I need a Summer dress - but I think it's impossible!

[PearlyGrey]

Hello, hoping somebody very wise and stylish can help me.

My boyfriend's offered to buy me a new summer dress before we go on holiday but I can't see any I like/that will be flattering.

I'm a nightmare to buy clothes for, I'm short (5"2) and there's a big disparity between my waist and bust - sometimes up to 4 dress sizes based on measurements. I need things to be either fitted to the waist or to be able to be belted in without the fabric bunching up loads.

And I'd like sleeves as they need to cover the bra straps/I'm fair and my shoulders are one of the worst areas for catching the sun if I'm not incredibly careful.

I'd like a summery fabric, cotton or a fine jersey but not bothered about print/colour - I'll wear pretty much anything!

All for about £50-75...I've spent ages looking and can't see anything, think it's impossible! (Plus I live in dresses so I'm sure if such a shop existed I'd have stumbled across it by now...). Anybody have any ideas/have a similar figure problem?

Thank you so much!

[ivanapoo]

Have you looked at Pepperberry? Some of the styles are quite dowdy but there are a few decent ones (a bright stripy one I can see on the website could look OK), and at least you get a dress that fits...

[ivanapoo]

www.bravissimo.com/m/pepperberry/#products/dresses/day-dresses/stripe-jersey-dress/multi-stripe/pd185mst/

(I'm sure you know this but they size by bust size)

[ivanapoo]

Bollocks, forgot to link!

www.bravissimo.com/m/pepperberry/#products/dresses/day-dresses/stripe-jersey-dress/multi-stripe/pd185mst/

[PearlyGrey]

I've looked at pepperberry but it all seemed a bit frumpy in not brilliant fabrics, will have another look though as it's been a while and they might have some Summer stuff in. Had sort of forgotten about them! Thanks.

[BreasticlesNTesticles]

Wallis Petite any good?

[PearlyGrey]

Ooh that one is nice, not sure about the polyester lining as I'm off somewhere hot this summer but it's a lovely shape.

[PearlyGrey]

Never tried Wallis, we don't have one near me, think it closed before I left school! It's so hard trying to find something youthful and unfrumpy to suit!

[BreasticlesNTesticles]

They do lots of dresses and their petite range always looks better imo

[PearlyGrey]

Thanks, I'll give them a look.

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

lady V? very 1950's

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Was about to say LadyV - they look great worn with a bit belt, hide bra straps and lining on mine is cotton

[AwkwardSquad]

Might be a little out of your price range but the style should suit your figure: www.vivienofholloway.com/en/category/50s%20Halterneck%20Print%20Dress/1950s-halterneck-print-dress/

[AwkwardSquad]

'Runaround Sue' has cap sleeves.

[Ashoething]

I was also going to say Lady vintage London-if you use the code SWINGMAY at the checkout you get 10% off all swing dresses too.