Burgundy ruffle top in satin and velvet with a tweed skirt

A sleeveless top in burgundy with a short mandarin collar, built from layered ruffles that run on the diagonal from the collar to the hem: satin on one layer, velvet on the next, the two finishes alternating so the light catches one and sinks into the other. The hem finishes in a point at the front. The skirt is a box-pleated midi in taupe tweed with a flat waistband and deep, pressed pleats, falling to the calf.

Ruffles are usually a soft decision. Here they are a structural one: the top stands away from the body and the tweed holds the floor. Early autumn and spring, warm light through dirty glass, a lunch, a studio visit, an office that does not mind velvet. A thin black sandal; a flat would also do. Hair down, arms out.

A greenhouse in September. I wore velvet. We have discussed this.