i need a good basic black dress for day wear

[BettyButterknife]

I'm 35, size 14-16, no waist to speak of. Quite like the vintage look. Long dark hair, alright-ish legs, horrid bingo wings but with an extensive range of cardies to compensate.

I'm on the hunt for a nice, versatile black dress that could be worn on any occasion - work, everyday, possibly could be dressed up if necessary for evening but casualish. Def NOT handwash/dry clean only.

Is this too much to ask for? Does such a useful garment exist?

hi I recently ordered this for the same purpose although now sold out but noticed local outlet store had it. Mine is soft and lovely but recently saw someone posting about this warehouse one which I must admit to liking more, plus just seen 20% off Warehouse one so now am tempted to order and maybe keep both! Have tried Boden's perfect Jersey dress in black, which was truly frumpy on me, also had various from Dorothy perkins and Oasis with no luck.
Shall watch this thread with interest.

You need the isabella oliver wrap dress It's £99 - but!
EASYLIVING code will get you 20% off until 1 April

The IO stuff I have all washes well and the jersey is dead "springy", even the stuff I bought second hand on ebay.

If you really don't like it and too late to return - you'll be able to ebay it. But IMO it's what you need.

This one? Milla jersey dress

This? Pepperberry

You could make it more casual with a cardi/blazer on top

I have this dress from Next - I wear it for work but could dress it up too. I'd recommend sizing down as it's a generous fit!

Next

If you could be persuaded tohandwash - Vivienne Westwood Anglomania plain black jersey dresses can be dressed up or down providing you don't buy one of the really 'sexy' ones.

Otherwise, The White Company.

Neither are cheap but they ARE really good.