A dress for a specialish dinner

[PrivateJourney]

Anyone like a challenge?

I want to feel like I've made an effort but not too much effort ITSWIM. The occasion is special but the restaurant isn't particularly fancy. I am at a complete loss, have spent the afternoon looking at websites I can usually find something on and have drawn a blank.

I'm 45, size 10/12, 5'7", blonde. A Summer!

I'd like something with sleeves, knee length or longer and as I don't want to be wearing new shoes, shoes will be black heels, black (small) platform shoe boots or neutral snakeskin heels. I do like to be comfortable, usually rely on a jersey dress in these situations!

Any ideas?

Just bought boden Highgate dress, on sale, comes in lots of colours, really nice on - 3\4 length sleeves, fitted waist, swishy skirt, jersey so v comfy. Sorry cant do link on this, but check it out. Mine arrived in 2 days standard de livery.

How about this? It is very flattering and will go with either neutral or black shoes

www.google.co.uk/search?q=phase+eight+swan+dress&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=685&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=SaA5VKa8Heyd7gbC3YGQDA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg#facrc=&imgdii=&imgrc=2pWj88nRh9I2ZM%253A%3BzVDfK9gUi21AAM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fjohnlewis.scene7.com%252Fis%252Fimage%252FJohnLewis%252F001669237alt1%253F%2524prod_main%2524%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.johnlewis.com%252Fphase-eight-swan-print-dress-black-camel%252Fp1695353%3B475%3B475

What's your budget?

this would fit the bill.

Are these sleeves too short?

pleated

similar but longer

I love that Vivienne Westwood one tethers and for such a useful dress could probably go that high. My only reservation is the asymmetrical hem - I've only ever owned one before and it was spectacularly unflattering.

Not so keen on the Mary one.