Got You Covered

WHY WE LOVE IT

Concealment of flesh, but not the body, is the mood. Long fitted sleeves, high armholes, and supple or playful fabrics keep this exercise in restraint from appearing monastic. When a low-cut gown teases with a sheer turtleneck underneath, the slightest glimpse of skin turns highly erotic. It's the exact opposite of red-carpet flash.

HOW TO WEAR IT
Too much coverage may make you look too much like a sister wife. Instead, combine complementary fabrics, like sheer with textured. Gowns can cling to the waist, but then flow. If you're younger, opt for a T and skinny pants as a base for layers. If older, go for a uniform look, top to bottom. This cerebral take on dressing rejects colorful makeup. Go soft and pretty.

Photos: (left to right) Rodarte, Victoria Beckham, Proenza Schouler, Band of Outsiders

Strong & Dickerson Skirt

Pencil skirt, Strong & Dickerson, $275; stronganddickerson.com.

Steven Alan Skirt

Cotton skirt, Steven Alan, $210; stevenalan.com.

White House Black Market Dress

Polyester-spandex dress, White House Black Market, $168; whbm.com.

True Religion Boots

Leather boots, True Religion, $325; truereligionbrandjeans.com.

Wooden Ships by Paola Buendia Gloves

Wool-acrylic mohair gloves, Wooden Ships by Paola Buendia, $30/pair; 888-717-6700.

Rebecca Minkoff Dress and Paul & Joe Turtleneck

Silk dress, Rebecca Minkoff, $798; rebeccaminkoff.com.

Cotton Turtleneck, Paul amp Joe, $210; 310-270-4620.

Theyskens' Theory Shirt

Cotton shirt, Theyskens' Theory, $345; neimanmarcus.com.