As Christmas party season approaches, many of us will be looking to the high street for the latest festive fashion trends. But one that crops up time and time again, never dates and always looks glam? Velvet.
While metallic trousers may be big in 2023 (and don’t get me wrong, I’m very tempted to buy some), I’ve found an affordable high street dress that’s totally timeless, elegant and can be worn year after year.
The Black Velvet Asymmetric Bodycon Midi Dress, from River Island, comes in at £45, and everyone I’ve told says it looks ‘way more expensive’. Ticking every single box, this little black dress offers a festive feel, flattering fit, affordable price and is perfect for injecting some glam into your winter occasion wear wardrobe.
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According to River Island, the dress was one of their top five bestsellers for womenswear last week, and more than 300 have been snapped up online in the last two days alone. Oh, and I was one of them.
When I saw this dress online my jaw dropped. I was supposed to be on a spending ban ahead of Black Friday and Christmas, but I didn’t give breaking it a second thought and ordered the LBD immediately.
Firstly, it’s velvet and nothing says festive fashion quite like this. It's a beautiful quality and feels super soft to touch. Coming in sizes 6-18, the dress features a sultry asymmetric neckline that reveals one shoulder, as well as a split hem to reveal a little bit of leg.
In a midi length with short sleeves, it makes it perfect for a whole host of occasions. As a former shopping addict, I now ask myself to name at least three times where I can wear the piece I’m buying, and frankly I can’t think of a situation where I wouldn’t wear this stunning outfit.
Last week, I wore it for a date night with my fiancé who even commented on how ‘classy’ the dress was. It’s undeniably elegant, and is a great pick for Christmas parties, theatre trips, and since I’m a December baby, I’ll definitely be making it my birthday outfit, too.
My absolute favourite thing about this dress is the ruched detailing, with elegant draping across the shoulders, to a wrap skirt that creates a ruched effect at the waist, which is very figure-flattering and accentuates curves that I don’t particularly have, giving me more shape.
What’s more is that it looks so much more expensive than it actually is. At £45, it comes in cheaper than this £68 dress from Karen Millen or even this £88 top from Reiss, which offers a similar effect.
I styled the dress with some satin platform heels from Primark, as well as a sparkly silver bag - also Primark - and a glitzy headband from River Island.
Other festive trends I’ve spotted at the retailer in recent weeks include sparkles, because it wouldn’t really be Christmas without them, with this glam blazer being a fabulous pick. While red is also proving popular, with this £30 dress in the sale having been spotted on Susanna Reid earlier this week.
The retailer has launched a ‘secret’ VIP Black Friday sale which sees shoppers bag 20 per cent off their orders when they spend £75, if they use the code VIPBF at the checkout. This means you could get the £45 dress, plus these £30 glitzy heels for £60, saving £15 on your outfit.
You can see our River Island Black Friday sale predictions here. Or snap up the £45 velvet midi dress here.
