Agh, I hate shopping for dresses! Please help ...

[sheeplikessleep]

I've got DHs Xmas do next month, it's a black tie dinner and disco type thing.

I've been around the shops, scooted online and feel they're either too young / tarty for me or too old - fashioned. I'm having difficulty finding one I even like.

I'm 34, 5ft1 and a size 10, smallish boobs, with a bit of a tummy now so don't want anything that draws attention to that. I'm also not really a 'dress girl', so if I do find one that's simple but 'dressey', I'll be chuffed. I really don't suit the v-necks around at the moment, I just don't have the bust. Petite dresses do fit me best, but I haven't found one anywhere really.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks

I bought this and have worn it lots of times

Think it would work for Xmas do.

I love the back of it.

I like that, although it is way out of my budget am afraid! Sorry, should have put that. Probably £50 to £80 is my budget.

I'm trying to work out what this might look like on ...

www.next.co.uk/g476160s4

I like that it is sort of flapper looking.

I quite like this one too (but again, way out of my budget)

www.julesb.co.uk/womenswear-2/makonde-crinkle-dress-701573.htm

ps thanks for posting!

flapper looking?

aaah, penny drops. i don't mind flapper!

this is pretty

I do like that too. Wonder whether I could get away without belt. It may also be too long and sit below my knees, as I am a short arse (which I think would ruin the effect). We have a Mango near us I think, so I've made a note, thankyou. Any other ideas welcome!

I think I probably have a similar figure to you and I love this.

that is a lovely style, bit too bright for me , i am a hard girl to please with dresses!

this will look gorgeous on you - a LK Bennett Davina copy. boring, you think? Thy, you might be surprised, extremely flattering. It looks even better when it's longer, gives a great hourglass shape and conceals your tummy. Also comes in cobalt and jade.

How about this?

LOVE that red DP one, Hazle...

This?

Lace?

Have you tried La Redoute? I find it v hard to find dresses I like, but got 2 nice ones this year from them - one of which was a good price!!

Hazle - I do love the red one, and the very similar jade one is beautiful too. I just don't think that style not in petite will work ie proportions of neck, to waist to hips to length etc will just be too 'long' for me. I wish this one was in petite ... www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=3590748&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208782&parent_categoryId=226988&pageSize=20

I am going to go and see how it looks and by god, if it does, i'd be thrilled.

oh no your link doesnt work...what does it look like?

OP re the tummy, I am same age as you (though a little bit taller and 12-14 not a 10 )
and have same problem but CONTROL PANTS ARE YOUR FRIEND.

I like Spanx the best though obv usual MNHQ disclaimers about other brands being available apply.
HTH and happy shopping

I'll try again ... if anyone can find me this in a petite fit, I'll be your mnet stalker forever!

www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=3590748&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208782&parent_categoryId=226988&pageSize=20

Olivia - that reminds me that I do have control pants, I shall dig those out, thank you!

Thanks all for posting, lots of food for thought, thank you

this:
bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70019&vid=3&pid=884640

they have it in the UK online shop too, but not in petite.

oh sorry it doesn't work for some reason
I'll try again bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70019&vid=3&pid=884640
or go to bananarepublic.gap.com/, select petite, dresses and it's the green one

That is very similar Hazle, wow. I preferred the neckline of the other one (and the red one you posted up before), as my boobs aren't that generous and I don't know if the cross-over / v-neck style in at the moment would suit. Oh blimey, I know I'm such an awkard bugger! I'm very tempted to order that one you put up and the green one from Dotty Ps and see if they work on me, not being in petite. I need to have a look at it all online tonight, with a measuring tape, once the kids are in bed!

Thanks all for posting. I'm feeling like there are at least some options now. I hate the fact that 'regular' dresses make me look like a little girl trying on her mums long dresses and that I'm limited to petite fit! It's particularly bad for dresses. But then I am also very fussy, as I am far more comfy in jeans and ts!

I've got so many tabs open on my laptop now, it's getting all very confusing!

Here

Here

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