Why Alison Hammond’s Great British Bake Off dress works on every body type

Alison Hammond has a knack for finding the best on the high street. She’s always clad in a flattering, yet cool outfit, from her stylish co-ords to her leopard print dresses. And it’s the high street she turned to for her latest The Great British Bake Off outfit – and Alison proved that floral dresses really are the timeless classic we should all lean into.

In the first look at the new series of the GBBO, Alison looked gorgeous alongside Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding and new judge Nigella Lawson. Wearing a cream and multicoloured floral dress, Alison glows as she embraces the effortlessly elegant design that is a favourite every single season.

Alison’s floral dress is the piece that you can wear to any event, any season, any time. From summer soirees to a more casual affair, the Boden Kate Puff Sleeve Belted Dress is ridiculously flattering.

Big claims, but it really is a great dress for every single body type. Wondering why it’s such a flattering fit? Let’s start with the belt; any dress with a belt is going to give you a stunning hourglass figure. It can help to hide a tummy and smooth the midsection, create curves or simply flatter your figure and puts you in charge of how cinched in you want your silhouette to be.

Now onto the sleeves. Gentle puff sleeves are oh-so-sweet but also a brilliant styling hack. They add femininity , granted, but the subtle ruching balances out a larger chest, adds structure to narrow shoulders and gives the floral dress a modern edge.

EXACT MATCH: Boden Puff Sleeve Floral Dress

© Boden

Designed to fall to the mid-calves, the length is great for everyone too. Not too long that it drowns a more petite figure, but not too short either. 

Quite aptly, Boden says this dress is “selling like hot cakes” which of course, could be the Alison effect. The 51-year-old presenter causes a shopping stampede with every outfit she wears, so I’d shop quick if this is on your wish list. It’s currently available in UK sizes 4 – 18, in regular length, and UK sizes 6 – 12 in petite.

The picture doesn’t show which shoes Alison’s worn with the Boden dress, but I’d suggest opting for a pair of espadrilles, chunky heels or a slim, elegant court, depending on the event. 

If this dress is to be worn casually, you just know it’s crying out for a pair of sneakers and a denim or leather jacket – it would even work with a barn jacket. And to make it a more autumnal dress, throw on a sweater over your shoulders and wear with dark brown or suede knee high boots.

HELLO!’s Leanne Bayley commented on the floral dress phenomenon – and how they’re anything but boring. “Before you think of a floral dress being cliche, florals are anything but. From big blooms to ditsy florals, there’s a type of flower print to suit your aesthetic.”

Nigella’s GBBO outfit

In complete contrast, new GBBO judge Nigella Lawson opted for a minimalist’s dream outfit in the shot. Although we can’t identify Nigella’s exact outfit, it appears to be a collared navy dress or jumpsuit with similar design accents to Alison’s – a belted waist and puff sleeves.

I think the Phase Eight Candice Navy Zip Jumpsuit, £89, is giving similar vibes, or the Finery Orion Zip Front Dress, £49, for a dress version.

Either way, we’re as excited to tune into the Channel 4 show for the fashion as we are the bakes!