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Original poster

To think it's impossible to find classy dresses?

47 replies

Snegle · 03/04/2023 23:36

Looking for a dress to wear to my brother's wedding this summer. Formal-ish, smart casual.

I just can't find anything classic or classy? Unless it's black or white and don't fancy wearing either colour to a wedding. All the options are either tacky looking body con style dresses more suited for clubbing in Liquid circa 2005, or floral midis, which aren't really my style. I know that's the fashion now but I'm 35 and want something a bit more sophisticated. Anyone else think the same?

Any suggestions for where to find nice dresses? Budget around £100-£250 (I plan to wear it to a few other events/weddings coming up).

OP posts:
TolpuddleFarter · 03/04/2023 23:53

Have you looked at Phase Eight?

agriefobserved · 03/04/2023 23:55

Hobbs, Phase Eight, and Ted Baker. Or head down to a John Lewis and have a look there.

DirectionToPerfection · 04/04/2023 00:00

Some of the suggestions here are way too frumpy for a 35 year old. Phase Eight is more mother of the bride style.

I like Hope and Ivy, there is a lot of floral stuff but I think they would have some dresses that would fit the bill.

Pottedpalm · 04/04/2023 00:01

Anthropologie

Tryphenia · 04/04/2023 00:02

Ghost.

searchingforstyle · 04/04/2023 00:08

Whistles
Reiss
Lk Bennett
Rixo if happy to stretch budget and really love the dress
Alternatively would you consider rental?

Sausagerolex · 04/04/2023 00:08

Reiss- classy and lots of semi formal outfits

Whistles

Karen Millen (but can be a bit too much on the body con style)

Have you thought about hiring OP?
You can get some amazing designer dresses for not that much.

blueshoes · 04/04/2023 00:10

All the brands listed. Also Oasis - you might get the odd non-floral number.

For a slightly higher budget, I like The Fold: https://thefoldlondon.com/dresses/

PercyPigInAWig · 04/04/2023 00:11

About 90% of Hobbs is frumpy but you might get a nice dress in the other 10%.

You could try the style and beauty boards but if you stay on AIBU then give us a clue as to what you like.
Animal print? Pastels? Jewel colours? Lace? What kind of length?
As you said you want a classy dress assuming no spaghetti straps, very plunging neckline or thigh split.

weeducky · 04/04/2023 00:11

Also, Omnes and Pretty Lavish

Oopswediditagain2023 · 04/04/2023 00:12

I feel your pain! I find it nigh on impossible to find classic style clothes 🙈 I like forever unique but I wouldn't say they're especially "classic" styles!

Mint velvet? Monsoon?

Everybodywants · 04/04/2023 00:13

Self portrait?

elm26 · 04/04/2023 00:36

What about something like this? ASOS have some lovely wedding guest dresses if you search for that in the search bar ☺️

To think it's impossible to find classy dresses?
Hamster1111 · 04/04/2023 00:42

Nancy mac? Love their jumpsuits and (some) of their dresses

GrumpyPanda · 04/04/2023 01:00

Does it have to be a dress? I wore black trousers and a tailor-made Chinese-style jacket/tunic to my sister's wedding.

One of those stylish jumpsuits?

Original poster
Snegle · 05/04/2023 05:07

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll have a look at all. 30s are a hard age because all clothing stores seem to be aimed at teens/20s and then take a big jump to more middle aged clothes.

Basically I hate animal and floral prints.
I don't want anything super figure hugging.
I don't want cheap fabric, eg. that horrible clingy, plasticy polyester etc.
I don't suit pastels at all but those colours seem really in at the moment.

OP posts:
Original poster
Snegle · 05/04/2023 05:11

weeducky · 04/04/2023 00:05

Pricey but beautiful. https://www.thereformation.com/bridal/wedding-guest-dresses

Some of these dresses are lovely, thank you.

OP posts:
Morghulis · 05/04/2023 05:16

Try the Pretty Dress Company - great quality and they have a sale on too

lipikar · 05/04/2023 05:19

Nancy mac

isthismylifenow · 05/04/2023 05:54

I'm not in UK but my go to shop for a classy dress would be Forever New. They are Australian but a quick Google I see some of the range are available at House of Fraser and Fenwicks.

If you are near to a store it may be better to try on. Firstly the pictures don't do the items justice, and as they are Australian, the sizings are a bit different to UK sizings.