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‘I’ve had a lot of compliments': The trans-seasonal autumn midi to add to basket

This trans-seasonal number is worth adding to your wardrobe. (John Lewis / Yahoo Life UK)
This trans-seasonal number is worth adding to your wardrobe. (John Lewis / Yahoo Life UK)

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This time of year is not only tricky because there's a sense of summer being over – especially as we had such a beautifully, balmy one – but also because the up and down weather means the 'What do I wear?' dilemma is real.

During the day it's not quite cold enough in most places to go into full winter mode, yet it's not quite warm enough to keep ignoring that the change of season is upon us – and isn't going to disappear any time soon.

That's why this John Lewis Pop Animal Print Tiered Midi Shirt Dress, £65, could be the answer. With its stunning print, fluid shape and long-sleeved design, it can be layered with multiple things you already own when the cold early morning or night air sets in.

With customers getting showered with compliments when they wear this uber-flattering frock, surely it's worth it for that alone? But there are a host of other great reasons this is a worthy wardrobe addition and has made the cut as our Dress of The Day.

Remember, John Lewis favourites sell out at speed, and this newly-launched dress shows all the signs that it's going to be the brand's next big best-seller. So if you think it's for you, then don't delay.

Why we rate it

For starters, that pattern. A striking abstract, animal print design featuring deep green, white and black, it might have autumnal vibes but the pops of cheery, neon yellow throughout bring the sunshine.

The tiered shirt dress has long sleeves and a collar you can do right up to the top when you're feeling the chill. And it has a fluid, floaty shape that drapes over the body beautifully.

The fabric is a silky soft 53% viscose and 47% Ecovero viscose (that means it's made from sustainable wood pulp and produced through an environmentally responsible production fibre process.)

Plus it has that crucial, most useful design element – pockets.

We've called it: this is the midaxi dress of the season. (John Lewis & Partners)
We've called it: this is the midaxi dress of the season. (John Lewis & Partners)
The stunning animal print has pops of neon yellow to up the sunshine factor. (John Lewis & Partners)
The stunning animal print has pops of neon yellow to up the sunshine factor. (John Lewis & Partners)

£65 at John Lewis

It's the kind of dress you can throw on with chunky biker boots or white trainers when the weather is warm(ish) in the day and pop out on a grocery run or for a coffee date with friends.

But equally, it'll work with a blazer and knee-high, heeled black or brown boots for those days you need to rock up to the office.

For lazy weekends, you can team it with a polo neck underneath or a thick jumper over the top, with leggings underneath and some furry slides.

For going out, it'll look great with thick tights and ankle boots, and some chunky gold jewellery.

If you're petite, the midaxi style will be more maxi than midi, but simply get a smaller size than usual and belt it around the waist.

And, hurrah, it has those all-important pockets. (John Lewis & Partners)
And, hurrah, it has those all-important pockets. (John Lewis & Partners)
The tiered shirt-dress has a flattering, fluid shape. (John Lewis & Partners)
The tiered shirt-dress has a flattering, fluid shape. (John Lewis & Partners)

£65 at John Lewis

Another bonus is that it'll look great with yellow, green, black or white knits over the top. Or you can colour clash and wear orange or red if you want to make more of a statement.

This dress has staying power, too, because not only will it last you through autumn and winter, but you'll be able to wear it in summer on those less than balmy days.

And it's classic enough – without being boring – that you'll be able to wear it and love it for years to come so it's a cost-effective outlay that'll end up being worth way more than you paid for it. Which is exactly the kind of thing we all want to purchase in these financially tricky times.

What the reviews say

As it is so newly launched on the John Lewis site it doesn't yet have hundreds of reviews, but it is already receiving the kind of high praise from customers commenting that it's "perfect" and a "new favourite dress" that gives all the clues that this is bound to be a sell-out sensation.

  • "Loved the colours and fabric design. Fitted well and was a flattering cut. Will team it with black boots. Will be a wardrobe staple for me."

  • "New favourite dress. I absolutely love the cut and the length of this. The neon yellow accent to the pattern really adds something. I've had a lot of compliments on the purchase. I would recommend."

  • "Perfect dress. Just lovely! A great pattern ready for the autumn. It is long, if you are short, (just above the ankles) but that's how I like it. I go between sizes 16 & 18, opted for the 16 and it fitted perfectly. JL - I would love this style in a knee length version."

  • "Lovely dress in lightweight material. So comfortable to wear and looks great. Just the right length for me (I am tall and usually struggle to find dresses which are long enough). Looks good with trainers or could be dressed up."

  • "Versatile and stylish. Very easy to wear, well-designed dress that will take me through autumn with a jumper underneath. Generously cut, buying my normal size 8 gives plenty of room for layers. I would have liked to see the dress offered in Size 6 for comparison."

Shop now: Pop Animal Print Tiered Midi Shirt Dress, Green | £65 from John Lewis & Partners

£65 at John Lewis