ELLEN | Sleeveless polka dot with a bow neck

Sleeveless, but high at the neck. I did not know that combination existed.

Sleeveless tops are usually sold with the neckline cut wide and low as well, as though the two things came as a set. They do not. What you want in August is air on your arms and nothing at all going on across the chest, and almost nobody makes that. So the summer gets done in short sleeves and you are warm. Ellen is the exception.

The neckline sits high and is finished with a long self-tie bow that falls down the front, which fills the whole upper chest and frames the collarbone rather than exposing it. The fabric is a lightweight woven with a smooth, silky surface and a soft drape, printed in navy with crisp white dots. The body is slightly relaxed and cut to tuck into a high waistband.

Why women our age keep coming back to it

• High neck with bare arms. The coverage is at the chest and the air is at the shoulder, which is the opposite of how most sleeveless tops are cut and the reason this one gets worn.
• The bow does the decorating. A long self-tie falling down the front fills the space a necklace would, and it can be tied loose or close depending on the day.
• Built to be tucked. The slightly relaxed torso is cut to go into a high waistband and give a defined waist, rather than hanging loose over it.
• Navy and white travels well. A classic dot goes to the office, to brunch and to a semi formal evening without anyone reading it differently.

Buy more, save more

• Buy 2 and save 10 percent
• Buy 3 and save 15 percent
• Buy 4 and save 20 percent

The discount is applied automatically at checkout.

How it fits

Ellen is slightly relaxed through the torso and runs true to size, in S through 2XL, in the one navy colorway. If you are between two sizes, take the larger one. Worth knowing before you order: it is designed to be tucked in, so the hem is cut short and it will not hang well left out. Wash in cold water, air dry, and iron on low if needed. The size chart has the flat measurements in inches.

30 days to change your mind

Send it back within 30 days for a full refund. There is no restocking fee and no questions about why.

A few recent reviews

Tucked into a navy skirt for a summer wedding and I was cool the entire afternoon.
Orpha B., Scottsdale

The bow is long. You can tie it small if that is too much, and I do.
Leta M., Tucson

It really does need tucking in. Read that part before you buy it.
Dorcas W., 64