Crisscross Back Slit Maxi Dress

The front of this dress is deliberately quiet so the back can do the talking. Straps cross over behind you, and a slit runs up the skirt to break the floor length line and let you move properly. It is a simple idea executed well, and it means the dress reads differently depending on which way you are facing, which is more than most long dresses manage.

The fabric is 95% polyester with 5% spandex, and the dress is partially lined, so it has coverage where it counts without the weight of a full lining. The maker specifies no stretch, which makes the size table the thing to go by rather than hoping it gives: the waist runs from 26 inches in a small to 31.9 inches in an extra large, the bust from 33.1 inches to 39.4 inches, and the hip from 36.2 inches to 42.5 inches. Length runs 53.9 inches through to 55.1 inches, so it falls long on most heights.

Wine red, green and black each take it somewhere different. Because the back is the feature, wearing your hair up is worth considering, and a low back means thinking about what you wear underneath. Heels and a small clutch is the straightforward evening route, while flat sandals soften it for a daytime wedding or a warm evening outdoors. Keep the jewellery minimal and let the crossover detail stay the point.

Why you will love it

• Crisscross back detail as the feature
• Slit for easier movement through a long skirt
• Partially lined
• Long length of roughly 54 to 55 inches
• Material composition: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
• Available in wine red, green and black, sizes S to XL

Care

• Machine wash cold
• Tumble dry low