Burgundy pleated-sleeve knit top and ivory peplum skirt

The top is a fine ribbed knit in burgundy, fitted through the body, with a neckline that runs straight across on one side and dips to a narrow V on the other. The sleeves are a different fabric altogether: pleated burgundy satin cut full as bishop sleeves, gathered into a long ribbed cuff that sits over the wrist. The skirt is an ivory crepe pencil, high-waisted and knee-length, with a folded peplum that drapes from the waistband over one hip.

Tucked in, nothing over it, so the two colours split cleanly at the waist. It reads as office tailoring until the sleeves move. Autumn and winter, under a long black coat, with a pointed pump or a knee boot. The skirt wants a straight back and a slow walk.

I came in for one book. The sleeves took the whole aisle.