Rukmini Vasanth's Black Buckle Corset Dress — Club L London

Rukmini Vasanth went full noir for her "Back to Black" shoot in a black bardot midi dress from Club L London. The off-shoulder neckline sits straight across, and the fitted bodice is lined with hook-and-eye fastenings down the front and wrapped with buckle straps at the waist, giving it a corset feel without the stiffness of a real corset.

The sleeves are the twist. Sheer black mesh sleeves sit off the shoulder and run all the way to the wrist, so the look stays sultry but covered. Below the waist, the dress drops into a clean bodycon midi skirt that keeps all the attention on the hardware up top.

Stylists Aastha Sharma and Muskaan Matta kept everything else simple: black strappy heeled sandals from Oceedee, a soft messy updo with loose face-framing strands by Chakrapu Madhu, and glowing makeup by Nikita Shak. The whole look is one colour, and the texture comes from mesh, buckles and hooks.

If the Club L piece is hard to find, Angel Lane sells a near-identical version called the Chelsea Buckle Midi, with the same bardot neckline, buckle straps, hook detailing and mesh sleeves, in sizes XS to XL. It was on sale for $109 (down from $218) when we checked.

It works well for cocktail parties, birthday dinners, date nights and New Year's Eve. Stick to strappy black heels and small earrings, and pull your hair up so the neckline and shoulders stay visible.