Ashton Navy Midi Dress, Pleated Hem

The Ashton is the navy dress every capsule wardrobe recommends and few execute this cleanly — a sweetheart midi with one pleated flourish at the hem.

The sweetheart neckline shapes the front between thin adjustable straps, while a shirred panel at the back keeps the fit adaptable. The invisible back zip closes with a hook and eye clasp, and the pleated hem feature gives the skirt its finishing movement. Partial lining keeps the drape light.

Navy at midi length is fluent in nearly every dress code: weddings with a nude heel, dinners with gold jewellery, christenings with a pale wrap. It also flatters every complexion the way black is promised to and navy quietly does better. Sophistication in every detail, as the dress says of itself — the Ashton just declines to make a fuss about it.