A Christmas cracker: as party season gets into full swing, a high-street star dress is born

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 knot-front 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 after-work pub pilgrimage and any other occasion involving close proximity to alcohol and senior management - it’s a party-season dream. A Christmas cracker.

It’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. I 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 perfect party dress because it’s back, and in no fewer than 11 different colours and two lengths, which is good news for those who live in fear of turning up to a do in the same dress as half their colleagues.

"The dress has been a best-selling style since launching in the summer," Topshop confirms, adding: "We have also just launched a top version in four different colours due to the popularity of the dress."

Among the recent additions to the line-up include saffron-yellow and marshmallow-pink incarnations, as well as a tangerine style strewn with wild flowers.

Along with the original mid-calf length, the brand has also introduced a thigh-grazing-hemline version, cut from an airy chiffon, as a solution for more petite frames.

Great teamed with tights, the shorter styles are also the perfect partner to a pair of party flats or ankle boots, while Topshop has also seen a spike in customers styling theirs over jeans for a more casual look.

Plain black - unsurprisingly, the bestseller of the lot - is available alongside claret and scarlet, while a series of bold striped styles ranging from humbug to candy cane are proving a particular hit among younger customers.

Of course its ubiquitous appeal is also down to its December-friendly price tag, with the shorter version at £42 for plain and £46 for printed, and the longer style setting you back between £59-£65. And the best news is that there’s more to come.

"Just in time for Christmas, we’re also introducing a plain-blue mini style and a midi-dress in red oriental print." Both of these will land in store next week, along with a floral mini-dress, while a checked design in both lengths is due to arrive at the beginning of December.

I don’t know about Mariah but this is all we want for Christmas.