To be clueless what clothes shops to use!

[TeaAndBrie]

I am having a party for my 40th in a few weeks and have been seriously struggling to find a nice dress to wear. I’m struggling where to look online, it either feels like everything is floral or more ‘young person’ focused.
Not an AIBU as such but any suggestions on where to find a special occasion dress would be so helpful!
I am 5ft 2 and a 14 so don’t want anything long.

I’m a similar age and size as you. ASOS and Next Petite are my favourites. Occasionally Boohoo have nice dresses too. I hate florals and don’t want to dress like my older teen so totally understand your struggle.

Why don’t you post in Style & Beauty with some more detail about what your budget is and where you shop now.

@Pinkchocolate

I’m a similar age and size as you. ASOS and Next Petite are my favourites. Occasionally Boohoo have nice dresses too. I hate florals and don’t want to dress like my older teen so totally understand your struggle.

Thank you, I will have a look at those 😊 My DD is 15 so I feel like there’s certain shops that are definitely more for her than me!

@Divebar2021

Why don’t you post in Style & Beauty with some more detail about what your budget is and where you shop now.

Ohh thanks 😊 I didn’t realise there was a style and beauty chat. I will have a look

ASOS are good because they have all different brands. Have you tried Very or Simply Be?

I really don't think you can go wrong with H&M. If you become a member you get unlimited free delivery and returns.
Also new look have some lovely things in at the minute

Try Roman too 😊

Have a look on the next website - three have lots of other brands other than next now / you could order some and have a trying on session
Hope you find something nice

Depending on your budget the John Lewis website is worth a look. It has loads of brands and you can filter dresses by length, colour, neckline, sleeves etc leaving you with a couple of hundred that you can scroll through to get your eye in. If you find the sort of thing you want and it’s too expensive then if you come to S&B people will help you find a cheaper substitute (well I say that, actually in practice they’ll just say “what the hell, it’s your birthday, splash out on the dress you really love!”)

I find Dorothy Perkins, Oasis, Zara and Phase 8 the best places to find dresses that aren't too 'young'

Thank you all, some great ideas 😊 I will definitely be trawling through internet tomorrow!
I bought a couple from Roman but just didn’t feel right.
NeverTalkToStrangers I’m dreading turning 40 so my as well do it in style and splash out on a special dress!

I look at bonprix, fashion world, asos, Seasalt,Joe browns and hobbs

I'm in my 50's and still shop in DP. I've touched lucky in Wallis for dresses over Christmas. I don't know what their summer stuff is like.

Monsoon, Roman, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis. Im also 5ft 2 and buy Roman and Monsoon a lot (on ebay!)

Some ideas:

Pucci

Old school.

Simple.

Alternatively:

Cute and casual. You’d need the top too.

Also with the top.

Mint velvet have some lovely dresses

De I’llendz on price range , ted baker or Karen millen, seen coast advertising with reasonable priced

When I was in a rut, I started following accounts on Instagram. I kind of knew what I wanted, but did not have the time or energy to be looking round shops and online. Find a couple of accounts you like and then it is easy to find similar.

Spendy - Wyse London
Mid - Hush, Zara
Cheap - Matalan, Dorothy Perkins

sorry for totally being off topic, but the skirt (also with the top link) being with a "laser cut hem" is hilarious. Is that supposed to justify the price asked for something that costs them £1 to make?

Damsel in a dress is a nice brand - they have them in John Lewis I think.

Oh. Years too late, I’ve found the dress I would have wanted to wear to my own 40th birthday party.

Perfection

Gutted ...

(But have a look at the shorter, blazer shaped dress in the same range, OP - that’s also gorgeous.)

I love Adriana Papell for grown up ‘party dresses’ John Lewis used to stock them. (I did once get an eBay bargain too)

So many ideas, thank you so much everyone 💕 I’ve got some time tomorrow so will be armed with a gin and do some serious internet shopping!