Brocade Strapless Floral Applique Dress

Applique is what separates a dress that looks expensive from a dress that looks printed. Instead of a pattern sitting flat on the surface, the flowers are worked onto the fabric so they stand slightly proud of it and catch the light from the side. Brocade puts that detail on a strapless silhouette and adds lace, which means the whole dress rewards a close look rather than just a passing one.

It is made from 100% polyester with no stretch, and the body is lined. Both of those facts matter on a strapless dress more than almost any other shape. The lining gives the bodice something to hold onto so it stays where you put it, and the absence of stretch is what keeps a strapless neckline from gradually working its way down over the course of an evening. A zipper handles the closure. Sizes run small through extra large, and the length sits at roughly 46 to 47 inches, with the full bust and waist numbers in the table below.

It comes in black, white and purple pink. The white leans bridal or occasion, the black turns it into an evening dress, and the purple pink lands somewhere celebratory in between. A heeled sandal is the natural partner. Keep jewelry to a minimum, since a bare neckline and applique detail already give the eye everything it needs, and take a wrap or a fine knit for the shoulders once the sun goes down.

Why you will love it

• Floral applique that stands proud of the fabric
• Lace detailing
• Strapless neckline
• Zipper closure
• Lined
• No stretch, which helps a strapless bodice stay put
• Material composition: 100% polyester
• Three colors: black, white and purple pink
• Available in sizes S, M, L and XL

Care

• Machine wash cold
• Tumble dry low