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Original poster

Handsome, hardworking dresses for the cooler weather.

131 replies

Vaguelyclassical · 18/10/2026 17:21

I'd love to diversify my cool weather wardrobe a little. I'm looking for dresses that hit mid calf or a bit lower but are not full length (this is non-negotiable); I'm a little busty so variations on v necks or bodices with buttons you can unbutton are best. Long sleeves or 3/4 length sleeves; these would be day dresses. Very very strongly prefer a gentle A line that isn't interrupted by a waist seam. Size 14, but tallish with the weight spread reasonably evenly. Autumn/winter weight, please. (I fantasize about the perfect needlecord dress.) Can't wear yellow/orange/brown/lime green/olive drab colours. Strong blues, teal, dark green, dark red, dark purple, and even black especially welcome!
And I'd love to pay less than £150 (per dress, that is!). (Not asking a lot, am I? 🙂) Suggestions?

OP posts:
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43
Tocsin · 19/10/2026 11:42

Handsome and hard wearing are what I look for myself. I shop at some but not all of these places:

Studio Nicholson
You Must Create
Eat Dust Clothing
Margaret Howell
Loulou de Saison
Justine Tabak
Colenimo
Plumo

Those are all over your budget (except at the end of the sales) so it would be worthwhile looking for them pre-owned.

I wouldn’t be interested in any High St option - you’re just not going to get the same combination of quality fabric and decent design. In the past I might have recommended Cos or Toast - but these days they fall down on both the qualities I’ve mentioned.

BandyUrnham · 19/10/2026 11:33

FlowerBin · 19/10/2026 11:22

We will have to agree to disagree on that.

Show quote history

I'm not agreeing to anything.

The choice of word has caused a distraction from the thread.

SabrinaBricklayer · 19/10/2026 11:29

Melancholyflower · 19/10/2026 08:09

I don't think her use of English has been critiqued, but the OP has used adjectives that would not usually be applied to dresses, so people may have been unsure of what the OP is actually looking for i.e. what makes a dress handsome?

Show quote history

I’d have interpreted that as a not pretty (or cute) dress but it’s not an adjective I’ve ever heard for a dress.

Really like that first suggestion of the green dress.

Ifeeltheneedtheneedforcoffee · 19/10/2026 11:27

What about a dress from unfolded? That should meet your criteria but because they dont over produce it takes a while to arrive
Ive got a lovely cord dress from joanie in teal which would match what you need. You may find it on vinted or Ebay?

FlowerBin · 19/10/2026 11:22

BandyUrnham · 19/10/2026 10:13

@FlowerBin , You might love different adjectives but in this context words like handsome and delicious don't really help.

@Nosdacariad , I wasn't critiquing the OP's use of English. The English isn't perfect but it's pretty good.

We will have to agree to disagree on that.

BandyUrnham · 19/10/2026 11:14

@Blueberrywild , I doubt it.

Blueberrywild · 19/10/2026 11:09

BandyUrnham · 19/10/2026 11:03

@IamwhoIsayIam , I don't need to look it up. All I said was that it was an odd choice of adjective in this context.

Except it’s not.
I daresay OP’s English is better than yours @BandyUrnham.
Anyway, this is off the point.
I’m looking for a similar style dress so following with interest.

BandyUrnham · 19/10/2026 11:03

@IamwhoIsayIam , I don't need to look it up. All I said was that it was an odd choice of adjective in this context.

IamwhoIsayIam · 19/10/2026 10:53

BandyUrnham · 19/10/2026 10:13

@FlowerBin , You might love different adjectives but in this context words like handsome and delicious don't really help.

@Nosdacariad , I wasn't critiquing the OP's use of English. The English isn't perfect but it's pretty good.

You might care to look at both the current and historic uses of the word handsome from the OED https://www.oed.com/dictionary/handsome_adj?tl=true

adjective: Of a thing: having an attractive form or appearance; well-proportioned; elegant, stylish.

Also (historical now obsolete but absolutely appropriate here) Of a person's appearance or clothing: suitable, fitting; seemly, decent; (of a person) seemly in appearance.

handsome, adj., adv., & n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary

handsome, adj., adv., & n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

https://www.oed.com/dictionary/handsome_adj?tl=true

Holidaymodeon · 19/10/2026 10:50

BindweedIsMyNemesis · 19/10/2026 08:19

I think I know what OP means - a 'handsome' dress in my mind is quite different to a 'pretty' dress. And as the weather cools down I'm also keen on handsome/hard working and warm. Sort of your 'good honest autumn dress with none of those pointless fripperies' vibe.

I’m keen on handsome, hardworking and warm. add in honest , loyal and faithful and I’m all in

BandyUrnham · 19/10/2026 10:13

@FlowerBin , You might love different adjectives but in this context words like handsome and delicious don't really help.

@Nosdacariad , I wasn't critiquing the OP's use of English. The English isn't perfect but it's pretty good.

FlowerBin · 19/10/2026 08:31

And I would imagine handsome as block-coloured, not flowery or twee in any way. I love different adjectives, the more varied the better!

FlowerBin · 19/10/2026 08:30

I have seen fashion articles frequently refer to clothing items as ‘hardworking’! It means that you will get lots of use out of them, they are flexible for different occasions etc.

BindweedIsMyNemesis · 19/10/2026 08:19

I think I know what OP means - a 'handsome' dress in my mind is quite different to a 'pretty' dress. And as the weather cools down I'm also keen on handsome/hard working and warm. Sort of your 'good honest autumn dress with none of those pointless fripperies' vibe.

Melancholyflower · 19/10/2026 08:09

Nosdacariad · 19/10/2026 07:55

Hey OP I hope you find some delicious frocks. I got a few posts in and realised twice your perfect English had been critiqued. Interesting 😱

Busty here 😁 and I LOVE boden Anna dresses and their variants. Might not be warm enough for right now.

Edited

I don't think her use of English has been critiqued, but the OP has used adjectives that would not usually be applied to dresses, so people may have been unsure of what the OP is actually looking for i.e. what makes a dress handsome?

Nosdacariad · 19/10/2026 07:55

Hey OP I hope you find some delicious frocks. I got a few posts in and realised twice your perfect English had been critiqued. Interesting 😱

Busty here 😁 and I LOVE boden Anna dresses and their variants. Might not be warm enough for right now.

Jellycatspyjamas · 19/10/2026 07:01

Arlanymor · 18/10/2026 17:25

I guess you mean hardwearing, rather than hardworking! This is lovely and the green is reduced: https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/riley-cord-shirred-waist-midi-dress-2613631009?_gl=1uxhodi_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjw3NHWBhANEiwAtpwId1zwYKjemgSTCf-0A2xhbOGblHmAcloiQjNomP9xfaxZoY2ig5wKRxoCZhEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIVN0AVcZSR5yO4TDZElueMqw

Edited

Thanks for this, it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for - an early morning purchase for me.

justasking111 · 18/10/2026 23:26

Arlanymor · 18/10/2026 17:25

I guess you mean hardwearing, rather than hardworking! This is lovely and the green is reduced: https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/riley-cord-shirred-waist-midi-dress-2613631009?_gl=1uxhodi_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjw3NHWBhANEiwAtpwId1zwYKjemgSTCf-0A2xhbOGblHmAcloiQjNomP9xfaxZoY2ig5wKRxoCZhEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIVN0AVcZSR5yO4TDZElueMqw

Edited

Thanks. I've just bought it for my daughter in law. They do petite 👏👍