Boden shoppers are going wild for the brand’s chic and classic Holly Knitted Shift Dress, and reckon it’s going to be the perfect outfit for Christmas Day this year. But luckily it’s versatile enough to be worn for numerous occasions between now and then. 

The long-sleeved dress, which has bold striped contrast cuffs and neckline (on the navy version, the stripes are postbox-red and white), has slight Chanel vibes about it, thanks to big brass buttons and demure pocket details. 

Rated a strong four stars by shoppers, the outfit costs £139, and is available in three colour-ways: navy, black (orange and cream cuffs) and ‘emerald night’ - a nice forest green, with white and navy striped cuffs. It’s also available in petite and normal fits, and sizes 4 to 22, making it very accessible for all shapes and sizes.

Wear it with opaque woollen tights and chunky boots for a wintry walk, or sheer tights and heels for Christmas Day - along with some chunky gold rings and earrings. For something a little bolder, try the Colour Block Asymmetric Knitted Dress from Wallis.

It’s cheaper, costing £59, but is only available in one colourway - black with a brown panel - and there are fewer sizing options. This midi dress would be great for the office with smart boots, but could be made cosier for the weekend with a big cream cardigan thrown over the top. 

To make a real entrance on Christmas, the Rachel Red Swing Dress from Phase Eight (£129) would do the trick. A very festive rouge, it’s got shiny buttons down the front and a swishy skirt. Pull on some black tights and red lippy to be mistletoe and dancefloor ready.

One shopper said of the Boden dress: "I bought a size 12 it's slightly generous but fits beautifully. The plan to wear this autumn through to the Christmas season. It's such a pretty combination of red and pink and I know that I can dress it up or down. Great quality if it came in more colours I would probably buy. Another great quality product from Boden."

A second said: “I like this dress and have my eyes on it for a long time. Bought it when it went on sale and additional 25%. It is very comfortable. I like the fact that it is cotton and it has pockets. I will purchase the black one too when it goes on sale.”

A third said: “Fits me a lot like my Boden "Ottoman" dress - a little boxy but I like that look! Nice, heavy weight that keeps me warm on cooler days without needing to add a cardigan or blazer. Beautiful color combination.”

However, one customer flagged: “Too heavy for me to wear. Needs a bit of shape for my small bodysize.”

Another said: “Very nice dress but very heavy material so I returned for this reason. Great pity as I love the style and vibrant colour.”