Emerald satin high-neck blouse with black tailored trousers

An emerald green satin blouse with a high mock neck, gathered at the collar so the fabric falls in soft pleats across the bodice, long bishop sleeves closed with a narrow buttoned cuff. It is tucked into black tailored trousers with a high waist, a flat front, side pockets and a pressed crease down a straight leg. A camel wool coat sits on the shoulders, arms out of the sleeves.

This is the one piece of colour I allow in a working week, and satin makes it count: the green moves with the light, the black below it does not. Spring and autumn, a quick stop at the florist between two appointments. The coat over the shoulders is a cheat that works; it comes off the second the room is warm. Keep the trousers long and the shoe pointed.

I bought flowers for the apartment. The blouse got more attention than the flowers. Correct.