Annika Maxi Dress

The Annika is pistachio gelato as a dress, and a pale green formal dress this soft needs a strong bodice to anchor it. Intricate scalloped lace does that job, with openwork medallions that make the top feel handed down rather than bought.

Below it, yards of chiffon drift instead of hang. Spaghetti straps and an empire waist keep the weight off your shoulders from the first hour to the last.

It suits a resort dinner, a garden wedding or a rooftop birthday without changing a thing. That is a rare range for one gown.