The shift dress.

Simplicity at its finest.

Worn by Hollywood royalty, socialites and first ladies (on their husbands’ Parisian tours, where they are instantly adored by French diplomats).

Instant glamour. No need for embellishments: This is one of those cases in which ruffles and lace become immediately superfluous.

Simplicity the way a two-carat emerald pendant is simple, or the way Madison Avenue feels on a sundrenched afternoon in May.

It calls attention to you.

Try this with dark sunglasses and a modernized bouffant and see what sort of attention you create.

Iconic Shift Dress (No. 4240). Fully lined in silky stretch material. Scoop front neckline with V-shaped front bib. V-neck at back neckline. Back fitting darts. Invisible zipper and hook and eye at center back. Bra keepers. Knee length. Imported.

• (No. 4240). Fully lined in silky stretch material. Scoop front neckline with V-shaped front bib. V-neck at back neckline. Back fitting darts. Invisible zipper and hook and eye at center back. Bra keepers. Knee length. Women's sizes: 0 through 20. Colors: White, Black.