Sweetheart Keyhole Lace Trim Maxi Dress

Butter yellow is a difficult colour to get right and this maxi gets it right by keeping everything else quiet. The sweetheart neckline is edged in a narrow band of lace, the straps are fine enough to leave the shoulders clear, and a small keyhole sits at the centre front where the bodice meets the skirt. Nothing competes; each detail has room to be seen.

Through the body the dress is fitted to the waist and then falls away in a clean A-line, which is the shape that carries a floor length without adding bulk. The lace trim is stitched flat rather than gathered, so it lies smooth against the bust instead of standing away from it. The keyhole is small and finished on both faces, a detail you notice up close rather than across a room. Fabric weight matters at this length and the cloth here has enough body to keep the A-line from collapsing between the hip and the floor.

It is built for the long formal end of the calendar, weddings through to seated dinners, and the size run is broad enough to make that practical: US 0 to US 18. The soft yellow reads warm under evening light and photographs without going flat. Pair it with metallic sandals and a small clutch, or a fine gold chain and nothing else.

• Sweetheart neckline finished with flat-stitched lace trim
• Small keyhole cutout at the centre front, neatened on both faces
• Fine adjustable spaghetti straps
• Fitted bodice releasing into a floor-length A-line skirt
• Colourway: butter Yellow
• Sizes US 0 to US 18
• Care: gentle dry clean to protect the lace trim

SIZE CHART

When in doubt, size up for extra comfort and a perfect fit.