White Cotton Anglaise Midi Dress by Camellia

The Camellia Midi Dress is a white cotton dress at mid-calf length, worked with an embroidered anglaise overlay so the surface is patterned rather than plain. It is a summer dress that is dressed up just enough.

The neckline is a V with an overlay crossing it, which gives the bodice a layered, folded look rather than a single straight edge. Sleeves are short, ending high on the arm. The skirt is cut as an A-line, so it widens from the waist and swings when you walk, and an invisible zip at the side closes the dress without interrupting the embroidery. The anglaise overlay is the decorative feature, and the dress is lined beneath it so the openwork stays opaque.

As a white cotton midi dress, the Camellia goes to daytime things: a christening, a summer lunch, a garden party, a holiday dinner on a terrace. Tan sandals or plain espadrilles suit the cotton, and a woven bag adds texture without competing with the embroidery. Gold hoops warm the white, and the A-line skirt means you will not miss the movement of a longer dress.