Shift dresses - can I?

[cardigal]

This is a bit specific - not sure if it will work even but I'm sure if it will you'll be able to help

I'm 5' 6" 30FF Size 10 bottoms size 12 top with a bit of a wobbly tum. Winter colouring - greys/navy - will add colour with a cardi.

Do they skim or cling? What fabrics would skim rather than cling?

Any ideas from the average High Street please but not Primark or New Look and not silly short.

(I'm 50 if it makes a difference)

I want to wear with calf boots and a cardi for A/W

If it's not right please suggest something else - I'm open to any suggestions - and I'm very grateful :)

I wear shift dresses with a not dissimilar build. Silk hangs the best, but denim is lovely too, especially with an orange scarf or similar. I wear with leggings and bright shoes.

Joules often has them and I have some from Hobbs.

Thanks sigh :)

I'll recommend Cos. I suspect Cos, for all it's pretended edginess, is actually Hampstead Bazaar for the 2010s.
Lots and lots of flattering, drapey shift dresses.

Allsaints too. Have a look there.

I will second COS, my aunt is your shape with smaller boobs and also your age and looks AMAZING in her COS dresses, so effortlessly stylish (sigh). The website does them no favours but in the flesh their clothes are beautifully made.

I won't buy online, I need to feel the fabric and see the fit but thanks!

Jigsaw, Hobbs & Fenn Wright Manson are good places for shift dresses.
Zara & Warehouse too for more high street prices

I don't know about Cos, their dresses tend to look like they're made for psychiatric nurses about to perform ECT. Or perhaps it's the models.

Thanks twinkle :)