We’ve had plenty of sparkles and sass so far in this year’s party dress series. We’ve had some understated tartan, an irrepressible LBD, and some shimmering metallics. So it’s time, with our last party dress, to reach for something truly classic and monochromatic. Ladies who like to keep it simple and chic, who don’t like frills, glitter, bows or prints. The ladies who feel Audrey got it right the most of any woman throughout history, this dress is for you.

(…And for any ladies who like things simple but also don’t mind a touch of adorable Christmas fun, I’ve thrown in a red cape too, because it’s the holidays and I cannot be stopped.)

But seriously, this is the classic, understated elegance dress of the series, and best yet? It’s a total bargain.

Dress: Black & White Striped Anna Dress C/O Dolly & Dotty
Cape: Red Sabrina Cape C/O Dolly & Dotty
Hair Flower: Made by me
Belt: Old eBay find
Shoes: Made by me (Bedazzling tutorial here)

I’ve been meaning to pick up this black and white Anna dress for, I kid you not, almost a year, but every time I went back to buy it it was out of stock in my size. That’s how undeniably timeless this dress is, that Dolly & Dotty have to constantly restock it.

I knew I loved this dress from the website pictures alone but somehow putting it on in person I loved it even more. The skirt was fuller than I expected, laying so perfectly with a simple medium volume petticoat that it’s now become my skirt-goals. It closes with a side zipper. The classic audrey style neckline makes this a simple, comfortable dress option for anyone who doesn’t like a lot of fuss in their dress.

And then there’s the cape. I already have the Sabrina cape in black and love it, so having the red for the holiday season was just too good to pass up. I have no shame in admitting I plan to think up a cute Mrs Claus outfit to welcome the season in properly and this cape will be taking pride of place in the ensemble. I’m not sorry about that and I am very excited. Capes for the win! Joy for all!

In terms of fit, both of these two pieces fit pretty true and thankfully are easy to size. I have a Dolly & Dotty dress in a size 16 that’s very tight in the bust on me now so I decided it was safest to size up into the 18 on the Anna dress. The D&D size chart for a size 18 is 43-45 bust and 37-38 waist, but the bust flat measures 42 flat to 46 inches and the waist is 38 inches flat stretched to 41 inches, so there’s enough stretch in this piece that you can choose whether you’d prefer to follow the size chart or size down for a snug fit. I would have fit the 16 just fine, I’m sure, but I’m glad to know I can eat plenty for Christmas in this piece without it growing uncomfortable as the day wear’s on. In terms of the Sabrina cape, as it only rests on your shoulders and doesn’t fasten anywhere other than the neck, you can easily choose your true size or even go up or down a size. I have this red Sabrina in the 16 but own the black in a 14 and both lay nicely, so it’s not a piece you have to fret about with sizing.

The best thing about this outfit is that both the dress and the cape are super budget-friendly, like all of Dolly & Dotty’s offerings, so if your pennies are stretched thin this party season then Dolly & Dotty are likely going to be the saving grace for your festive outfit plans. Personally, I will definitely be deciding on a second Anna colourway to snap up because this beauty is too lovely to own in just one colour.

The Anna dress costs £29.99 and comes in UK sizes 8-24, in 8 striped colour combinations. The Sabrina cape comes in 4 solid colours in UK sizes 6-24 and costs £24.99. Dolly & Dotty offer a 10% discount code to anyone who signs up for their newsletter and will ship internationally. If you want to get your party dress ready in time for your festivities, then please remember you’ll need to order soon to avoid disappointment from possible postal delays during the Christmas mailing rush.

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And that’s it, my little darlings. That’s my picks for this year, my frocks for the season. It’s been glittery and fluffy and fun, and I hope I’ve been able to help you some in deciding what you want to wear over the holidays. If you’ve got any questions or want to gush about the dress you have picked out, please do drop me a comment. But for now, I think it’s time to relax with some hard-earned chocolate.