Summer Workwear Essential
Office Workers Find Roman's £28 Dress a 'Godsend' for Their Summer Wardrobe
Roman's Belted Shirt Dress has become the unlikely hero of the 2026 summer office season, with workers calling it a 'godsend for hot days.' The dress costs £38 at full price, but new customers can get it for £28.50 using the code AFRPLC25Q226, according to Daily Post. It comes in two colours — Navy and Khaki — and fits sizes 10 to 20.
The dress went viral after workers shared videos pulling it wrinkle-free from suitcases, ready to wear with no ironing needed. That single selling point has driven a surge in demand, with mid-range sizes reportedly running low in stores, according to Wales Online.
Why Office Workers Are Buying This Dress in Droves
The dress hit a sweet spot that summer workwear rarely reaches. It looks smart enough for a client meeting but stays cool enough for a packed commute. Shoppers on the Roman website say it 'hides any lumps and bumps' and 'looks way more expensive than it is,' according to Somerset Live.
The no-iron factor is the biggest draw. Many younger professionals no longer own a steam iron, so a dress that goes straight from a suitcase to the office carries real practical value. Examiner Live reported that the shirt collar and built-in belt give it the structure of office wear without the discomfort.
Discount Code Triggers 40% Spike in Web Traffic
Roman launched the promotional code AFRPLC25Q226 in early June. It cut the price from £38 to £28.50 for new customers. That triggered a 40% spike in web traffic to the dress category, according to Cheshire Live. Existing customers also get 10% off through standard loyalty prompts.
Retail analysts call this a classic 'hero item' play. A dress under £30 that works for both a boardroom and a beer garden is rare. Roman used the summer heatwave and the code together to pull in new shoppers and build long-term loyalty.
Mixed Reviews: Some Find the Skirt Too Bulky
Not every shopper is won over. A vocal group of customers say the skirt has too much fabric. For petite women, the volume can look 'tent-like' if the belt is not pulled tight, according to Belfast Live. The feedback points to a fit issue for shorter frames rather than a flaw in the overall design.
The size range — 10 to 20 — has also drawn some criticism. Shoppers outside that range are left out, which sits awkwardly with the dress's inclusive marketing. Still, the majority of reviews remain positive, with the crease-free fabric cited most often as the top reason to buy.
Marks and Spencer Moves to Capture the Same Shopper
Marks and Spencer wasted no time responding to Roman's viral moment. The retailer pushed its Pure Cotton Pintuck Midi Shirt Dress — priced at £30 — to the top of its homepage and app, according to Edinburgh Live. The M&S version costs just £1.50 more than Roman's discounted price.
The key difference is fabric. M&S markets its dress as pure cotton, which breathes better in heat than synthetic blends. Fashion critics argue cotton is the smarter buy for genuine summer comfort, even if it needs the occasional iron. With Roman's sizes 12 and 14 running critically low, Kent Live notes that M&S is well placed to pick up the overflow demand.
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