
High street summer party dresses for every age that look expensive - and they're all under £50
Summer invites lining up already? With the season of weekend weddings, garden parties and al fresco cocktail meet-ups approaching, chances are you'll be reaching for those special occasion pieces in your wardrobe over the next few months.
However, if your summer party dress collection is looking a bit lacking, you don't have to spend a fortune on something new (which is especially good news given the cost of gifts, travel and accommodation for many of these summer soirees). There are plenty of excellent options on the high street for under £50, many of which look much more expensive than their purse-friendly price tags.
From a brown satin Zara halterneck that You's fashion editor Hannah Skelley describes as 'mega', to some 'absolute crackers' from New Look, selected by You's fashion bookings editor Lila Flint Roberts, there are some real party dress gems available right now. Here are our favourite buys…
Gold Metallic Satin Pleated Maxi Dress
£39.99 Shop
Printed midi dress with cutwork embroidery
£45.99 Shop
Green One Shoulder Katty Maxi Dress
£33 Shop
Red Floral Print Frilly Trimmed Midi Dress
£32.99 Shop
Satin Halter Midi Dress
£39.99 Shop
Tie-back Poplin Dress
£24.99 Shop
Yellow Chiffon Pleated Ruffle Midaxi Dress
£49 Shop
Printed Dress With Asymmetric Neck
£49.99 Shop
Bubble-Hem Dress
£32.99 Shop
Sequin Midi Dress
£49.99 Shop
Green Floral Patterned Long Sleeve Midi Dress
£47.99 Shop
Flounced Off-The-Shoulder Dress
£37.99 Shop
Navy Embroidered Shimmer Thread Tie Back Satin Midi Dress
£34 Shop
Vila Satin Cowl Neck Maxi Dress
£40 Shop
Long Satin Dress
£49.99 Shop
Flounce-Trimmed Dress
£37.99 Shop
Bright Red Textured Cotton Frill Sleeve Tiered Midi Dress
£35.99 Shop
Black Floral Billie Midi Dress
£49 Shop
Satin High Neck Midi Dress
£43 Shop
Sleeveless Corset Midi Dress
£32 Shop
Bright Red Tie V-Neck Pintuck Midi Dress
£32.99 Shop
Cowl-Neck Dress
£44.99 Shop
Black Daisy Print Frilly Trimmed Midi Dress
£32.99 Shop
Navy Shimmer Jacquard Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
£30 Shop

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I've found a linen dress that 'skims mum tum' and is 15% off'
The London-based retailer Boden has slashed the price of its latest womenswear collection by 15% - and the discount code is available to use now. And there's one piece that's been a hit with shoppers The celebrity-adored fashion label Boden has cut a 15% off their new-in womenswear just in time for summer. And there's one particular number that's been turning heads, with customers raving about the shower of compliments they've received, particularly noting how the dress 'skims the mum tum'. Ideal for summer weddings, getaways and any event you could imagine this sunny season, the Anya Sleeveless Linen Dress is being coveted by fashion fans. Boasting a chic and effortless style perfect for sweltering days, its sleeveless design and short hemline will ensure wearers stay breezy and graceful no matter the temperature. Crafted from a blend of 80% linen and 20% recycled linen, complemented by a soft cotton lining, this frock was originally priced at £126, but can be snapped up for a £107.20 with a discount code. Anyone who uses JM7D at the virtual tills will see £18.90 shaved off the price tag. However, if this Boden number isn't quite your cup of tea, or out of budget, there are loads of other linen dresses up for grabs on the high street, such as this Green Abstract Linen-Blend Palermo Mini Dress, available for £55 from Nobody's Child. Elsewhere, Next also has this Cream and Green Palm Floral Scoop Back Mini Shift Dress on offer for £38. Despite its higher price point, the Boden number has earned its stripes with praise for its 'flattering' fit-and-flare design. It even features a self-tie belt which brilliantly cinches in at the waist while elegantly draping over the midriff. One customer said: " So flattering. I got so many compliments on this the first time I wore this." Another added: "I'm 5'4", size 14, mid-40s mum-of-two and my stomach shows it, but not in this dress. Really flattering, and whilst I'd prefer a V-neck, it skims the mum-tum and fits well and is well made and fully lined,' reports the Manchester Evening News. Coming in a size range from 4 to 22, it features discreet side pockets and a gently tailored sleeveless top, the versatile piece can be dressed up or down with ease, making it perfect for everything from office meetings to summer weddings. The dress falls just above the knee, making it an excellent choice for both work and weekend wear. A glowing five-star review read: "I got the brown polka dot style and I love it. My husband also thought it looked amazing on. Would be totally appropriate for work with a cardigan and totally perfect to dress up and down for the summer. Love it!' "I am 5'3" and ordered 6R and 6P. I haven't ordered petite sizing before from Boden but glad I did on this dress. It fits perfectly and the length is just above my knees. Not too short and I think appropriate for work as well. It's very flattering," another customer shared. However, some customers have been left pining for a longer version, particularly those who prefer a bit more coverage. One wrote: "I would love to have kept this dress but just felt it was too short for me. Please make it in a long version. Style, quality of material and make up are excellent and I love the spotted chestnut colour. "A bit pricey but I would have paid it if it had fully suited me. Seemed to be suitable for all occasions, casual or formal. I'm 5ft 4 and size 14. It came to my knees which it's supposed to do but I would prefer it a little longer. Sadly had to return it." The Anya dress from Boden comes in five different colourways, with one shopper loving it so much she said: "I would buy this dress in all colours. Nice fabric and colour. Fits perfect." It comes in a poppy red and pink ornamental floral, as well as chestnut with polka dots, gallery blue, foliage scatter and for those who would prefer to forego a print, a plain rose pink. Fans of the frock can shop the Boden dress here.


Telegraph
11 hours ago
- Telegraph
How to master Ascot dressing for under £250
Royal Ascot is one of the most glamorous fixtures in the British social calendar, where guests don their finest frocks and hats for the occasion. But dressing the part can be expensive. A friend recently confided that they felt 'like an extra in a movie' at Ascot. While the royal attendees and A-listers arrive in custom-made and designer looks, it's easy to feel like you're watching from the sidelines. But as Royal Ascot's creative director Daniel Fletcher puts it, 'Think about Ascot as if it were a red-carpet awards ceremony – it's an opportunity to channel main character energy and walk the red carpet.' As a regular on this circuit, I can tell you that you don't need a designer outfit to feel like the main character. Dressing for Ascot doesn't need to be intimidating or expensive. With a little planning, you can feel confident and elegant without overspending. And with all the money you've saved? There's room in the budget for an extra glass of champagne or two. And who knows, with the right look, someone else might be buying! Skip to: My look The right foundations Hats Jewellery Shoes and bags My Look for Ascot With a budget of £250, I was looking for something classic, flattering, and easy to wear that wouldn't crease after a train journey or lunch. I began with an embroidered cotton shirt dress from Zara. I paired it with a black veiled hat – rented from Cotswold Hat Club – a textured raffia bag from JD Williams, and classic leather heels from Stradivarius to tie the look together. I kept it simple with faux pearl earrings from Orelia. Total: £242.98 Start with the right foundations I've attended Royal Ascot for several years – with a few wardrobe mishaps along the way. I wanted to put my experiences to good use and find stylish solutions that work for real budgets. Start with the dress or trouser suit and build from there. On a budget, fabric is key. The wrong material can cheapen the look or wilt by midday. 'Avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily like linen,' advises ITV fashion presenter and columnist Joanne Hegarty. 'Instead choose light, breathable fabrics like a silk mix, lace, chiffon or high-quality cotton for comfort. Opt for pieces that look polished like tailoring and dresses with elegant details.' Light tones like ivory, powder blue or soft yellow feel fresh in the sun, while dark colours can look heavy. A three-quarter or long sleeve adds polish and warmth. If your outfit is sleeveless, add a tonal jacket for an extra layer. Or, as stylist Alice Hare suggests, 'Long opera-style gloves have an elevating effect. The key to making the look less magician, more chic is to choose a sheer pair – Dents' are only £22.' For added dimension try a waist-defining belt or a scarf. 'I'm loving silk scarves at the moment – worn as a belt or a thick, choker-style necklace,' says Hare. 'River Island has elevated a simple suit with a fuchsia silk scarf around the waist.' Rental platforms like Hurr, Loan The Look and By Rotation are a great way to get a high-end outfit on a budget, and all three have Royal Ascot edits. 'Each year we see a notable increase in rentals leading up to Royal Ascot,' says Eshita Kabra-Davies, founder of clothing-rental company By Rotation. 'People love to go all out with their looks while being more conscious of their purchases.' I love the print Vampire's Wife dress on By Rotation for £25/day, flattering and far below the retail price. Top off your look with a head-turning hat Hats are a key ingredient of a Royal Ascot look, but can blow the budget. Rentals like By Rotation, Cotswold Hat Club and Lizzie's Hats offer designer styles for less. As the daughter of a racehorse trainer and wife of champion jockey Richard Hughes, there's nothing that founder Lizzie Hughes doesn't know about race day dressing: 'Pull a colour from your dress or echo the shape in the hat's structure to make the whole look feel bespoke,' she says. Always tuck the elastic under your hair – leaving it visible can cheapen your look. If you prefer to buy, John Lewis, Hobbs and Phase Eight offer some great options. Add polish with carefully chosen jewellery When it comes to jewellery, small touches go far. Faux pearls or drop earrings work well. Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt, founder of Bijoux De Mimi advises: 'Think about layering – a delicate necklace stack or a curated ear full of dainty huggies and cuffs adds personality without going overboard. Definitely consider pops of colour to compliment your outfit.' Choose shoes and bag that blend style with practicality As for shoes, block or wedge heels won't sink into the grass and closed toes look more polished. If you prefer stilettos don't forget to pack your heel stoppers, buy them for £3.99 from Clean Heels. Comfort is critical – and Lisa Illis, head of womenswear design at Marks & Spencer says heels don't have to be high. 'Lower heels and kitten heels feel modern and relevant and don't compromise on style or comfort. Ballet flats in fresh materials like snake, animal print and luxe satin feel elevated and contemporary. When it comes to the colour palette, neutrals and subtle metallics are versatile.' Choose a chic yet practical bag such as a structured clutch or small top-handle, Katie Loxton and Accessorize have a good selection. Either choose a bag similar in colour to your hat or shoes, otherwise a contrasting colour or texture will add dimension.


Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC ends beloved sitcom with 'perfect' Rotten Tomatoes score
The BBC has announced a popular sitcom with a perfect rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes is coming to an end after three series, despite its rave reviews from viewers The BBC has revealed the end is in sight for one of its most popular sitcoms in a blow that is sure to devastate fans. With a perfect 100 per cent on review site Rotten Tomatoes, the decision to bring the sitcom to a close will shock its loyal viewers. However, there is still to be one final series of the show to give fans their fix. Boarders follows five black teens from inner-city London who are on scholarships to a prestigious boarding school. It has gained a large following since the first series aired in February last year. A second season quickly followed, hitting the screens earlier this year. However, despite the excitement of a third series being announced, fans will be disappointed to hear it will be three and out for the show. Series three will air in 2026, with six episodes anticipated. All of the show's main characters, played by Jodie Campbell, Sekou Diaby, Aruna Jalloh, Myles Kamwendo and Josh Tedeku, will return for the final instalments. The new episodes will see the students gear up for their final term at St Gilbert's. They will take on the pressures of exams while also stress about their futures. However, there will be inter-school rivalries too following the move of their friend and former classmate. Series two saw the group's biggest foe turn out to be their new headteacher. With acting headmistress Carol Watlington-Geese (Niky Wardley) hot on their heels, the group had to navigate their school life. Following series one, big things were predicted for the cast members. The Guardian claimed: "This private school satire is absolutely packed with future megastars." And the high praise flowed in online too, with high ratings across review sites, including a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Writer and creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor is set to reprise his role as the group's mentor, Gus. He will also make his directorial debut in the final episodes. Speaking after series three was announced, Daniel said: "Boarders has been a deeply personal project for me and it's been incredible to see how audiences have connected with the characters. "From day one, I wanted to create something funny, honest, and proudly Black – and in this final term, I hope to finish their story as they face their final year with greater challenges, deeper friendships and the looming question of life beyond school." Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added: "Boarders has been a fun, sharp and timely addition to our screens since its launch two years ago, with star-making turns from its exceptional young cast."