Non-frumpy knee-length (or longer) dress

[bananapeanutbutter]

I have been looking everywhere for a dress suitable to wear to a big event (a wedding and 30th) party. Has to be knee length or longer as I hate my legs. I have tried on a load of phase eight dresses and they all made me look frumpy - I think it's because I have such big boobs. Anyone else have any suggestions? Am a size 12, 5'5.

I'm currently planning to try on this one:
www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Oasis+Paisley+print+maxi/144002469,default,pd.html?cgid=301 although I think it will make me look pregnant.

Also this one, but think it may look a bit blah: www.houseoffraser.co.uk/CC+Ponteroma+dress/139708636,default,pd.html?cgid=301

Sigh. Have only a couple of weeks to find something so any help much appreciated. Thanks.

Can arms & shoulders be fully exposed?

I am 5:5 and a size 12 too. For partyish type dresses I love French Connection, for smarter more grown up events I do well out of Hobbs.

In both shops though I walk in and tell the assistant what I want rather than just browsing the rails. It leads to successful shopping every time.

Yes arms and shoulders fine - but i cant do strapless styles.

I love French connection but find their dresses are quite short alouiseg. But I haven't tried Hobbs so must do that.

What do you think about this one? Too black?

www.tedbaker.com/women's/dresses/86660-fitted_occasionwear_dress/detail.aspx?pfm=browse#store

I really like the dress, very elegant and timeless but the mention of 'gathered silk on top' might mean it'll make you look (even) bustier than you are? Would try this on rather than order online?

www.jigsaw-online.com/fashion/1001074/J11062/womens/dresses/lyocell-silk-trim-evening-dress

How about this one?

Yes that's what I'm worried about too nimp

That's a beautiful dress from Jigsaw but I tried one very similar - the gathering at the waist didn't work in my favour. I haven't considered jigsaw yet though so will take a look at the rest of the site, thanks!

www.ghost.co.uk/dresses-ghost-heritage?SID=t9tao1b65s63ubq57g9r6luuf1&limit=all

Give Ghost a try, quite a few long ones as well
I like the Element Corneila Long & Spirit Uma Frill Top Dress

I got a fab purple dress from LK bennet for a wedding and garden party I attended during the summer. It was expensive at GBP125 but I love it and it I wear it for work. They also have a black wrap style dress which I will get when I next fly over:

www.lkbennett.com/clothing/dresses/DRTAI613VISCOSEMIX

I wrapped the tie twice around and higher than they have to make the dress more of an empire style. This draws the eye to your upper half. I wear black opaque tights with black shoes to thin out my chunky legs.

www.lkbennett.com/clothing/dresses/DRKASIA002VISCOSEMIX

When I tried it on I found it very flattering and again wrapped the tie around twice.

I have put my dress through the machine a few times on a 30c delicate wash and it is still looking perfect. I also wear spanx from thigh to bra so I have a smoother shape.

this one any good?

wantobsupermum I really like that first dress (couldnt see the second one for some reason). It's quite simple and would be good for the wedding so I think I will try it on thank you!

Alittlelemontwist they have some cute dresses on that website - have you bought from them before? I really like that dress you linked to but I'd be worried that one would draw attention to my bust.

and thanks for all your help nimp! i'm going to take your advice and try to find that ted baker one in store rather than buy online.

www.kew-online have lots of dresses at the mo. Shift style look very smart but you'd need a cardi

I have bought a few summer dresses from them in the past and have been pleased! I think the neck line may be ok because, although the V is quite deep, it is quite narrow so may not necessarily have too much cleavage on show iyswim. How about these ones:

how about this one?

ah - I see there is a space in the link. The dress is called Kasia and it is available in black and red.

doh - I deleted the last part of my reply!

Good luck with finding a dress bpb. I hope you find the perfect one and feel like a million!

what about bravissimo?