Story

I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on as if in pain.
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember,
And haply may forget.

– Christina Rossetti, 'Song'

Our classic shirtdress takes an elegiac turn this season with an elegant necktie, long poet sleeves, and a full, crisp-pleated skirt. Long the symbol of mournful sorrow, the Nightingale sings an achingly beautiful song, one that becomes yet more tender in the night.

Design Details

• Main: 100% cotton woven in Japan
• Lining: 100% cupro woven in Japan
• Designed, cut, and sewn in Arkansas, USA
• Shirtdress with neck tie and full pleated skirt
• Full button-front closure with snap at waist
• Hidden pockets in side seams
• Fully lined
• Measures 39" long from shoulder
• Hand wash cold, line dry, warm iron as needed (learn more about garment care here)

Materials

This dress is made of cotton chiffon woven in Japan. Lightweight, sheer, and with a characteristic dry hand and subtle crunch, this chiffon is a bit more rustic than a classic silk chiffon but no less lovely. It is dyed a true black.

The dress is lined with Bemberg cupro, also woven in Japan. If you've never worn this type of fabric, you're in for a treat: cupro has all the benefits of being a natural fiber — breathability, biodegradability, durability — in addition to all the benefits of a super silky lining fabric — anti-static, anti-cling, total opacity. Made from the leftover fibers (known as linter) from the cotton plant after the ginning process, cupro is super-sustainable too (a true zero-waste fiber!).

In addition to the fabric, this dress uses organic cotton thread, thirteen vintage mother of pearl buttons, one vintage metal snap, organic cotton interfacing, and cotton garment labels.

Fit

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

The Nightingale is fitted in the bust and the waist and free in the hips, so use both your bust and waist measurements when determining your size. If you fall in between sizes, particularly in the bust, I recommend sizing up to avoid any potential button gapping.

Sarah is wearing a size 4 and is 5'9" with a 33" bust, 24" waist, and 35" hip.