POL Ruffle Shirred V Neck Cotton Dress in Black

There is a particular kind of dress that solves the whole morning, and POL has made a very good one. It is cut in 100% cotton with a V neckline, short sleeves and a relaxed fit, then finished with gentle ruffle accents and shirring that give the fabric some texture to play with. Tiers fall through the skirt and the hem is left raw, which is a deliberate choice rather than an unfinished one and keeps the whole thing feeling easy instead of fussy.

Cotton is the reason to buy this one. It breathes in a way that synthetic fabric simply cannot, which matters enormously on a hot afternoon, and it only gets softer with washing. The supplier lists the fabric as slightly stretchy, and the body is not lined. Black is the colour, and in cotton it reads relaxed and everyday rather than formal, so it never looks like you are overdressed for the school run or a coffee.

Sizes run S, M and L. Bust measures 33 to 35 inches on a size S, 35 to 38 inches on an M and 38 to 40 inches on an L. The waist runs 25 to 27, 27 to 30 and 30 to 32 inches respectively, with the hip at 35 to 37, 37 to 40 and 40 to 42 inches. Those are generous ranges, which fits the relaxed cut. Wear it exactly as it is with flat sandals and no thought whatsoever, add a denim jacket and trainers when the morning is cool, or throw a cardigan over it in autumn and keep wearing it. Black cotton takes accessories well, so a tan belt, gold hoops or a bright bag will all shift it somewhere new without any effort at all.

Why you will love it

• Material composition: 100% COTTON
• Stretch: Slightly stretchy
• Body: Not lined
• Features: Tiered, Raw Hem
• V neckline with short sleeves and a relaxed fit
• Ruffle accents with shirring detail
• Sizes S, M and L in black

Care

• Machine wash cold.
• Tumble dry low.