Black crinkled taffeta top and skirt with silver piping

Both pieces are cut from black taffeta that has been crinkled into fine, irregular ridges, then traced with thin silver piping along every seam. The top has a round neck, a shaped, cropped hem and padded shoulders that stand out square before falling into long, full sleeves. A small opening shows at the side of the waist. The skirt is wrapped and draped on the bias so the hem rises high at the front and drops to mid-calf at the back.

It is an all-black outfit with a silver outline, which is the most architectural thing black can do. Wear it in autumn, winter and early spring to an opening, a late dinner or a long train journey worth dressing for, with black strappy heels and the hair long and straight. The texture means it never needs pressing, which helps on trains.

The waiting room was empty. I waited anyway, mostly for the light.