Princess dress

[AppleDumplings]

I would like to buy a really lovely Princess dress for my friend's 5 year old, and her mum is delighted with this idea. But I don't want a crummy one that comes in a tiny envelope. I've been on Etsy and out of curiosity reverse image searched a couple of the dresses and lo and behold, Shein. Just steamed and floofed out. I've found a couple of independent shops but they have bad reviews. I am going to buy accessories and underskirt seperately, but any pointers would be gratefully received!

@AppleDumplings

Do you mean something like this one, OP?

Hamley's have quite a few like this.

https://www.hamleys.com/sequins-princess-dress-pink-5-6-years?

I always got the most amazing princess dresses for my daughter, lots of tuille and beautiful details from tkmaxx.

This is a good example www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/home/home-seasonal-events/halloween/botanical-princess-fancy-dress-costume/p/45575022

There's always more in store as well. The bonus is that should it not fit your friend can exchange it.

The most important thing to remember when buying from Shein or other cheap websites is whether they actually meet fire regulations, after what happened to Claudia Winklemann's daughter I wouldn't take the chance.

If you want good material (and something that could double as a party frock) then I would look at flower girl dresses, and then add a tiara etc as accessories.
Monsoon / Next should have something

Have a look at some of the girls bridesmaids dresses in Monsoon

Monsoon!! Perfect idea. Thank you. Not having a little girl means I'm not up to speed with these things! To a previous poster who mentioned Shein, I won't be buying it from there or similar. I was just surprised that when I image searched an Etsy product it was EXACTLY the same as one that came up on Shein. I always assumed Etsy was hand made! Clearly I'm very behind the times!!

Tk maxx ones are amazing.

TKMaxx. Or the Disney ones from the Disney store are a much better quality than the supermarket alternatives.

I'm definitely going to take a look in TK Max now as its been mentioned a few times. I did take a look at Disney but apart from 1 'deluxe' dress, they all looked a bit flat. I was hoping for something a little dramatic. Perhaps a tulle underskirt or 2 would provide the oomph I'm after! I don't buy many gifts as am a minimalist, but when I do I like them to count! And she's 5!! A super girly 5 who's parents have had a bit of a rough year so really want to make an effort.

IMO Etsy started as a lovely place for crafters and creators to sell their things. It has been overrun with cheap tat, machine made etc.

The creators are still there but you need personal recommendations to be sure.

For dressing up dresses we often bought flower girl or party dresses either 2nd hand or in sales, then add bits to them as necessary.

@AppleDumplings

The Hamley's one has a 'fluffier' less flat look to it, OP. A couple of the photos show it being modelled by little girls - it looks quite full in the skirt.

https://www.hamleys.com/sequins-princess-dress-pink-5-6-years?

There is a ‘keep away from fire’ warning on the Hamleys one though.

Apparently dressing-up clothes often get away with the fire regs for toys, which aren’t as strict as those for clothes. I think Claudia Winkleman has campaigned to make these costumes safer, but I don’t know how successful she’s been. It’s something to be mindful of.