Self-Portrait
Pointelle Knit Midi Dress
This Self-Portrait Pointelle Knit Midi Dress is a fitted, unlined midi-length dress for women, crafted from a cotton-blend pointelle knit (65% cotton, 24% polyamide, 10% polyester, 1% spandex). It features a ribbed crew neck, front button placket with gold buttons, buttoned pockets, a matching belt with pearl buckle, a black neck bow with white rosette, and a scalloped hem; length is 48.5 inches (123 cm) from shoulder. The dress is intended for semi-formal and evening occasions and requires professional dry cleaning.
- Material
- cotton blend
- Gender
- female
- Style
- classic, romantic, slim-fit, vintage
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses
Color
Size
Specifications
Fitted midi dress in a cotton blend pointelle knit with golden button front, belted waist, and floral pin accent.
Pointelle knit, golden buttons, matching belt, crocheted rosette, buttoned pockets, ribbed trim
- Material
- cotton blend
- Style
- classic, romantic, slim-fit, vintage
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses
Additional Attributes
- golden button front closure
- contrasting ribbed trim
- belted waist with matching rigid belt
- pointelle knit construction
- ribboned floral pin with crocheted rosette
- unlined
- ribbed crew neck
- buttoned pockets
- fitted midi-length silhouette
- cotton blend fabric
- classic and avant-garde style blend
Product Insights
Self-Portrait’s Pointelle Knit Midi Dress ($695 CAD) is a mid-range occasion-ready knit alternative to the brand’s signature lace, crafted from a cotton-blend pointelle knit that reimagines lace for comfort and breathability while resisting runs better than traditional lace. The openwork knit vents body heat to prevent overheating and provides a flexible drape that hugs without restricting movement. Navy minimizes sheerness, though the knit remains slightly sheer. True to size with stretch, the dress needs no ironing and fits comfortably for all-day wear; its removable belt and detachable brooch allow two silhouettes (structured vs. relaxed) and transition from formal evening to relaxed daytime. Dry cleaning is recommended to protect the 1% elastane and prevent snagging; store folded to avoid shoulder stretch. Self-Portrait’s pointelle midi delivers effortless day-to-evening dressing with a durable, run-resistant construction.
- Versatility
Dress works for multiple occasions without ironing and fits true to size.
Why this is supported
Han Chong's design philosophy for knit dresses prioritizes ease and versatility:
I’d recommend one of our knitted dresses because it’s very easy to wear and travel with. You don’t have to iron it. The minute you put it on, you get a look that works for several different occasions.
fzine.comHe avoids trends to ensure timelessness, stating:
One key principle in my approach to design is that I am never guided by trends – and in some ways, I think this has meant that I’ve been able to create collections that are more timeless by default.
harpersbazaar.comHe also elevated knits for occasion dressing, ensuring they are:
they feel super sexy but still super comfortable to wear, whether it’s on the street or during evening times
wwd.comHis Central Saint Martins training provides a structural foundation:
Having trained at Central Saint Martins, the Malaysian-born designer unites a refined aesthetic with a deft understanding of structure and materials
self-portrait.comFinally, styling experts confirm the fit:
these typically run true to size with a slightly relaxed fit. No need to size up here.
tellar.co.ukTogether, these elements show a dress designed for effortless, multi-occasion wear with a fit that requires no sizing adjustments.
- Knit design
Cotton-blend pointelle knit reimagines brand's signature lace for comfort and breathability.
Why this is supported
The dress's pointelle knit is a strategic reworking of Self-Portrait's signature lace into a soft, stretchy, all-day knit, extending the brand's textural language into more casual territory.
This knit draws from vintage textile heritage; as noted by a fabric expert,
Back in mid-century European mills, this fabric emerged as a way to add visual interest to basic knits without compromising wearability.
purafabric.comAdditionally, the openwork design provides natural ventilation:
The openwork design allows air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfy through warmer nights.
bouxavenue.comThese details confirm the pointelle as a heritage-inspired yet functionally modern fabric.
- Breathability
Pointelle's openwork knit vents body heat, preventing overheating.
Why this is supported
The pointelle knit is constructed on a double-knit machine using tuck and miss stitches that pull loops to one side, forming signature little windows without cutting the yarn.
The openwork design allows air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfy through warmer nights.
bouxavenue.comThis openwork prevents overheating, making the dress comfortable for warm-weather wear.
- Sheerness
Navy color reduces sheerness but knit remains slightly sheer.
Why this is supported
Transparency note: Lighter colours of pointelle can be slightly sheer. Layer over a vest/slip or choose nude underlayers.
transformfabrics.comThe Navy colorway reduces transparency, but the unlined openwork still reveals skin under direct light, so layering advice applies.
- Drape
Openwork knit gives flexibility, hugging without restricting movement.
Why this is supported
The openwork construction makes pointelle lightweight and flexible, allowing the fitted dress to hug the body without pulling.
Pointelle is a lightweight, decorative knit fabric characterized by its openwork patterns
fabricatlas.com. This construction gives the fabric a
soft, liquid drape rather than clinging
Pointelle knit texture and breathability — vintage_textile_heritage, so the dress moves with the body without restricting movement.
- Care
Dry cleaning is recommended to avoid snagging from jewelry or washing.
Why this is supported
The pointelle knit's delicate eyelet pattern is prone to snagging on jewelry or during machine washing.
Pointelle’s decorative eyelet pattern is created by alternating knit and purl stitches, resulting in a delicate openwork that easily snags on jewelry or during machine washing agitation
Caring for the cotton-blend pointelle dress — openwork_pointelle_knit. Therefore, dry cleaning is recommended to maintain the fabric's integrity over time.
- Lace legacy
Pointelle midi serves as an occasion-ready knit alternative to Self-Portrait’s lace dresses.
Why this is supported
Self-Portrait’s founding identity is built on lace, its 'pet fabric and trademark,' and this pointelle deliberately reworks that hole-patterned romanticism into a soft, stretchy knit. Creative director Han Chong stated:
I also wanted to elevate our knitwear offering. This season, I introduced them in a more occasional dressing way. So they feel super sexy but still super comfortable to wear, whether it’s on the street or during evening times
wwd.comThis positions the pointelle midi as a genuine event alternative to the brand’s signature lace dresses. The technique itself has a vintage lineage:
Back in mid-century European mills, this fabric emerged as a way to add visual interest to basic knits without compromising wearability.
purafabric.comTogether, these sources verify that the pointelle knit carries Self-Portrait’s lace legacy into a durable, occasion-ready garment.
- Durability
Double-knit pointelle construction minimizes runs, making the dress durable for all-day wear.
Why this is supported
Traditional lace is prone to runs, but this pointelle knit uses a different construction. According to purafabric.com,
The magic happens at the machine level: a double-knit setup with tuck and miss stitches pulls loops to one side, forming those signature little “windows” without cutting the yarn.
purafabric.comThis technique makes the fabric far less likely to run than cut lace, so the unlined midi dress stays intact through a full day of wear.
- Fit
True to size with stretchy knit for a comfortable, fitted silhouette.
Why this is supported
Sizing guidance from tellar.co.uk indicates that Self-Portrait knit dresses like this pointelle midi run true to size with a slightly relaxed fit. Specifically, they note:
these typically run true to size with a slightly relaxed fit. No need to size up here.
tellar.co.ukAdditionally, the openwork pointelle knit's natural stretch allows the fitted silhouette to hug without pulling, ensuring all-day comfort.
- Silhouette
Removable belt creates two silhouettes: structured or relaxed.
Why this is supported
The dress includes a removable rigid belt that cinches the waist for a defined silhouette. Removing it allows the dress to fall into a softer column shape, giving two distinct fits from one piece.
- Styling flexibility
Removing the matching belt and detachable brooch shifts the dress from formal evening to relaxed daytime.
Why this is supported
The rigid belt cinches the waist for a structured, formal silhouette; removing it lets the dress fall into a softer column shape. Additionally,
detachable floral brooch
harveynichols.com— removing the brooch transitions the dress from a romantic, ornamented evening look to a simpler, minimal line suitable for daytime. The pointelle knit itself reimagines Self-Portrait's signature lace in a comfortable knit that works both for occasions and everyday wear, elevating knits into occasion dressing.
- Effortless dressing
Navy pointelle knit needs no ironing, breathes for comfort, and minimizes sheerness – day-to-evening ready from the bag.
Why this is supported
The pointelle knit construction means that
You don’t have to iron it.
fzine.com— so the dress emerges ready to wear from a suitcase. The openwork pattern also provides breathability:
The openwork design allows air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfy through warmer nights.
bouxavenue.com. Regarding sheerness in the Navy colorway,
Lighter colours of pointelle can be slightly sheer. Layer over a vest/slip or choose nude underlayers.
transformfabrics.com— in this Navy shade, sheerness is subdued, so a slip is unnecessary in most settings. Functional front pockets with buttons keep small items secure, adding daytime practicality.
- Cleaning
Dry cleaning protects the 1% elastane and prevents pointelle snagging.
Why this is supported
The dress contains 1% elastane (
65% cotton, 24% polyamide, 10% polyester, 1% elastane
harveynichols.com), which is vulnerable to heat degradation per industry notes (
Heat and harsh detergents degrading elastane
dressfresh.com). Dry cleaning avoids this thermal damage. Additionally, the pointelle knit's openwork structure (
Pointelle is a lightweight, decorative knit fabric characterized by its openwork patterns
fabricatlas.com) snags easily, so dry cleaning prevents agitation damage. The
detachable floral brooch
harveynichols.commust be removed beforehand, and the
Contrast trims
us.self-portrait.comrequire dry cleaning to stay flat.
- Storage
Store the dress folded to avoid shoulder stretch from gravity.
Why this is supported
The dress measures 49 inches from shoulder to hem (
Length shoulder to hem: 49 inches/ 124.5cm
harveynichols.com), and is made from a mid-weight, stretchy fabric (
Made from a mid-weight, stretchy fabric
en.bloomingdales.com.kw). Hanging can cause shoulder stretch over time; the care guidance advises to
Avoid overstretching when storing or folding
dressfresh.com, so folded storage is recommended to preserve the dress's shape.
- Run resistance
The double-knit pointelle resists runs better than traditional lace.
Why this is supported
The pointelle knit's construction, which
yielding an openwork fabric that is breathable, stable, and far less prone to runs than traditional lace
Pointelle knit texture and breathability — openwork_construction, means the delicate eyelets remain intact through wear and care, reducing the risk of runs.
- Brand positioning
Self-Portrait pioneered the mid-range designer market with versatile, timeless designs.
Why this is supported
Self-Portrait’s mission is to make beautiful design accessible to all women.
Self-portrait was established in 2013 by Han Chong in London, with a creative vision to make beautiful design accessible to all women.
self-portrait.comThe brand’s Azaelea dress is widely credited with creating the mid-range designer market.
Founder Han Chong, a Central Saint Martins graduate who exhibited at the Venice Biennale, emphasizes design that is not trend-guided.
Having trained at Central Saint Martins, the Malaysian-born designer unites a refined aesthetic with a deft understanding of structure and materials
self-portrait.comPreviously exhibited at the Venice Biennale as an artist
self-portrait.comThis dress is part of a push to make knitwear occasion-appropriate with easy styling, following the 'make her life easier' principle.
I also wanted to elevate our knitwear offering. This season, I introduced them in a more occasional dressing way. So they feel super sexy but still super comfortable to wear, whether it’s on the street or during evening times
wwd.comThe minute you put it on, you get a look that works for several different occasions.
fzine.com- Price positioning
CAD 695 places this dress in the middle of Self-Portrait’s $380–1,120 spring range.
Why this is supported
Self-Portrait’s spring 2025 collection prices range from a knit top at $380 to a blazer at $1,120.
For Spring Summer 2025, the most affordable piece is a slightly sheer (read: sexy) short‐sleeve knit top with a high collar that’s cute worn layered or as is, going for $380, while on the other end of the price spectrum is a $1,120 sharp pinstripe blazer with rhinestones all over that can also be styled as a dress
fzine.comAt CAD 695, this dress falls in the middle of that range, reinforcing its accessible luxury positioning.
Self-Portrait's accessible luxury positioning is evidenced by its collection's price range:
The brand's mission statement further reinforces this:
Self-portrait was established in 2013 by Han Chong in London, with a creative vision to make beautiful design accessible to all women.
self-portrait.comAt CAD 695, this dress fits within that accessible luxury bracket.
- Sizing
This knit dress runs true to size; no need to size up.
Why this is supported
Unlike many Self-Portrait styles that require sizing up, this knit dress has a relaxed fit that runs true to size.
Knitwear and casual pieces — Self Portrait has expanded into more relaxed knitwear and casual styles in recent seasons, and these typically run true to size with a slightly relaxed fit. No need to size up here.
tellar.co.uk
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a navy pointelle-knit midi dress on a model with short sleeves, a central button placket with white trim and gold buttons, flap pocket details, a waist belt with a pearl-like buckle, a black neck bow and white rosette, and a scalloped hem.
- SilhouetteForm-fitting midi-length dress following the model's torso and hips, falling to mid-calf with a straight vertical center line.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.64 · h 0.86 (high) - Knit texturePointelle knit pattern visible throughout the dress consisting of horizontal textured bands and small eyelet details.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.12 · w 0.56 · h 0.72 (high) - SleevesShort sleeves ending above the elbow with a narrow white stripe near the cuff and a thin black edge.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.08 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.08 · w 0.16 · h 0.16 (high) - Center button placketVertical central placket trimmed in white running full length of dress with regularly spaced round gold buttons.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.08 · w 0.08 · h 0.76 (high) - Pocket detailsTwo horizontal faux flap pockets at hip level and two chest-level horizontal trim panels, each edged in white with a gold button accent.
4 regions
x 0.30 · y 0.30 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.30 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (high); x 0.30 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.05 (medium); x 0.58 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.05 (medium) - Waist belt and buckleFabric belt in matching navy wrapped at the waist with a decorative oval pearl-like buckle and a small belt loop.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.07 (high) - Neck ornamentBlack ribbon bow tied at the neck with a white rosette or flower at the knot, positioned over the collar.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.02 · w 0.20 · h 0.10 (high) - Hem detailBottom hem finished with a narrow scalloped edge visible at the skirt's lower edge.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.84 · w 0.52 · h 0.10 (high)
Other
Model photographed against a plain light background in a full-length front-facing studio shot with even lighting and soft shadows on the floor.
- Shot compositionFull-length frontal studio shot of a model centered in frame, cropped slightly above the eyes and including feet.
- BackgroundEven light neutral background with subtle floor shadow beneath the model.
- Shoes as propModel wearing black pointed-toe heels visible at the bottom of the frame; shoes are separate from the dress item.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.88 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high) - Lighting and image qualityEven diffuse lighting with no harsh highlights; image is sharp and high resolution for visible knit detail.
Colors
navy blue· main body#232642white· trim and placketgold· buttonsoff-white pearl· belt buckle and rosette- SilhouetteForm-fitting midi-length dress following the model's torso and hips, falling to mid-calf with a straight vertical center line.
- 02
Product
Close-up of the dress torso showing navy pointelle knit fabric with white ribbed trim, gold decorative buttons down a vertical placket, a navy fabric belt with a pearl-accented buckle, patch pockets with white trim, a black ribbon bow and a white pom pom at the collar, and black scalloped edge trim on collar and sleeves.
- Main fabricNavy pointelle knit fabric with repeating openwork zigzag and horizontal textured rows visible across the bodice and skirt area.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.12 · w 0.56 · h 0.78 (high) - Vertical placketCentral vertical white ribbed trim forming a placket running down the front, punctuated by round gold decorative buttons.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.08 · w 0.12 · h 0.78 (high) - Gold buttonsRound gold metal decorative buttons with a raised center motif aligned down the white placket and on pocket flaps.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.10 · w 0.20 · h 0.70 (high) - Collar detailCrew neckline finished with white ribbed trim edged in a narrow black scalloped knit trim.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.02 · w 0.36 · h 0.16 (high) - Sleeve trimShort sleeves finished with a white ribbed band and a narrow black scalloped knit edging at the sleeve hem.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.28 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.66 · y 0.12 · w 0.26 · h 0.18 (high) - Neck bow and pomBlack grosgrain-style ribbon tied in a short bow at the collar with a clustered white pom pom centered above the placket.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.04 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high) - Patch pocketsHorizontal front patch pockets trimmed with white ribbed bands and finished with a gold decorative button on each flap.
2 regions
x 0.24 · y 0.56 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.72 · w 0.16 · h 0.10 (medium) - Belt and buckleNavy fabric belt at the waist with a rounded buckle set featuring a ring of small pearl beads around a gold frame.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.56 · w 0.30 · h 0.14 (high) - SheernessPointelle knit shows small openwork holes revealing a hint of underlying skin tone where the fabric stretches over the body.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.20 · w 0.50 · h 0.60 (high)
Other
Studio product shot cropped to the model torso and upper arms against a neutral light gray background with soft, even lighting and minimal shadows.
- Crop and framingImage cropped to show the model from the chin to the upper thigh on the left side, with the right arm bent and partially visible; head partially cropped at the top.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - BackgroundUniform light gray background with no visible props or text.
- LightingEven studio lighting producing soft shadows and consistent color rendering across the garment and model skin.
Colors
navy blue· main knit body#1D213Bwhite· ribbed trim and placketblack· scalloped edge and ribbongold metallic· decorative buttonscream pearl· belt buckle pearls- Main fabricNavy pointelle knit fabric with repeating openwork zigzag and horizontal textured rows visible across the bodice and skirt area.
- 03
Product
Rear three-quarter view of a navy pointelle knit midi dress on a model, showing fitted waist, short sleeves with contrast trim, and scalloped hem.
- Overall silhouetteFitted knit midi dress viewed from the rear with a straight skirt that falls to mid-calf and a defined waist seam creating a slightly tapered waist and fuller hip line.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.08 · w 0.64 · h 0.82 (high) - Knit patternAll-over horizontal pointelle knit pattern composed of repeating geometric eyelet stripes and textured ridges that create a subtle see-through effect in places.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.12 · w 0.56 · h 0.68 (high) - SleevesShort sleeves that fit close to the upper arm, ending with a narrow ribbed cuff featuring a white band edged by a thin darker stripe.
2 regions
x 0.27 · y 0.10 · w 0.20 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.10 · w 0.15 · h 0.16 (high) - Neckline trimRibbed crew neckline with a visible white band and a narrow darker band directly adjacent to it.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.02 · w 0.30 · h 0.08 (high) - Waist detailHorizontal seam or waistband at natural waist level appearing as a slightly raised band in the same navy knit material.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.36 · w 0.40 · h 0.06 (high) - Hem finishLower skirt hem finished with a scalloped knit edge following the pointelle pattern.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.74 · w 0.56 · h 0.18 (high) - Visible fabric transparencySmall areas of open eyelet in the knit reveal glimpses of the model's skin tone beneath, especially along the back and skirt panels.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.28 · w 0.38 · h 0.50 (high)
Other
Studio shot with plain light background showing a standing model from the rear three-quarter angle; even soft lighting with minimal shadow and visible high-heeled shoes.
- Shot compositionFull-body studio photograph cropped with model centered and space above head and below calves; camera angle slightly above waist level producing a rear three-quarter perspective.
- BackgroundSmooth light neutral background with no props or visible set elements.
- Model poseModel standing with weight on one leg, one arm hanging naturally and the other hand resting near the hip, head turned slightly to the left.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.04 · w 0.62 · h 0.90 (high) - Footwear visibleBlack leather high-heeled slingback shoes visible on the model's feet.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.82 · w 0.40 · h 0.16 (high)
Colors
navy· main body#1B1E39white· cuff and neckline banddark trim· thin trim band#0A0D24- Overall silhouetteFitted knit midi dress viewed from the rear with a straight skirt that falls to mid-calf and a defined waist seam creating a slightly tapered waist and fuller hip line.