Eni Aluko, a former England striker, claims that her broadcasting career has suffered as a result of her ongoing legal battle with Joey Barton, a former player for Newcastle and Manchester City.
Aluko, 38, welcomed the success of the first stage of a High Court libel lawsuit against Barton for posts on social media in an interview with BBC Radio 4.
Barton has the right to file an appeal against the decision regarding the nature of his posts. If the case goes to trial, the 42-year-old could also use defense to support the claims.
She continued, “This occurs in many industries where women take a hit with their careers when they defend themselves.”
“I’ve been doing broadcasting for 11 years. I’ve never used it before. And I’ve done the least amount of TV in my entire 18 months.
“That is a fact,” the statement read. That is an opinion, not a feeling. That is true. Therefore, I believe that everyone can take their own conclusions from that.
There is a “double standard” because there are only a select few opportunities for women broadcasters in both the men’s and women’s sports.
“We’re still vying for two or three seats, including the presenters, to get.”
Women’s TV exits are what the Joey Bartons and some male football fans want, they say.
After Barton twice posted two defamatory posts on social media site X in January 2024, Aluko claimed she faced threats of violence and abuse.
According to the court, Barton claimed Aluko’s father was financially corrupt and that her private education had made her a “hypocrite” and that she had “used the race card” as a defense.
Due to the hearing, Aluko claimed she had to leave the house in disguise.
Joey Barton has tweeted about me 45 times, she said.
“And what that does is it has an impact on you in real life, where it just feels like a wave of abuse and likes you to be in a fishbowl.” And it makes me more self-conscious.
The Israeli military claimed that Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down the projectile without hurting anyone as they have launched a ballistic missile towards northern Israel.
The Israeli army reported that the missile reportedly triggered air raid sirens in Haifa, Krayot, and other locations west of the Sea of Galilee shortly after 4am local time (01:00 GMT).
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who continue to be the target of an intense airstrikes campaign, are a rare breed in this region.
In what they claim is a show of solidarity with the Palestinians, the Houthis have repeatedly fired missiles and drones at Israel since the conflict started in October 2023.
Israel has repeatedly attacked Houthi targets inside Yemen, including in Sanaa, the country’s capital, and has taken control of large tracts of the country.
Although it can take them hours or even days to acknowledge their assaults, the Houthis did not immediately make the claim.
US bombings
On Wednesday morning, US air strikes, which began on March 15 and were almost daily, continued to target the Houthis. The Houthis reported that US forces attacked the governorates of Hodeidah, Marib, and Saada.
The Houthis in Marib referred to a strike that had previously been targeted by the US against telecommunications equipment.
The Houthis have increased their focus on US drones that are hover over the country in response. Late on Tuesday, a spokesman for the Houthis reported that rebels shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone over the northwest of Hajjah governorate.
MQ-9 Reaper drones can fly at altitudes higher than 40 000 feet (12, 100 meters) and stay in the air for more than 30 hours, for about $30 million each.
For years, US forces and the CIA have flown them over Yemen, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
In the past ten years of the Yemen war, the Houthis claim to have shot 26 MQ-9s.
The US military acknowledged the drone-related report, but it was too late to make further comments.
Dad-of-four David Beckham has been rocked by a family divide between his sons Brooklyn and Romeo as he creates a touching plan to get them back together again
David Beckham has come up with a plan he hopes his son Brooklyn won’t refuse (Image: Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hugo Boss)
David Beckham has devised a plan to help mend the rift between his sons Brooklyn and Romeo after being left devastated by the rumoured fallout. The football icon has long prided himself on his tight knit family, yet his world has been rocked by a divide.
With his 50th birthday looming, David is keen for his boys to put their differences aside and come together for the milestone occasion. It has left David to come up with a grand plan Brooklyn and Romeo surely won’t be able to resist.
Things all came to blows for the Beckham clan when Romeo introduced his new girlfriend Kim Turnbull to the family. Unfortunately for Romeo, older brother Brooklyn has a past with Kim as they used to be super close when she dated pal Rocco Ritchie.
Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz are said to not be keen on Kim and have shown their feelings by snubbing family events. For years, all the Beckhams have got together for their many celebrations yet Brooklyn has decided to rock the boat.
Brooklyn missed David’s party in Miami (Image: INSTAGRAM)
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He failed to attend David’s pre-birthday bash in Miami last month, which included guests such as football legend Lionel Messi and former supermodel Cindy Crawford.
Neither Brooklyn or Nicola publicly wished Victoria a happy 51st birthday last week, which is highly unusual when compared to previous years. The couple allegedly believe Romeo’s new girlfriend does not have the right intentions when it comes to dating him.
However, mum Victoria is said to adore Kim and Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel. Amid the fractious relationships in the Beckham family, David is said to have come up with a masterplan to get his sons back together again.
“David is going all out for his 50th,” a source told the Sun. “Brooklyn and Nicola are on the list, as well as Romeo, Cruz and Harper, and his and Victoria’s parents – it’s a proper family affair.”
The sports star is expected to bring his sons together at triple-Michelin starred restaurant Core in west London next month. It will be the first time the family have been together following the multiple reported snubs.
They are said to have fallen out over Romeo’s new girlfriend Kim(Image: Instagram)
In another twist, neither Victoria, who is known for using social media to praise her children and celebrate milestones, or David, commented on Brooklyn and Nicola’s third wedding anniversary.
And according to reports, Cruz and Romeo failed to congratulate the couple as well. Instead, Brooklyn shared a picture of a bouquet of flowers sent to them from his in-laws Nelson Peltz and Claudia Heffner.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, a source opened up on the birthday plans and said: “David adores his sons and he is so, so proud of how close they are. He loves having a happy family that loves spending time together.”
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They added: “Family is everything to him. He is a working class boy who grew up with strong connections to his grandparents and parents, and he loves nothing more than to see his boys, and Harper, being so close.
“While the location will be perfect and stunning, what he wants most is for his family to be around him, happily getting along. Right now, though, things aren’t great. All everyone around them hopes is that they can mend any issues in time for the big day – for David.”
READ MORE: ‘I tried Whisker’s Litter-Robot 4 to see if it could end the daily cat litter nightmare for good’
Rafael Nadal was Carlos Alcaraz’s childhood hero, Carlos Alcaraz has said it frequently.
Alcaraz is viewed as the one who will succeed Nadal in his retirement, drawing numerous similarities between the two Spaniards.
However, making comparisons isn’t always helpful.
In a new Netflix documentary series, Alcaraz states, “I don’t want to be called Rafa’s successor.”
“I want to be called Carlos Alcaraz Garfia.”
Nadal, a 22-time major champion who held the title for 198 weeks while also being world number one, concurs.
There are times when you get tired of hearing it when people are young and they constantly compare you to a professional who has been around for a while.
In the end, I believe it can obstruct and even confound you because of the pressure that comes with this.
The 21-year-old followed him throughout his 2024 campaign, which included defending his Wimbledon title and winning his first French Open trophy, the same major Nadal won a record-tying 14 times.
Alcaraz claims to struggle to balance his professional and personal lives despite those accomplishments.
Alcaraz smirks in a scene as he recalls the moment he smashed his racquet in the Cincinnati Open second-round defeat to Gael Monfils.
I wasn’t mentally strong enough to handle all the stress, he claims.
“I wasn’t sure if I needed to give up or if my passion was waning.”
Alcaraz also discusses the effects of Novak Djokovic’s semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic in the 2023 French Open, which led him to make the decision to take a vacation to Ibiza.
He claims that “I wanted to go there essentially to just waste my time.”
I made the most of it because I was aware that there might not be more days like that. Of course, I won Queen’s and Wimbledon when I returned.
I’m not saying that partying helped me win, but that taking a break from work was beneficial.
Alcaraz made a second trip to Ibiza last year, despite the counsel of his agent, Albert Molina Lopez, and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
His Queen’s title defense was halted by Britain’s Jack Draper shortly after, but Alcaraz won the Wimbledon final that same month over Djokovic.
We all knew, according to Ferrero, that he shouldn’t have visited Ibiza.
The former world number one, who previously coached Alexander Zverev, occasionally shows frustration with his protégé.
He claims, “We are here to create the greatest player because of his abilities and opportunities.” However, we’ll lower our expectations if he’s not that determined [if] he’s okay with being ranked number 15 in the world.
“But I think it would be very difficult for me to keep working with him because of how I am.”
Alcaraz ponders in the final moments whether he has the “the mindset” to “become the greatest player in history.”
He responds, “Well, I don’t know right now,” “Well, right now.” Although I’m still young and have a lot to do, I definitely prefer to put happiness before any kind of accomplishment based on my experiences so far.
With Love Island returning to screens soon, shoppers can elevate their gardens with a firepit of their own for £110 less thanks to this spring sale
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Ranger Backyard Bundle 2.0 hits sale(Image: Solo Stove)
A brand loved by the likes of Louise Thomson, Solo Stove is currently hosting a massive spring sale that’s slashing the price tags of covetable firepits left, right and centre. This ongoing offer includes the Ranger Backyard Bundle, which boasts an impressive £110 discount for a limited period of time.
Touted as the most popular firepit among Solo Stove’s large collection, this Ranger firepit bundle, thanks to this offer, also comes with a free mesa. Normally retailing for £469.99, shoppers keen to emulate the likes of the Love Island villa with a stylish and practical firepit of their own will want to hurry, this sale won’t last forever.
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The Ranger Backyard Bundle 2.0 has price slashed by £110(Image: Solo Stove)
The fire pit sized for every adventure, the Ranger Backyard firepit boasts a convenient, compact design that means you can easily move it around your outdoor area or take it with you on your next camping or beach trip. Promising completely smokeless flames, this firepit allows you and your loved ones to enjoy an open fire’s warmth and beauty, without your clothes stinking of smoke or inhaling the clouds, perfect for garden gatherings.
Promising to be the bundle that does it all, this set comes complete a fireside set-up that offers ultimate protection and peace of mind, which is ideal for households with kids and pets you may worry about getting too close to the flames.
Whether you’re summoning your friends around the firepit for evening drinks or if you’re keen to cook sausages over an open fire on your next day at the beach, this firepit bundle is sure to tick all your boxes. It comes armed with a Removable Base Plate and Ash Pan that makes ash super easy to clean up, and a Ranger Shield that ensures pops and embers don’t go flying.
The bundle is finished with a Ranger Lid that can be placed over a cooled fire to ensure the ash is contained. It can also be used as temporary protection from the elements or, for days when you don’t fancy a fire, as a makeshift table for placing your drinks or plates. The set also comes with a Ranger Shelter that offers weather-resilient fire pit protection for bad-weather days.
Boasting an impressive 4.9 out of 5-star rating, shoppers have lined up to sing the praises of this bundle. One satisfied customer shares: “Best thing ever, fits in camper really well and doesn’t make camper stink like smoke. Puts off a nice amount of heat and entire family can enjoy.”
Another beams: “Just the right size for my small patio, I love how simple it is to clean and use.”
Further adoration comes from this buyer who says: “Bought the Ranger Backyard Bundle as a Christmas gift. Easy to unpack and set up on the back porch. When the sun went down, we enjoyed s’mores together as a family. I was impressed at how much heat it put off, but never felt nervous or unsafe with it. I like this little Solo Stove and can see us using it quite a bit in the years to come!”
And a fourth enthuses: “We replaced the Yukon with this Ranger. It is a much nicer size for the patio evenings and should be great when we take it along on camping adventures. As always, the warmth of an open fire with less smoke in the face is the best for getting close to the favorite squeeze.”
You can pick up this Ranger Backyard Firepit Bundle for the massively reduced price of £359.99, down from £469.99, while this Solo Stove spring sale lasts.
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If you just want to pick up the Ranger 2.0 without the bundle, you can pick one up for £199.99 from Amazon or Lakeland.
From F&F and M&S to ASOS and Debenhams, our head of fashion tried 27 wedding guest dresses from the high street – and was left surprised by her supermarket pick of the bunch
This article contains affiliate links, which means we will receive commission on any sale of products or services we write. Learn more
We’ve tested new-in 27 occasion dresses from high street and supermarket brands (Image: Zoe Cripps)
With wedding season upon us, many of us are scrambling to find that perfect wedding guest dress, without blowing the budget. Between the save-the-dates, hen dos and endless group chats about accommodation and gifts, outfit planning can feel like a last-minute panic. Add in the cost of living and suddenly the idea of spending hundreds on a one-wear dress feels, well… wasteful.
But what if you could score a look worthy of even the most fancy celebrations without breaking the bank? To help take the stress out of the search, we challenged Zoe, our head of fashion, with an eye for finer fashion, to try on 27 high-street dresses – all under £50 – to find the ones actually worth buying.
From long-sleeve picks and bandeau fit and flares to plunging necklines and silky satin slips, Zoe leaves no cut, fabric or length unturned. And with maxi, midi and mini gowns from the likes of Marks & Spencer, F&F at Tesco, ASOS, Debenhams and Pretty Little Thing, she’s done a full dive into what the high street has to offer this season in the way of occasionwear.
Zoe says: “I’m usually a bit of a dress snob when it comes to dressing for weddings. My style tends to lean towards brands like RIXO, Reformation, or Rat & Boa – I love a slinky satin cut and stick to a pretty neutral palette. If I’m honest, I’ve always been a bit wary of high-street occasionwear dresses because I assumed they’d either look cheap or wouldn’t suit my shape, but trying on 27 dresses has pushed me out of my comfort zone – and I’m amazed by the £38 buy that has turned out to be my complete star find….”
Best wedding guest dresses under £50 tried and tested
1. New Look Black Zebra Print Ruffle Trimmed Maxi Dress
Price:Available to buy online and in store for £35.99
Head of fashion’s star rating
New Look Black Zebra Print Ruffle Trimmed Maxi Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says:“This dress is right up my street. It has a very Rat and Boa look to it, but at a fraction of the price. The fit of the gown is also excellent for a high-street dress, with a hidden zipper and a slim bodice. Extra points go to New Look for nailing this season’s trending print: zebra.”
Next Burgundy Red Satin Cowl Neck Strappy Tie Back Midi Slip Dress
Price:Available to buy online and in store for £48
Head of fashion’s star rating:
Next Burgundy Red Satin Cowl Neck Strappy Tie Back Midi Slip Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “I chose the burgundy red shade for this slip dress, but you can also get it in a brown and cream cow print or a traditional black. I can’t fault the fabric – the satin feels soft and luxuriously thick – and the adjustable straps mean the cowl neck didn’t sit too low on my chest. The only reason I’m not giving it four stars is because I would have liked it to nip me in at the waist a little more, rather than fall so straight.”
Marks & Spencer Mesh Jersey Column Midi Dress
Price: Available to buy online and in store for £35
Head of fashion’s star rating: *****
Marks & Spencer Mesh Jersey Column Midi Dress(Image: Marks & Spencer )
Zoe says: “This dress really took me aback. I had low expectations because I wasn’t sure of the colour, and I thought the fit might create a boxy shape, but I was very wrong. The fabric has some stretch to it, which helped define my waist. The slash neckline and the double-lined material also give it a much more expensive look and feel.”
ASOS DESIGN deep cowl with twisted strap mesh maxi dress in orange print
Price:Available to buy online for £45
Head of fashion’s star rating:
ASOS DESIGN deep cowl with twisted strap mesh maxi dress in orange print(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “I can’t actually fault the fit of this dress, but I just don’t think I’m brave enough to pull off such a bright colour. I think this is a great buy if you’re heading off somewhere tropical for a wedding, as it feels light to wear and the orange tones would look great in the sunshine. I do also really like the cowl back design and the leg split.”
Boohoo Floral Ruffle One Shoulder Maxi Dress in Merlot
Price:Available to buy online for £28 (on sale from £40)
Head of fashion’s star rating:
Boohoo Floral Ruffle One Shoulder Maxi Dress in Merlot(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “For years now, Boohoo has been my secret destination for occasionwear dresses. Not only are the prices always low, but the quality of its dresses is usually much higher than you might imagine. This one-shoulder maxi with ruffle detailing fit me like a glove, and I felt great in it. I’ll absolutely be wearing this to events over the summer.”
Zoe says: “It wouldn’t really occur to me to go to Wallis for occasionwear dresses, but I was pleasantly surprised by the high-quality, low-price dresses on offer if you shop the brand on Debenhams.com. This pretty butter yellow midi has so much detailing that makes it worth much more than £39, in my opinion. The little loop buttons down the top, the tulip-like neckline, the pretty puff sleeves and the satin fabric – it’s a Disney dress without all the drama.”
Price:Available to buy online for £50 with sale code EXTRA20
Head of fashion’s star rating:
Coast Premium Satin, Lace And Chiffon Mix Midi Wedding Guest Dress(Image: Coast at Debenhams)
Zoe says: “If you thought you couldn’t get a Coast dress for under £50, think again. Once again, Debenhams is cutting the price of some of the dresses to a fraction of their original RRP, and this midi is a standout. I’ve awarded it three stars because it’s just not my style – I can’t get behind a high neck – but I know others will love it. It boasts rich colour, a luxurious fabric, lace detailing on the sleeves and a tiered skirt. The price is varying as it drops in and out of spring sales, and was bang on £50 at the time I ordered it.”
Next Yellow Gingham Seersucker Bandeau Midi Summer Dress
Price:Available to buy online and in store for £42
Head of fashion’s star rating
Next Yellow Gingham Seersucker Bandeau Midi Summer Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “I’ve seen this dress everywhere, and I knew I had to have it for this round-up. I actually first saw Scarlett Moffatt wearing it in the lilac colourway, but I think yellow is a great choice for spring/summer weddings. It really is as good as it looks. The top fits snugly while the skirt has a flattering flare. It’s one you’ll need to dress up with heels and accessories for a more formal event, but once you’ve done that, it’s my top pick for an outdoor wedding this season.”
Zoe: “When I unpacked this from the bag, I was fully prepared to dismiss it. The fabric has a scuba feel that I don’t really like, and it looked tiny. I’m happy I tried it on, though, because it made me feel very pretty. Though it’s a mini, the length of the skirt is long enough to save my dignity, and the off-the-shoulder bow neckline is much more flattering than I first thought it would be. It’s probably one I see fitting in better at the races, but still a nice option for someone looking for a shorter style of dress. “
F&F at Tesco Ruffle Ivory Spot Slip Dress
Price: Available to buy in store for £25
Head of fashion’s star rating: **
Zoe says: “Okay bear with me on the white. I wanted to include an option for someone who had been tasked with wearing monochrome to a wedding, because white and black guest dresses are a top trend for 2025 weddings. This, however, probably wouldn’t be my top pick. The satin fabric, adjustable straps and midi cut are all very nice, but I felt a little drowned by this, and I didn’t love the floppy ruffling around the chest. I think it lends itself to someone with a bigger chest than mine.”
George at Asda Orange Tie Back Trapeze Midi Dress
Price:Available to buy in store and online for £18
Head of fashion’s star rating:
George at Asda Orange Tie Back Trapeze Midi Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “There’s no denying that supermarkets have become the ‘it’ places to go to nab a trending item for less, but this isn’t the one I’d reach for, personally. There’s a pretty tie-back bow detail on the back of the neckline, which I did like, and the block orange shade is great for an outdoor summer event, but the fit was just too oversized, and the fabric was a bit thin (albeit very soft). I’d say this is better as a beach-to-bar holiday look.”
Debut London by Coast Long Sleeve Waterfall Detail Satin Dress
Price:Available to buy online for £45
Head of fashion’s star rating: ****
Debut London by Coast Long Sleeve Waterfall Detail Satin Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “This dress would get a full five stars if I were shopping for a winter wedding look, but it was a tad too thick for the summer weddings I have coming up. Saying that, if you’ve got an event this spring and the weather is looking a little bleak, this is a gorgeous buy. The silky fabric is thick, luxurious and flows when I walk. The double tie detailing at the waist is a nice feature, and the sleeve and skirt lengths were perfect. An absolute sale steal.”
F&F at Tesco Top Polka Dot Co-ord
Price:
Head of fashion’s star rating:
F&F at Tesco Top Polka Dot Co-ord (Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “I think my face says it all, doesn’t it? I’m so impressed with F&F because this two-piece dress (or co-ord, I suppose), and I’d even go as far as to declare it my overall winner of the bunch. The volume of the sleeves paired with the flare of the skirt, the sweetheart neckline and the polka dot print make it a modern take on a vintage look – one that I felt great in. Though £38.50 feels steep in price for a supermarket two-piece, the fact that you can wear each item separately to get a range of different formal and informal looks will help justify the cost.”
Zoe says: “This is a dress from PLT’s rebranded range, and I loved how it looked on the model. The twisted drop-shoulder strap reminded me of designs from Kylie Jenner’s Khy collection, but for a lot less money. I was, unfortunately, left disappointed. I couldn’t get this dress on, even with the help of the zip. It bunched around my hips, and the inner fabric refused to budge all the way down, causing it to bunch in unflattering places. I would have sized up to a size 10, but because of how the dress was cut, I don’t think it would have helped.”
Zoe says: “A more casual take on a wedding guest dress, but this floral number is a top occasionwear seller for M&S, so I wanted to give it a go. You can absolutely dress it up with some heels and a clutch, or dress it down with some flat sandals and a sunhat. Either way, I can see why it’s a top website pick. The slip under the chiffon top dress makes sure there’s no show-through of underwear, and I really like the V-shaped neckline and angel sleeves.”
River Island Blue Sleeveless Cut Out Poplin Midi Dress
Price:Available to buy online for £46
Head of fashion’s star rating:
River Island Blue Sleeveless Cut Out Poplin Midi Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “As someone who shies away from bold patterns, this dress was a bit of a wild card for me, but I ended up really liking it. The fact that it’s crafted with a structured polyester fabric makes it feel more like an event dress than a daytime cotton one, and the cutout back detail adds a nice touch (low enough so you can still wear a bra).”
Price:Available to buy online and in store for £49.50
Head of fashion’s star rating
Marks & Spencer Polka Dot V-Neck Lace Detail Midaxi Tea Dress(Image: Marks & Spencer )
Zoe says: “Marks and Spencer really has nailed affordable occasionwear, haven’t they? This is the second polka dot dress I fell in love with, and it was very close to being my overall winner. I felt really great in this satin number, and I liked how it made my figure look. It has all the details I look for in an event dress: a silky fabric, a flattering neckline, a midi length and, most of all, some form of sleeve. It’s not easy to find a satin-y dress with the addition of sleeves, especially not lace ones like these.”
ASOS DESIGN high neck satin checkerboard maxi dress in sage green
Price:Available to buy online for £46.80 when you use the code NEWHERE
Head of fashion’s star rating:
ASOS DESIGN high neck satin checkerboard maxi dress in sage green(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “The ASOS model on the product page wears this dress with a head scarf, and I thought it was a lovely piece for anyone who needs to shop something conservative. The sage green colour is really lovely, and the fabric is thick and not in the slightest bit see-through. The neckline is high, but doesn’t feel suffocating, and I really like the subtle check print on the fabric.”
Primark Shirred Maxi Dress
Price:
Head of fashion’s star rating
Primark Shirred Maxi Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “I’d like to point out this dress in the photo was four sizes bigger than I’d shop for myself, but as I was getting store samples, this was what I was able to try on. I do like it, and if you were to buy it in your exact size, it would fit nicely. The fabric is a little thin, but for under £25, it’s a good option if you don’t want to spend a fortune on a look but also want something pretty and floaty. You definitely won’t overheat in it.”
New Look Blue Floral Print Tiered Puff Sleeve Wrap Dress
Price:Available to buy online and in store for £20.99
Head of fashion’s star rating:
New Look Blue Floral Print Tiered Puff Sleeve Wrap Dress(Image: New Look)
Zoe says: “Another brand I’m seriously impressed with is New Look. This is the second dress I tried on from the brand, and it also proved to be a hit. In fact, I like it so much, it’s hanging up in my wardrobe already. Would I wear it to a wedding? Perhaps an outdoor or garden one, but I’d really have to play around with my hair and accessories to make it fancy enough for a more formal event. With a tie-side detail, puff sleeves and a tiered skirt, and the very least it’ll be a dress you reach for time and time again during the warmer months.”
George at Asda Studio Edit Blue Puff Sleeve Poplin Midi Dress
Price:Available to buy in store and online for £35
Head of fashion’s star rating:
George at Asda Studio Edit Blue Puff Sleeve Poplin Midi Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “While this dress isn’t to my personal taste, I can appreciate that others will like it. Because I verge on being top-heavy, the large puff sleeves paired with the A-line skirt accentuated that a bit, but if you have larger hips and a smaller bust, you’ll be fine. It’s a lovely blue colour though, and I like how the buttons come all the way down the front.”
TU at Sainsbury’s Blue Broderie Short Sleeve Shirt Dress
Price:Available to buy online and in store for £35
Head of fashion’s star rating:
TU at Sainsbury’s Blue Broderie Short Sleeve Shirt Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “This is another supermarket dress that, if you hid the tag from me, would make me guess it was from a brand like Zara or Mango. I like the broderie detailing, the tie waist and the scallop sleeves. Plus, the cotton fabric feels thick and soft. With some heels, a statement headband and a nice bag, this could easily be styled to suit a summer wedding.”
George at Asda Red One-Shoulder Maxi Trapeze Dress
Price:Available to buy in store and online for £20
Head of fashion’s star rating:
George at Asda Red One Shoulder Maxi Trapeze Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “I put this on expecting it to make me look like a tent, but I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, it has pockets. Need I say more? Also, the fact that the neckline has a one-shoulder cut makes it look like a chic oversized dress rather than one that swamps my figure. I do think you have to be on the taller side to pull this off, so it’s definitely worth trying on in store before adding it to your trolley.”
Oasis Petite Double Frill Satin Burnout Midi Dress
Price:Available to buy online for £50 with the code EXTRA25
Head of fashion’s star rating:
Oasis Petite Double Frill Satin Burnout Midi Dress(Image: Oasis)
Zoe says: “If this dress is now over £50, I can only apologise. I nabbed it during a Debenhams sale, so if it’s back up to full price, it may be worth waiting for it to come back down. It’s definitely worth the wait because it’s a real luxe find. The blue shade is so gorgeous, and the floral print gives it a romantic, wedding-appropriate feel. I also think it would flatter a range of figures, so it’s a safe pick if you don’t want anything with spaghetti straps.”
Pretty Little Thing Brown Floral Chiffon Frill Plunge Strappy Maxi Dress
Price:Available to buy online for £38
Head of fashion’s star rating:
Pretty Little Thing Brown Floral Chiffon Frill Plunge Strappy Maxi Dress(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Zoe says: “This was the only dress of the 27 that I thought I’d have to omit from the roundup. I love the chocolate brown colour with the pattern – it’s a great shade pick that really taps into 2025 trends – but that’s all the positives I have. The leg slit came up almost to my naval, so I would be flashing everyone at a wedding. The straps were adjustable, but even on the tightest they could go, the front of the dress still draped down, giving another flashing incident opportunity. I don’t know who the fit model is at PLT, but unfortunately, it doesn’t suit my shape or size at all.”
Boohoo Floral Ruffle Midi Dress
Price:Available to buy online for £28 (on sale from £40)
Zoe says: “This is another win for Boohoo, and another dress that feels far more expensive than it is. My only niggle is the ruffling on the neckline, which I couldn’t get to sit flat. But the yellow print, the ruffled tiered skirt, the V-shaped back and the fluttery sleeves gave me a really romantic look. If yellow isn’t to your taste, this dress also comes in a pink colourway.”
Zoe says: “I loved this dress on the website, but I’m sad to report it didn’t live up to my expectations in person. While it does give me a nice silhouette in that photo, it took me about 10 minutes to get it on. The ruched detailing also sits at a strange place on my hips – not as flattering as I’d thought it would be. If you want to give it a go, I suggest sizing up by one or two sizes as the 8 was far too small for me.”
