Wedding season is officially in full swing, and for the guests of such glorious occasions, finding a dress for such an event that makes us feel and look fabulous – and is budget-friendly – can prove challenging. However, we’ve found a stunning £50 dress on sale at Roman that bears a striking resemblance to a beautiful £169 option from Phase Eight.

While both the Roman design and Phase Eight’s option share a floaty, pleated finish, Phase Eight’s Mira Ombre Dress comes in a summery blue shade, while Roman’s version is in a vibrant pink design.

Both frocks boast a flattering V-neckline, a tie waist belt and a pleated skirt, though Phase Eight’s dress includes additional button detailing.

Available in UK sizes 10-20, the Roman piece can also be purchased in red and gold metallic shades for those who’d prefer more block colour options.

If this particular style isn’t quite fitting the bill for the wedding, Freemans is selling the Kaleidoscope Blue Ombre Pleated Maxi Dress for £35, reduced from £44. Featuring a halterneck design with a self-tie belt, it showcases a bold cobalt blue and green colourway guaranteed to turn heads.

Returning to Roman, those who prefer a higher neckline can opt for the retailer’s Silver Pleated Ombre Midi Dress priced at £70, though fashion enthusiasts can secure it for £63 using the code LUSH. Simple to pair with heels or ballet flats, the eye-catching frock would look elegant with a blazer draped over the shoulders for extra warmth , reports the Manchester Evening News.

While the Roman Pleated Midi Dress has not yet been reviewed in the pink ombre design, the gold metallic variant currently has a flawless five-star review rating. One admirer commented: “Beautiful dress – looks amazing on, great value and such amazing quality.”

There are no unfavourable reviews of the dress on Roman’s website, though it is worth highlighting that it is only available in a single length, which may prove challenging for taller or more petite customers seeking their ideal fit. Nevertheless, the frock is a great bargain at £50, and its adaptable design means it could also be worn after the wedding with sandals to barbecues and summer occasions.

LK Bennett was a high street giant, and a favourite of lots of customers – even Princess Kate. However, the company collapsed into administration earlier this year, and has now shut down its website in another blow to the brand. Back in January, the company appointed John Noon and Mark Firmin of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP as joint administrators.

Shortly after this, LK Bennett was sold to US firm Gordon Brothers, which also owns Laura Ashley and Poundland. The brand had nine stand-alone and 13 concession stores at the time of the deal, but they were not included in it. As the LK Bennett website explains: “The LK Bennett stores were not included in the transaction and continue to trade under the Administration.”

Now, the website itself has shut down, despite continuing online sales since the time of the deal. The website adds: “Website and phone order now closed- Shop in store for a limited time.”

If people have already made online orders, they will still go ahead as usual, the website explains. Meanwhile, the brand has launched a closing-down sale in all stores across the UK with up to 75% off.

The sales continue as all “remaining warehouse stock just arrived in stores”. LK Bennett confirmed “everything [is] reduced” with up to 80% off stock.

LK Bennett was established in the 1990s, initially selling shoes before expanding its offering to include clothing and accessories such as handbags.

The brand described itself as “the British affordable luxury brand” and was founded by Linda Bennett in London “with the vision of bringing a bit of Bond Street luxury to the High Street”.

A LK Bennett spokesperson said: “There are some truly exceptional offers available across all categories. Everything has been reduced, including new season pieces.

“We anticipate strong demand and expect key styles to sell through quickly; we would like to thank our loyal customers for their support over the years and invite them to shop early to avoid disappointment.”

With the sunny weather finally hitting the UK, many of us are looking for ways to update our wardrobes for the warmer weather. Ditching the layers in favour of summer dresses is exciting, but it can be tricky to find a frock that’s versatile enough for a variety of occasions whilst also boasting a flattering fit.

Now, Marks & Spencer shoppers have been raving about a cotton rich midi dress they say ‘covers the tummy well’ and it comes in UK sizes 6-24 (though the size 22 is currently sold out online). The Cotton Rich Printed Puff Sleeve Midi Waisted Dress retails for £46 and features a flattering smocked bodice and a neat round neckline.

Versatile enough for both weekend plans and wearing to the office, the puff sleeves add a playful touch, while the 97% cotton material is breathable for warmer weather. The frock can be teamed with all manner of footwear from ballet flats to sandals.

One fan said: “Beautiful dress. Fits perfectly. Covers tummy really well. More colours needed. Wish it had pockets.”

Meanwhile, another enthused: “Lovely dress, perfect fit and length looks fabulous on and very slimming. Wasn’t sure about the sleeves at first but they’ve definitely grown on me. Love that it’s cotton, I’d love it in other colours!”

A third hailed the dress ‘a keeper’ writing: “The dress you didn’t think you needed, but once you try it on…it’s a keeper! Easy to wear, cute print, comfortable fabric and good quality. Sizing is spot on.”

It is of course worth noting that not every frock suits every wearer’s tastes, and one customer commented: “Loved the dress, well made but found it was difficult to zip and use tiny button at neck as restricted arm movement, also very long on me so unfortunately had to return. Good value for money.”

Despite this, another left the item high praise, writing: “So pleased with this dress. Great quality being cotton – very well-made, sits on the body superbly and true to its size, very good value for money. I would certainly be recommending this dress and your superb efficient service of shipping it to me.”