Help please - need a dress for DD's graduation.

[KurriKurri]

I need a dress to wear to my DD's graduation in July. So shortsleeves/ sleeveless, needs to be knee length, prefer empire line as have a very short waist, I'm 5'2", size 12, pear shape. Budget - preferably under £100. Not grey ,black or yellow - all make me look washed out.

So far

this

this

this

and this

is all I've managed to come up with.

I need some inspiration please

bumping

Bumping for you and also watching with interest as I also have DD's graduation coming up....

I like the Jigsaw 'fire feather' one, though I'd prefer the other colour.

i like the kaliko one

I think that the Linea one is very stylish.

I didn't notice it came in another colour Rusty - I prefer that to the blue as well.

What sort of colours/styles do you like? - we might as well kill two birds with one stone and get suggestions for both of us

I'm a similar shape to you, though I'd really prefer something just below knee length,a sI really don't like my knees...

I like stronger colours rather than pastels, dark/rust red would be my favourite, though I also like deeper blue shades.

Your DD's graduation isn't on the 18th at Exeter by any chance?! Just in case we both like the same dress!

No - it is on the 18th, but it's at Sheffield (Assuming DD gets her act together and orders her gown/finishes her dissertation)

I'm 5'2 and all of the dresses in Kaliko, Kew and Linea are far too long for me and just look frumpy. I think the burgundy Linea one would be very mumsy because of the length - they all look as if they'd be much longer than knee length tbh.

Gorgeous but over budget

That is a really pretty dress ColonelB, but I don't want my knees on show, - I have footballers legs. You may well be right about the length of the other, - I usually have problems with dress length.

I don't want to look mumsy, I want to look 'far too young to have a grown up DD'

:)

Where do you usually shop?

Ok, how about these two from Minuet? Not sure if they are empire enough, but I particularly like the wrap number...

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Minuet+Petite+Printed+dress/151812370,default,pd.html?cgid=S301?cm_mmc=AWIN--Deeplink--NULL-_-NULL

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Minuet+Petite+Wrap+dress/151812443,default,pd.html?cgid=S301?cm_mmc=AWIN--Deeplink--NULL-_-NULL

Also, here's a FWM bargain: www.fennwrightmanson.com/mailorder/product.php?xProd=3280&xSec=363&siteID=0RpXOIXA500-2Ub5lyLJ0q7VhJgcVP38Nw

Hmm, I think that number three is a bit mumsy, so please ignore...unless you love it and it's exactly what you're looking for

I generally trail round the big department stores if I want something smart, John Lewis, Debenhams, or There's a big local dept, store in our city. For more casual stuff, Next, M and S, DP's, Top Shop and New Look occasionally. I don't often buy stuff online, - I have to try things on.

Although I'm short, the petite ranges of clothes don't usually fit, because I'm not in proportion, - I have a very short back, and relatively long legs.

oops x posted Florence - I like the first two very much esp. the first one. I would not look good in the third

Ooh I like the colour of that purple one.

Ooh, good to hear. Let us know how you get on! I will be so old by the time mine graduate that I will be able to get away with wearing a house coat and slippers

I will be so BROKE by the time my two graduate, that I'm likely to be wearing rags! :)

How about this?

Too sober?

Blue

two tone

Spotted

I like the navy 'too sober' one Tethers - (it's not too sober), might be a bit unforgiving on my hips though, I'd have to try it.

Think the blue is a bit too eveningish - it's lovely though.

Spotted one probably too black for my colouring, I like the neckline though.

HofF looking like a good place to try.

Florence - I am fairly ancient - my main aim is not to embarrass DD too much by tripping over, or trying to hold her hand if we're crossing a road

Just don't point out any squirrels. My brother is still getting over the, "Ooh look, Edward!" humiliation two decades on.

The navy one is chic, but very demure. On me (brunette bob) it would be too sober, but if you have more exciting hair or look like Dita von Teese then it'll be fabulous.

Unfortunately I bear only a very slight resemblance to Dita von Teese. And if you look at my profile pics. you will see my hair is short and boring ( with streaks of grey)

I can see your very pretty daughter and your lovely son, but not you KurriiKurri.

I do love a bit of navy - that dress is very Wallis Simpson and she almost destroyed the monarchy with ehr sheer sexiness! A bit of red lippy and a Tiffany braceket and you're laughing.