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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think a normal length cotton dress with sleeves is in fact the Holy Grail

235 replies

Orangeanddemons · 30/04/2014 16:36

Because I can't find one anywhere, apart from Boden which I don't like.

I'm tall, so knee length is short on me. I work in a school, I neither want maxi or above knee level. I want just below knee or above ankle. These don't exist.

If they do they are ponte hideousness. Who buys all these polyester mini dresses?

OP posts:
Original poster
Orangeanddemons · 03/05/2014 21:07

Well,unbelievably I've just found this www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-striped-and-embroidered-prom-dress/p/p22293869 in M and s of all places. A place I never ever find anything I like. I just hope it's long enough

OP posts:
JonesRipley · 03/05/2014 21:10

Oranges

Looks a bit short to me.

hellymelly · 03/05/2014 22:00

op i am on the same search. I am also tall and hate my knees. And suddenly I hate my upper arms too. I have a lovely Toast dress but it is from seasons ago. Also I am a 30ff bra and toast don't cut for a bosom, they are a better fit on those a c cup and below. I fit vintage best but the height and long waist can be a problem. Every sodding catalogue that plops onto my mat is the same, inches above the knee, sleeveless, Flippy synthetic fabrics. Maybe I need to try making them.

hellymelly · 03/05/2014 22:12

I also like long nighties with sleeves (that don't make me look like my aged mother). That really was the holy grail last Winter, I found one on the Swedish website Polarn o pyret, and then bought two more and two for my little girls while we were in Sweden. Am hoping they do them again this Winter. They are lovely, long soft stripey cotton jersey nighties with really long sleeves and almost ankle length. Flattering and not frumpy. Sigh of joy.

Original poster
Orangeanddemons · 04/05/2014 08:47

But I thought of sewing a white strip of wide Broderie anglais round the hem...

OP posts:
Ragwort · 04/05/2014 08:56

Have you looked at Aldini designs?

MelonKim · 04/05/2014 09:00

they are all a bit AMISH
i like the white marks oen but unless you are about 20 you will look like you are dressing up

MelonKim · 04/05/2014 09:04

oh no sleeves

sorry

Original poster
Orangeanddemons · 04/05/2014 09:07

Yes, I've looked at Aldini. The spotty one I've ordered is from there.

OP posts:
Bunbaker · 04/05/2014 09:36

I love this thread. The links to all sorts of dresses from retailers I have never heard of are so useful.

I wish more online sellers would show the dresses being worn and give the height of the model. I found the Toast site really unhelpful. Just laying the dresses out flat doesn't help to sell them IMO.

MelonKim · 04/05/2014 10:37

i like a video too.
normally a BORED looking model sashaying to 80s techno

yes YOU marks and spencer and YOU asos

TheWomanTheyCallJayne · 04/05/2014 13:28

Have you tried tall girls?

LumpySpacePrincessOhMyGlob · 04/05/2014 13:41

Nomad fair trade clothing

comeawaywithme · 04/05/2014 13:54

OP, have you looked at dresses from & Other Stories? They have some lovely items that might be suitable.

Original poster
Orangeanddemons · 04/05/2014 15:36

I saw a silk pink one on there. Kimono inspired. Looked perfect! Then I found out it was backless? Why?! why?!q

OP posts:
TheGruffalo2 · 04/05/2014 16:00

Like the M&S one, but white for school Shock. I suppose it depends on how much contact you have with grubby little hands, paint, felt tips, glue, etc. White wouldn't last until morning playtime with me.

Original poster
Orangeanddemons · 04/05/2014 16:38

It comes in apricot as well. I've only just discovered that. It each secondary, so not as grubby. Whits a colour that suits me. I've come to the conclusion, that I just don't like printed dresses either. I wanted something simple and easy

OP posts:
TheGruffalo2 · 04/05/2014 17:13

I was initially very tempted as I'm a HoC Winter, so white is good on me too, but I know from experience anything too pale and that needs much ironing just lives in the laundry basket or ironing pile! Sad

I'd like a basic either button-through or waisted dress, with sleeves to my elbow, not too straight as I spilt seams with all the bending I do, below the knee and, preferably a V-neck. I can sew, but I can't even find a pattern to make my own. When I started teaching (decades ago) I had a variety of dresses like this that I could wear with cardigans or jackets. Getting ready for work was so easy. But now I can't find anything suitable that fits (maybe the two stone weight gain doesn't help!).

Maybe that's my career change sorted; cottage industry - get someone to sort me some suitable patterns and I can sit home and sew them all day, sticking the occasional finger up at Gove????

MelonKim · 04/05/2014 18:14

Saw the marks one. Looked nice

Original poster
Orangeanddemons · 04/05/2014 22:04

Well, methinks that Marks one is one you could get away without ironing much. Shake it out really hard, smooth it, line dry it and it should be ok. You could dye it...

OP posts:
TheGruffalo2 · 04/05/2014 22:31

"You could dye it..." What a good idea Oranges - I've never dyed anything, but it is worth a test run before I purchase.

MeAndMySpoon · 04/05/2014 22:39

Cath Kidston, if you want a retro look that's pretty demure. Rarely cotton, however - mostly viscose, but nice to wear and not sweaty. I have a couple half a dozen of their tea dresses and they're always flattering and have the all-important sleeves! Check on ebay for past seasons, as this season's offerings were a bit hit and miss.

MeAndMySpoon · 04/05/2014 22:45

this

is retro, below knee, sleeved and pretty. I have one myself