Some things—Agnes Martin paintings, fireworks over Lake Michigan—you have to see in person to appreciate. This Chloe dress is one of those things.

The white twill fabric is manmade, but like no polyester I’ve ever felt: It’s luxuriously substantial, even a bit stiff. That crispness prevents the ruffle around the neckline from drooping like a third-grader’s Peter Pan collar. Instead, it’s almost architectural, definitely modern.

Just don’t wear this dress to a summer wedding: No one will have eyes for the bride.

Price: $1,895 Store: Chalk, 2611 Prairie Ave., Evanston, 847-424-0011, chalkboutique.com.