Whether you're looking for an outfit for a wedding, the races or any other dressy event, why not take style notes from This Morning presenter Cat Deeley? She wore a stunning black floral dress on Tuesday with a red rose-print pattern.
Head of costume at ITV, David O'Brien, chose the Rixo Meera Chiffon Gown for Cat to host the show. The maxi-length dress has long semi-sheer sleeves with sweet covered buttons at the wrist, and a plunging neckline – which was probably stitched up a touch to make it suitable for morning television – and a floaty skirt. It's the sort of dress that could work just as well in spring or summer as it would for a more wintery do.
Retailing at £525, this Rixo dress is definitely an investment piece and seems pretty popular as it’s only available in sizes six, eight, and 10. If you’ve fallen in love with it, though, it does go up to size 20, and if you add your email address, you can get alerts on when it comes back into stock.
If you love the print but don’t want to see your bank balance take a hit, thankfully, the high street is on hand with a plethora of similar dresses at a fraction of the price.
The wrap-style bodice on this Phase Eight dress is super-flattering and would look fabulous on all body shapes and sizes. The great thing about this maxi number is that its semi-sheer fabric balances out the length and long sleeves, making it perfect for spring or summer weddings. Even better, it's reduced by £40, from £169 to £129.
Here's another option from Phase Eight. It’s keeping in the same vein as the Rixo number with the black and red rose print, however, with an elegant high neckline, this one is a little more demure. The semi-sheer fluted sleeves are a pretty detail and it has a tie-belt that highlights the waist. It comes in sizes six to 20 and is available in a petite length. There is also a children's option, so you can match with your kids if that's your thing! It's also in the sale, priced at £109, reduced from £149.
This stunning dress is a steal at £89.99, less than one-fifth of the Rixo alternative. Lightweight, it has a gauzy, sheer overlay with a midi-length inner lining that contrasts beautifully with the asymmetrical neckline. The eye-catching black and red-rose print gives it a formal and sophisticated feel, while its fit means it is a bit more daring and skin-baring.
Available from ASOS in petite and standard fit, and sizes four to 16, this is a slightly more dressed-down alternative with a small ditsy rose print that could easily be worn with heels or trainers. Buttoned down the front with a quite a high slit at the front, it’s balanced out with the sweet puff sleeves. With the neckline and sleeves both trimmed in black lace, it gives the dress a more expensive look – it’s hard to believe it is only £39.99.
