Sleeveless shift dresses in black and white rib knit
Our sleeveless shift dress exists in two colors, white and black, and both are midis in rib knit. There are just these two, and we’d rather say so now. Each has a round neck and bare arms, so it’s a dress you build outfits on.
Closer to the body than a classic shift
By the book, a shift drops in a straight line from the shoulders. Ours don’t quite do that. Rib knit stretches and follows the figure, so the line comes out clean with no extra folds, and the cut is nearer to a long tank dress. If you want room around the waist, that’s good to know before you order. If you like a simple column that moves with you, either one will suit you.
The hem is a true midi. It covers the knee, and on the black dress it meets calf-high boots nicely once the weather turns. We sew both as year-round styles, not summer ones.
Layers for the white dress and the black one
Bare arms are the point. They leave space for whatever goes under or over. In fall we’d put a thin turtleneck beneath the white dress and a long cardigan or a trench on top. For the office, a dark blazer and loafers do the job. White sneakers take it through a Saturday, and silver jewelry suits white rib better than chunky gold.
What about the black? Try a white shirt underneath and a straight-cut blazer, and you can walk into work like that. On weekends it goes with a denim jacket and sneakers. A thin belt marks the waist more clearly, and for dinner we’d add hoop earrings and low-heeled pumps. The rib texture keeps black from looking flat, which is why such a plain sleeveless shift dress doesn’t ask for much.
Fit notes from the people who sew it
We make the pair in XS to XL. Rib sits on the body, so take your bust and hip measurements and see where they fall on the size chart. For reference, S lines up with a US 4. Can’t decide between neighbors on the chart? Message us your measurements and we’ll name the one to take.
Under the white dress, choose seamless underwear in a skin tone.
With only two dresses here, the next step is short. Pick your color, then look at our other shift dresses or more styles without sleeves if you’d like a different length or fabric.
Frequently asked questions
Does a sleeveless shift dress pass at the office?
Yes, with a blazer over it. The midi hem covers your knees, and a dark jacket with loafers makes it work-ready.
How should I wash rib knit?
Choose hand washing or the machine’s delicate program, with the dial no higher than 30 °C and the spin at its lowest. Dry it flat so the knit doesn’t stretch.
Will these two work in cold weather?
They will, with layers. A thin turtleneck goes under, and a long cardigan with lace-up boots suits the black one when it gets cold.
Do you make this cut with sleeves?
Not this exact pair. If you want your arms covered, see the shift dresses with long sleeves.
