Poppy | Striped Cotton Shift Dress, Contrast-Trim V-Neck

The dress that looks like it booked the trip.

There's a particular feeling that only blue, white and a striped cotton dress can create — the kind where even your Tuesday errands feel like a Mediterranean morning. The Poppy is that dress. A relaxed straight cut in a soft cotton blend with vertical stripes, a V neckline with contrasting white trim that frames the face cleanly, and a horizontal striped border at the sleeves and hem that gives the whole thing a polished rather than basic feel. Mid-length sleeves, side pockets, above-the-knee length. The kind of dress you put on with flat sandals and statement earrings and look like you know exactly where you're going.

"I'd already named this one in my head before I even added it to the store. The contrast trim at the neckline and hem is what sets it apart from every other striped shift dress — it gives the dress a considered rather than printed feel. The cotton blend breathes well, the fit is relaxed without being shapeless, and the length lands right at the knee to work with flats as well as wedges. In light blue, it's the most classic — very Greek island, very natural. In yellow, it's the most joyful and summery. In pink, it's the softest and most unexpected. I'd wear all three." — Sarah Mitchell, founder of Valora New York

✔ Contrast trim at the V neckline — a crisp white trim that outlines the V neckline and creates a sharp graphic frame at the collarbone — the detail that gives this striped dress a styled rather than simple feel.

✔ Horizontal contrast border — the same white trim at the cuffs and hem ties the neckline detail together and gives the dress a cohesive finish from top to bottom.

✔ Vertical striped body — fine, even stripes running the full length of the dress, lengthening the silhouette while keeping the pattern clean and classic rather than bold.

✔ Mid-length sleeves — stop just below the elbow for ideal coverage in warm weather — cool enough for summer, present enough for a cool evening with no extra layer.

✔ Relaxed straight silhouette — straight on the body with light ease that skims without clinging, flattering on every size and comfortable all day with no need for adjusting.

✔ Three colours: light blue, yellow, pink — light blue is the most classic and versatile. Yellow is the boldest and most summery. Pink is the softest and photographs best in golden light.

Stripes. Contrast trim. The shift dress that already knows it's on holiday.