technically speaking

$300, reiss

A tech conference is not the most likely place to find fashion inspiration. But there I was in San Francisco last week, doing the rounds, when I spotted a woman, wearing a beautifully modern shift dress, just like this. She looked polished, yet comfortable, but here's the most genius thing: in the morning, she was wearing the dress with stilettos, but, later, as the day wore on, I spied her in cute ballerina flats. And she still looked impeccable. This dress, rendered in next season's sherbet hue (also available in forever-chic black), fits the conference-to-cocktail party bill and then some...

1. Reiss shift dress, $300, reiss.com
2. Maison Martin Margiela ring set, $380, forwardbyelysewalker.com
3. Loft clutch, $29, loft.com
4. Sophia Webster strappy sandals, $490, netaporter.com