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This 'very flattering' black dress is a wardrobe staple and selling fast

You can only buy this dress exclusively at John Lewis.

midi
This cotton midi dress has rave reviews from shoppers. (John Lewis/Yahoo Life UK)

A black midi dress is the ultimate wardrobe staple, and this AND/OR Alex Pleat Midi Dress from John Lewis is our latest must-have fashion find. Costing £55, it may feel like a bit of a big upfront cost, but its simple, understated design will get plenty of wear for years to come.

The new-in dress currently has nothing but five-star reviews from shoppers (no easy feat), who say it's 'great quality', 'very flattering' and one customer even described it as the 'perfect black dress'.

So, it may just turn out to be your best wardrobe investment of 2024. We'd snap it up while you still can, as this dress is exclusive to John Lewis, so you won't find it anywhere else and some sizes have already sold out.

This black midi is a timeless wardrobe staple - it's no wonder it has plenty of five-star reviews. 

£55 at John Lewis

Why we rate it

Black is of course an easy colour to style and the versatile silhouette means it can be worn for everything from a day at the office to a date night dinner.

The dress has a very elegant and forgiving A-line shape, which is finished off with pleat detailing to give it a super expensive and glamorous look.

It's made from a soft jersey cotton, which makes it extremely comfortable and breathable. Plus, as an added bonus, it also features side pockets. And who doesn't love pockets!?

The flattering v-neckline means it's easy to accessorise with just a simple necklace. While the short sleeves makes it wearable for all year round.

This loose-fitting midi dress is made from soft cotton. (John Lewis)
This loose-fitting midi dress is made from soft cotton. (John Lewis)
The voluminous skirt makes the dress look a lot more expensive than it's. (John Lewis)
The voluminous skirt makes the dress look a lot more expensive than it's. (John Lewis)
(John Lewis)
Easy to dress up or down throughout the year, it's a foolproof style to reach for. (John Lewis)

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It's available in sizes six to 20, but we have no doubt that this fit and flare dress is going to sell out in a heartbeat, so snap it up now to avoid disappointment.

What the reviews say

If you needed more convincing, the five-star reviews on John Lewis website tell you everything you need to know:

  • "Great quality, very flattering. Lovely heavy cotton which hangs well."

  • "A wardrobe staple! Hangs beautifully and is so flattering! I bought two! Size 14 that is slightly loose and 12, they both look amazing! I am a size 14! Heavy cotton fit and flare, and right length midi dress! I am 5.7 and it is just the right length!"

  • "Well made, roomy and beautifully shaped. Also reasonably priced. If it came in other colours I'd buy one of each."

  • "Perfect Black Dress. A very flattering fit, beautiful shape, flared, full skirt with a nice v neck at the top of the dress. Quite heavy fabric but soft and comfortable. I am 5ft 9in and the proportion of the dress was great. Highly recommended as a wardrobe staple."

Shop now: AND/OR Alex Pleat Midi Dress | £55 from John Lewis

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