Fabrics we love, and why

Washed satin, silk chiffon and a good crepe: what each one does, how it moves and how to look after it.

Start with the occasion

Where are you going, and how long will you be there? A dress for a dinner that runs late needs to sit well when you are seated, and one for a garden party needs to move in the wind. Think of the evening before the colour.

Then the fit

Look at the shoulder and the waist first: a hem can be taken up in an afternoon, a shoulder rarely. Our product pages list every garment's measurements, so you can compare with a piece you already love.

• Lay a favourite dress flat and measure it.
• Between two sizes, take the larger for a relaxed fit.
• Ask us: we answer sizing questions within a working day.

Care makes it last

Most of our dresses prefer a cool hand wash or a gentle cycle, dried flat and steamed rather than ironed.

Buy fewer pieces, choose them well, and wear them often.

Questions

Write to us and a stylist answers within a working day.