THE ONE YOU BUY IN ONE COLOUR
AND COME BACK FOR IN THREE

Every wardrobe needs a few things that ask nothing of you, and Sylvia is one of them. It goes with the jeans, the trousers, the skirt you have not worn since spring. Wear it on its own on a mild day or under a cardigan when the evening turns, and it looks equally at home either way. Most women buy one, wear it to death, then quietly order two more.

WHY THE SYLVIA?

The neckline is the whole trick:A soft V opens things up at the collarbone and lengthens the line rather than closing you in. It also gives a necklace somewhere sensible to sit, which round necks never quite manage.

Close, but never clinging:It follows the shape without gripping at the waist or riding up when you reach across the table. Long sleeves stay where you put them, and there is nothing to tug at all day.

It layers or it stands alone:Under a cardigan, under a jacket, or by itself with the sleeves pushed back. That flexibility is why it tends to end up in the case whenever you pack.

Thirteen colours, which is rather a lot:Black, Beige, Grey, Brown, Khaki and Blue for every day, then Claret, Purple, Dark Blue, Green, Army Green, Light Green and Sky Blue when you want something with a bit more in it. The Claret is the one people mention.

Honest sizing, UK 8 to XXL:Sizes run UK 8, UK 10, UK 12 to 14, UK 16 and XXL. Take your usual, or size up if you prefer a little more ease through the middle.