‘Show-stopper’ 40% off dress still available before Xmas

When it comes to dressing up for  Christmas Day, many of us want something that feels a little bit more special than the usual jeans-and-jumper combo. If that sounds like you, this velvet tea dress from Boden might be just what you’ve been looking for. It’s currently reduced by a whopping 40%, taking it from £169, to £101.40, and there are still plenty of sizes (6 to 22) available.

Its rich ruby-red hue has that classic Christmas feel, making it ideal for festive photos, and it’s bold without being brash. The velvet fabric adds a soft, tactile quality that makes it feel more luxurious than everyday dresses.

There’s still time to grab a bargain from Boden, but you’ll have to be quick. According to the website it is “selling like hot cakes” and shoppers only have until midnight on Thursday (18 December) for standard (£3.95) delivery to arrive before Christmas. 

The length of the dress hits below the knee, which makes it both elegant and practical, and there’s a gentle flare through the skirt that should give a bit of movement without feeling too swishy. There is a small panel of smocking on the shoulders that gives an interesting detail, and while it’s not an overtly revealing neckline, it looks flattering around the bust thanks to the sweet covered buttons.

What I love most about this dress is that I can see it working not only as a Christmas Day outfit, but for New Year’s Eve, winter weddings, parties and more. You can add high heels or ballet pumps for going out, or even thick tights and boots for the pub. 

Customers who have already snapped up the dress have left glowing reviews with many commenting on the fit: “Beautiful quality velvet. Sleeves were the perfect length, but elasticated around the wrist so you can wear them a little shorter. Delighted.”

Another user added: “A show stopper! I love everything about this dress, the fit, the colour, the fabric, attention to detail and the box it came in. Stunning in every way.”

Of course, no outfit is going to suit every taste or body shape, and a couple of people noted it came up too short on them. One person wrote: “I was disappointed that it wasn’t longer and the sleeves are irritatingly short.”