Story

The Celeste is all about simple, clean lines ... and ruffly sleeves. A dress that is simultaneously understated and fun, it balances a classic shift silhouette with a button-cinched keyhole back and ruffly three-quarter length sleeves. The sleeves are created by sewing a circle-shaped piece of fabric onto a regular sleeve, which essentially creates a miniature circle skirt for your elbows. (Something I'm sure you never realized you needed until now.)

Design Details

• Main fabric: 100% organic cotton
• Lining: 100% organic cotton
• Designed, cut, and sewn in Arkansas, USA
• Shift silhouette with subtle high-low hem
• Fully lined
• Three-quarter length sleeves with ruffled hem
• Keyhole back with vintage mother-of-pearl button closure
• Measures 35" long
• Hand wash cold, line dry, warm iron as needed (learn more about garment care here)

Materials

This dress is made of 100% organic cotton double gauze. Double gauze is one of my all-time favorite materials; it's composed of two layers of gauze that have been tacked together, creating an unbelievably soft, breathable, yet opaque fabric. Double gauze is light and airy and is one of those fabrics that, like linen, is wrinkle-prone (even freshly pressed, you're still going to have a garment that looks lived-in, such as in the product photos), but that's part of what makes the fabric so great to those who love it — it's soft and rumpled and worn in, like a cozy old blanket.

This particular double gauze is a shade of purplish misty gray with small white polka dots scattered throughout. The color pairs well with white, navy, and our Aegean Twill fabric.

The dress is lined with 100% organic cotton double gauze, produced in India, that I have hand-dyed a shade of light grey using fiber-reactive dyes. It is somehow even softer and flowier than the outer layer of double gauze.

In addition to the fabric, this style uses 100% organic cotton thread, one vintage mother-of-pearl button, and organic cotton labels.

Fit

Take a look at our Size Guide to find your size.

The Celeste is most fitted in the bust area, so use your bust measurement when determining your size. If your bust measurement falls in between sizes, or if you want a dress with a bit more room, I recommended sizing up.

Alyssa is wearing a size Small and is 5'8" with a 35" bust, 26" waist, and 37" hip.