Every woman needs a Little Black Dress in her wardrobe – and this “classy” number from River Island is the perfect outfit to grab now ahead of the festive party season.

The Black Velvet Drape Midi Dress is now back in stock at River Island, just in time for you to start thinking ahead to Christmas parties and work dos. The versatile garment is sure to be suited to whatever events you have planned – and at just £45, it will certainly earn its keep.

The dress usually sells on River Island in sizes 6-22, but is currently a ‘Trending’ item on the website and is selling fast, with all sizes above a size 12 currently out of stock.

It is made from a “super soft” velvet that feels “beautiful” to touch, according to shoppers, and cuts a “sultry”, asymmetric crew neckline that shows off one shoulder, as well as a split hem that teases just a little bit of leg.

But wearers should be careful when it comes to looking after this item: while the dress can be machine washed gently at a maximum of 30 degrees, and can be ironed at a low temperature, it should not be tumble dried or dry-cleaned.

One shopper who tried out the River Island Velvet Drape dress was Bethan Shufflebotham, Fashion and Beauty Writer for the Mirror, who bought the dress last year – and said she received “dozens of compliments” while wearing it.

She wrote: “I bought the dress last year and wore it at every opportunity, from date nights to my December birthday, the pantomime, Christmas drinks with the girls and even on Christmas Day.

“Ticking every single box, this little black dress offers a festive feel, flattering fit, affordable price, and is perfect for injecting some glam into your winter occasion wear wardrobe. So many people complimented my outfit, with my fiancé exclaiming how “classy” it was.

“My absolute favourite thing about this dress is the ruched detailing, with elegant draping across the shoulders, to a wrap skirt that creates a ruched effect at the waist, which is very figure-flattering and accentuates curves that I don’t particularly have, giving me more shape. What’s more, is that it looks so much more expensive than its £45 price tag would suggest.”

Velvet is looking set to be a top trend for Autumn/Winter 2024 wardrobes, so if you’re on the lookout for a stunningly soft velvet dress, you could also try this Round Neck Midaxi Column Dress, in a striking teal colour, which costs just £45 at Marks and Spencer.

Alternatively, Next is selling this V-Neck Velvet Maxi Dress for a slightly pricier £68, in Christmassy colours including Berry Red and Emerald Green.