As party season gets into full swing, a highstreet star is born. books a date with the
Fashion Emma McCarthy ‘RSVP yes’ dress
AT SOME point over the summer, I bought a dress in Topshop. This is not an unusual occurrence — those who know me best will know that I have a more intimate knowledge of Topshop’s new-in section than most of its staff — but as it transpires, there was something remarkable on this occasion because I’m going to go out on a limb and say that it’s the best purchase I’ve ever made. And there have been a lot of those.
Since acquiring the dress in question — emerald green Jacquard, mid-length with a knotfront and fluid, flared sleeves — it has accompanied me to nearly every social situation that requires me to change out of track pants. Birthdays, weddings, dinners, the afterwo r k p u b p i l - grimage and any other occasion involving close proximit y to alcohol and senior management — i t ’s a part yseason dream. A Christmas cracker. I t ’s all- dress- code appropriate, neither too dull nor too flashy, and a lifesaver to have close to hand on nothing-to-wear days when you slept through your alarm.
My friends seem to agree. To say this dress has a better social life than me would be an understatement. This month alone it’s been out on loan for two winter weddings. should start charging.
At this point I should stress that I’m aware it’s only a dress. But I feel I’m justified in my enthusiasm when you count the reasons for its versatility. For one, it’s timeless and therefore seasonless — as useful in the height of summer as it is when the word “festive” precedes every invitation. For another, its appeal is also not limited to Topshop’s core twentysomething customer. The bracelet-length sleeves, for example, negate any under/over-dressed moments at your desk, while the keyhole neckline and asymmetric hem prevent it from feeling frumpy. And crucially, the flattering knot-front waist is a dream should a second helping of roast potatoes accidentally fall onto your plate.
Unfortunately, all these reasons and more promptly caused it to sell out faster than a Christmas Eve delivery of Hatchimals. But all is not lost for those who are still on the hunt for the
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