Not awful summer dresses

[Notmyrealname85]

Has someone already posted about this?! Am stuck in a huge shopping centre and tried Zara, M&S, TopShop, H&M, New Look... have I missed the nice summer dresses?!

If you know of ANY that are vaguely not really skimpy, not mega frilly/girly girly... ok sounds hard for a dress but.. sort of knee/above knee...I'm very pale if anyone knows of good shades! Would prefer to be able to wear a bra if possible :)

Help! Going to BBQ at the weekend and can't wear leggings again!

[Notmyrealname85]

Am early 30s, usually into functional clothes but wanting to look nice for once. Please help!

[twostepsister]

Dorothy Perkins
www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/indigo-bardot-pom-pom-denim-dress-6713869?bi=20&ps=20

[Rioja123]

What is this hideous cold shoulder trend? That or everything is covered in ruffles.

[twostepsister]

Dorothy Perkins
www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-5699972/shift-dresses-203638/vero-moda-navy-chambray-dress-6593994?bi=60&ps=20
Wallis...girly but not over the top
www.wallis.co.uk/en/wluk/product/dresses-265974/cream-tie-sleeve-floral-bardot-dress-6702010?bi=40&ps=20

[twostepsister]

I love a cold shoulder and ruffle Rioja

[ShesNoNormanPace]

French Connection has some nice dresses - depends what you class as not frilly.

[SerfTerf]

I just bought these two;

www.lauraashley.com/uk/dresses/navy-cutwork-maxi-dress/invt/md894

www.lauraashley.com/uk/dresses/belted-jersey-maxi-dress/invt/md874

There's a really interesting mixture of styles at LA.

[TheFairyCaravan]

I bought this Next one in black. Some of the reviews say it's see through, but I haven't had that problem. I've been in sunlight and artificial light and not noticed it, and it's lined.

[TheFairyCaravan]

Gap have some nice ones too.

[Notmyrealname85]

Oh my gosh THANK YOU for these! Missed DP, Wallis and Next. Will pop in this pm :) :) :)

[steppemum]

well I was hoping to get some inspiration from this thread, but those bare shoulder dresses are horrible, mainly because I need to wear a bra and I hate bra straps showing and strapless bras on big boobs are hell.
(actually they aren't horrible on the right person, just horrible if youhave boobs)

Why doesn't anyone sell just a dress?
You know sort of cotton, not too short, not too long, bit of a sleeve, summery colours (not black) not silly and frilly, just a NORMAL dress????

[GrannyRoberts]

I recently panic bought several H&M basics short sleeved jersey dresses for a last-minute holiday and I have been delighted with them. So comfy and easy to wear and they seem to wash well. They come in quite a few different colours, striped or plain and are very good value too.
www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0554811003.html#Dark blue/Striped

[Rioja123]

I have big boobs so I prefer to be able to wear a bra, and ruffles just make my chest look even bigger.

[Rioja123]

Love that green maxi from Laura Ashley, tempted to order it for honeymoon!

[CakeNinja]

Granny, I am wearing that navy striped dress right now! Bought a red one last year and practically lived in it during holidays, and went back last weekend - I was thrilled to discover them, bought another 3! Love the pockets in them too.

Have also just ordered that green maxi dress, looks perfect for work.

[Ancienchateau]

Desigual. Bought 2 lovely ones in the sale yesterday.

[PolkadotsAndMoonbeams]

I'd quite like a dress almost like a school summer dress - just normal cotton, knee length, sensible sleeves!

[Rioja123]

I've ordered it too!

[GrannyRoberts]

CakeNinja they are great aren't they? I got 4 in different colours/patterns and am so pleased with them!

[Ollivander84]

Slightly random but try Dorothy Perkins tall range (provided you're not 5ft or something!)
They are generally knee/above knee on average height people and I have a few skater style dresses

[steppemum]

polka - me too!

That Laura ashley dress is lovely - but it is dark green and full length, to me that just isn't a summer dress!

[Therealslimshady1]

I have that H&M one too!

I also have a few DP ones (in tall!)

[ProseccoandPizza]

m.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/khaki-shirred-bell-sleeve-tunic-dress_524289234?pProduct=524289201

Slightly obsessed with this dress. Have black one, will probably order the green one too if the weather stays warm.

[WhenIGrowUpIWantToBeAPenguin]

Sainsbury's often have nice normal summer dresses,this one for example?

[irregularegular]

Try Boden - having a Sale now - lots of classic summer dresses there. With shoulders!