Buying a dress for a gala is always a bit of a headache, but this one turned out to be an absolute winner. I chose the dark navy colour, and it looks stunning under the evening lights. The pockets were a lovely surprise! I didn't realise it had them until I tried it on—perfect for popping in a lipstick and a few tissues. The A-line shape is super forgiving on the hips, and the satin has a beautiful sheen to it. I usually struggle with zips on dresses like this, but this one glided up smoothly. I wore it for about six hours straight and was comfortable the whole time. If you're between sizes, I'd suggest checking the measurements carefully, but otherwise, it's a brilliant dress for the price.

I bought this for a formal office party because I wanted to look professional but smart. The cut is incredibly flattering. I love that the sleeves offer coverage, but the V-neck keeps it from looking dowdy. The satin material feels very luxurious against the skin. I did notice a few loose threads near the hem when I unpacked it, but nothing a pair of scissors couldn't sort out in two seconds. It’s definitely floor-length; I'm 5'6" and wore 3-inch heels, and it just grazed the floor, so keep that in mind if you're on the shorter side. It felt appropriate and stylish, and I felt really confident walking into the ballroom. Definitely great value for money.