With wedding season approaching, many are seeking affordable guest dresses without compromising style. Our fashion editor tested 27 occasion dresses from high street and supermarket brands, all under £50, to identify the best buys.
The standout find was a £38 zebra print maxi dress from New Look, praised for its Rat & Boa aesthetic at a fraction of the price. The hidden zipper and slim bodice earned extra points, along with the on-trend zebra print.
Other top picks include a burgundy satin cowl neck midi from Next (£39), a mesh jersey column dress from Marks & Spencer (£39), and an orange print cowl back maxi from ASOS Design (£42). Boohoo's floral ruffle one-shoulder maxi in merlot (£35) and Wallis's satin puff sleeve midaxi (£39) also impressed.
The editor noted that high street occasionwear often exceeds expectations, with quality fabrics and thoughtful details like adjustable straps, double lining, and hidden zippers. The full review covers cuts from maxi to mini, with brands including F&F at Tesco, Debenhams, and Pretty Little Thing.
