasted jacket, a pleated skirt that falls straight. Everything is made up in a single piece, with a waist seam that cleanly separates the two worlds. You pull it on, you fasten the belt, and it is ready.

The cut

The bodice is fitted and shaped at the waist, with a short flared peplum that opens over the hips. The tailored collar with straight lapels and the double row of buttons structure the shoulders. The fine belt with a metal buckle, supplied, marks the waist without gripping. Below, the sunray-pleated skirt stays full and mobile, with an undulating hem.

The long sleeves are set in with clean cuffs, with no opening. The total length runs from 127 cm in S to 131 cm in 2XL, that is a mid-calf to ankle height depending on your build.

The fabrics

The top is made in a matte woven fabric, non-stretch, which holds the line of the collar and lapels. The skirt is in a light pleated voile, slightly see-through in the lower part: the pleats stay supple and follow the movement. A slip or a short underskirt is advised if you prefer full opacity.

How to wear it

• At the office: court shoes or low-heeled ankle boots, fine earrings, nothing more.
• In the evening: high heels, a clutch, and keep the whole thing black.
• In mid-season: a long coat or a belted trench over the top, the line stays clean.
• To break up the dressed-up side: low trainers and a short leather jacket.

Care

The pleating calls for a little attention. Hand wash in cold water, no bleach, dry on a hanger so the pleats take their place again, and iron at low temperature only if necessary. Dry cleaning is to be avoided.

Key points

• A two-piece effect without having to match a top and a bottom
• Double-breasted tailored bodice that structures the shoulders and the waist
• Fluid sunray-pleated skirt, mid-calf to ankle length
• Fine belt with a metal buckle supplied with the dress
• Plain black, easy to accessorise from the office to the evening
• Five sizes from S to 2XL, with detailed measurements stated

Fabric and care

Composition: Bodice in matte non-stretch woven fabric, skirt in a light pleated voile, semi-sheer in the lower part. The exact fibre composition has not been communicated by the manufacturer; we prefer not to invent it.

Care: Hand wash in cold water. No bleach. Dry on a hanger, away from direct sunlight, to preserve the pleating. Iron at low temperature if needed, without dwelling on the skirt. Dry cleaning is not advised.

Size

Garment measurements taken flat, tolerance of 1 to 3 cm. S: bust 86 cm, waist 72 cm, shoulders 38 cm, sleeve 60 cm, length 127 cm. M: 90 / 76 / 39 / 61 / 128 cm. L: 94 / 80 / 40 / 62 / 129 cm. XL: 98 / 84 / 41 / 63 / 130 cm. 2XL: 102 / 88 / 42 / 64 / 131 cm. The bodice is not stretch and the cut is fitted: if your bust or waist measurement is close to the upper limit, take the size up.

Good to know

• Is the skirt see-through? The pleated voile lets a little light through in its lower part. In the photos, the effect stays discreet. If you want full opacity in all circumstances, wear a short underskirt or a black slip.
• Is hand washing a nuisance? It is what we recommend to preserve the sunray pleating, which copes poorly with the drum. A bath of cold water, a rinse without wringing, then drying on a hanger are enough: the pleats fall back into place on their own.
• Does the cut run small? The bodice is fitted and the fabric has no elastane. Compare your bust and waist measurements with the table, which is taken flat. If you hesitate between two sizes, take the larger for comfort across the shoulders and arms.