Solene Black & White Gingham Halter Maxi Dress

The Solene Maxi Halterneck Dress is a floor-length cotton dress in black and white gingham, with a halter neckline that ties behind the neck.

The front dips into a deep V, and the waist is ruched so it draws in before the skirt opens into an a-line. Because the neckline is tied rather than fixed, you set how high or low it sits. The skirt has functional pockets, which is rarer in a maxi than it should be. Closure is an invisible zip at the side, the dress is lined, and the gingham check keeps the black and white balanced across the whole length.

The a-line cut and the cotton make this the kind of maxi dress that works in heat: a long lunch outdoors, a summer wedding, a holiday evening by the water. Flat sandals or a simple wedge, a straw bag, sunglasses. Against a check this bold, keep everything else in one plain colour, and let the halter tie show by wearing hair up.