The next day at Barneys, I came across Richard Chai’s very mini cocktail dress. Though it looked off-white or gray from afar, it was actually made from a white fabric layered over a structured black slip. The transparent white gauze was banded at the top and fell to a narrow bubble hem that hit several inches above my knee. In addition to the artful layering, I liked the one-shoulder style, which was chic and sexy—ideal for a summer night. Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., nr. 60th St.; 212-826-8900.