Neck and Neck

There is something very calm about a dress that goes all the way up to the jaw. A funnel or mock neck covers you completely, then lets the shape of the dress do the talking, which is why it looks so good under a long coat when it is freezing out.

None of these are sweater dresses. They are jersey, crepe and lace, so they stay smooth and light enough for heated rooms.

The easy ones. A black mesh sleeve, a rust jersey, a chocolate sleeveless with a funnel that falls in soft folds, and a deep green tailored style with a keyhole.

Look for a collar that stands up on its own. If it slumps over in the photo, it will slump on you too.

Pass on very thin jersey in pale colours; every seam underneath shows through.

Gathers across the middle are the most forgiving detail a fitted dress can have. Burgundy, espresso, navy and a peacock blue with a high slit for evenings.

My test: sit down in it. Good ruching stays in place; cheap ruching slides and bunches at the hip.

I would skip any version where the gathers are only stitched at one side seam, because the fabric twists by lunch.

For when the high neck needs to feel like an occasion. A floral lace midi and a metallic knit that catches the light.

Check the zip. On a high neck it should run cleanly to the top without a gap at the back of the neck.

Leave it if the lace has no lining at all; it reads more lingerie than dinner.

Knee boots and a long coat for day, a slim heel and bare skin at the wrist for night. Skip the necklace and let the collar be the jewellery.