Help me find some day dresses

[MouseyHousey]

I have recently lost a bit of weight and need some new clothes. I am 5ft2, size 12, hourglass shape.
I suit dresses but need something that is nipped in at the waist or I just look like a sack of potatoes.
I am very busty so nothing too low cut although if I could wear a vest under it then thats fine. I really want something not formal that I can wear day to day, Ive found that patterns seem more day like and plain dresses can look a little formal.
Also ideally would like short sleeves, no long sleeves or sleevless, open to 3/4 lengths.
One more thing, fairly small budget, Im hoping to lose some more weight so dont want to spend too much. Maybe £20-30 per dress?
Am I asking the impossible?! :)

[ihatethecold]

Watching with interest. You sound just like me. I do love a jumper dress. Fat face have some nice ones sometimes.

[Dilidali]

My dresses come from...sales!
Boden is a firm favourite, White Stuff, something called Blink
The latest one I bought in Jules, navy polka dots, down to 30 pounds from something like 80.
I can say hand on heart I would never pay the full prices.
If I really like something I keep on eye on the sale.

I don't know what to suggest specifically, we seem very different shapewise, maybe an A line?

[suebfg]

I like FatFace and Joules for every day dresses (but buy Joules from John Lewis as Joules customer service is rubbish)

[montmartre]

I was going to recommend Joules too, as I am very short, and curvy, and have a couple of lovely ones from there, from JL in the sale.

[SarkyPants]

Oliver Bonas is great for women with boobs ATM.
Slightly more than your budget but check the sale section of their website.

[FaffTastic]

Cute telephone print dress

Love this flamingo print looks short on model but should be ok if you're 5ft 2

Floral

Denim

Crossover

All of the above would suit an hourglass shape and can be dressed up or down with boots and a cardi IMO

[cheeseandchive]

I am the same height and body-shape, looking for the same thing!

Can't really suggest anything specific but tea-dresses always have worked well for me - usually with ties from the side that go round the back to give a bit of shape. New Look often seem to do some lovely tea-dresses in your price range and I imagine shops will start bringing them out a bit more now it's spring.

[forgottenpassword]

Dorothy Perkins is great for dresses in that price range.

[cheeseandchive]

I am loving this floral number

Is it just me, or is this dress hugely overpriced??!

[FaffTastic]

Yep cheese, seems a ridiculous price for a piece of polyester from littlewoods

[NellieTheEllie]

A lot of choice here in your price range here
They usually have some of this brand in larger branches of New Look.

[cheeseandchive]

My thoughts exactly Faff