My favourite showstopper dress that looks so sumptuous I'll wear it at Christmas parties is 20% off at Seasalt Cornwall

Finding a Christmas party dress is no easy feat. It needs to be something that's eye-catching, but also on trend for the season, and ideally something you can wear beyond that one occasion. For me, it's important to find something elegant and classy enough to wear amongst colleagues, but durable enough to weather a few spilled drinks, at best.

This year top of my list is Seasalt Cornwall's Four Lanes Velvet Empire Line Midi Dress, which looks far more expensive than it is, and should stand the test of time in style and practicality terms. A 'good quality' investment piece that can be worn time and time again through the colder seasons, whether it be for parties, on Christmas day or winter weddings, Seasalt Cornwall's Four Lanes Velvet Empire Line Midi Dress is normally priced at £85.95

But Seasalt Cornwall currently has 25% off sitewide when you spend £75 more - which includes sale items. This brings the price of the Four Lanes Velvet Empire Line Midi Dres down to a more purse-friendly £68.76, and you'll get free delivery as your order is over £60.

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Seasalt Cornwall's Four Lanes Velvet Empire Line Midi Dress features an elegant vintage-inspired empire line silhouette. It is crafted from a luxurious velvet faric with a touch of stretch.

A high neckline with a keyhole detail, curved gathered seam under the bust and blouson sleeves are the perfect balance to a flowing skirt with the perfect amount of fullness. The dress, which has garnered an almost perfect five-star rating, comes in sizes 12 to 28.

One impressed Seasalt Cornwall shopper said of the Four Lanes Velvet Empire Line Midi Dress: "The dress feels really lovely to wear and the velvet is sumptuous and rich looking. Am really pleased with my purchase and would definitely recommend it."

A second raved: "Made nicely, pretty colour & doesn't need ironing." A third, plus-size shopper added: "Absolutely loved this dress, true to size. The velvet, colour and print was lovely. I felt that the cut/ style of the dress was flattering on my plus size figure. Very happy."

"Flattering and elegant, the material is great and the stretch makes it super comfortable. I am really looking forward to wearing it a lot. Sizing is perfect," commented somebody else.

A shopper who bought it for Christmas party season gave the dress five stars, writing: "Velvet dress saw it in the shop at Christmas time the colours are just gorgeous very unusual even better got on the sale the sizing is accurate length too can’t wait till I wear it."

Having found a small issue with its detailing, another said: "This is a beautiful classy dress, the velvet is lovely and would be very comfortable to wear. The length was perfect. Loved the fact that it could be washed as many velvet dresses require dry cleaning.

"Unfortunately the ‘keyhole’ slit from the neck to the bust was just too low for me personally so I returned the dress. Had the ‘keyhole’ been smaller / slightly higher I know this dress would have been one of my favourites."

But another wrote: "Very glamorous dress. Fits nicely and can be worn for various occasions."

If this particular dress isn't quite what you're looking for for Christmas party season, head to Boden, which currently has a 25% off sale sitewide. One of the top picks is the Ophelia Velvet Midi Wrap Dress, which is a showstopper that's bound to turn heads.

Normally £120, it's down to £90 for a limited time. Also reduced in Boden's sale is the Marylebone Velvet Blazer, which is £127.50, down from £170 - this is a great option to instantly elevate almost any outfit in the winter months.