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Original poster

Party/lunch dress - below knee, with sleeves, not frumpy - do they exist?

30 replies

BeCool · 02/12/2014 10:57

I have scoured the WWW for weeks and now need help finding a dress I'm not sure exists.

I need a dress to wear to a posh hotel Xmas lunch work thing (not too formal), and probably on Xmas day too.

I'm size 20, 47yo, 5'8 and busty.

I prefer to have some shape around the norkage - these high neck shift dresses that are everywhere will just tun me into a tent, though wide neck and/or slouchy works.

Wrap style dresses tend to look quite good on me, but I do need a dress that falls below the knee. Budget is around £100 and I will probably not be able to wear heels with the outfit if that matters as I have ankle injury.

Something Westwood-esq would be ideal :) I love this for example: www.coggles.com/dresses-clothing/women/clothing/vivienne-westwood-anglomania-women-s-hollow-drape-dress-aubergine/10950244.html?utm_source=googleprod&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gp_clothing&affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&gclid=CjwKEAiA4_WjBRCNgf7A_KeE9jwSJADtegYdPzpdDMU35RavOlgrZiBdv44l39Q6jwn62g0wYyONXBoCyfjw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Hoping the S&B Queens can work some www magic.

OP posts:
Original poster
BeCool · 02/12/2014 12:11

oh Faux cheers - I'll take a look at them all now xx

OP posts:
Original poster
BeCool · 02/12/2014 12:31

The ones I like of those (ASOS one & the print) are sadly above the knee. As are most dresses in the world today it seems.

The black twist - I think is a good idea but poorly executed and not a nice fabric. I've looked at alot of those HOF ones already.

Black with Lace has potential - what I am struggling with that dress is I've never really word that style before - it might be too figure hugging? I've shortlisted it to try on.

I'm looking for something that emphasises my assets - top bit, bust line, and skims gracefully over everything below. In a slightly glam way.

OP posts:
nottheOP · 02/12/2014 12:39

I like this but not everyones cup of tea... www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=89625&vid=1&pid=000140123000

Original poster
BeCool · 02/12/2014 12:40

I've found a couple of possibilities on ASOS I hadn't seen before:

blue sparkles

possibly too short?

OP posts:
Original poster
BeCool · 02/12/2014 12:41

oooh that purple Alexon one is very nice

OP posts:
Original poster
BeCool · 02/12/2014 12:42

the blue tartan one would make me look like a lumberjack :)

(and not in a good way)

OP posts:
nottheOP · 02/12/2014 12:45

Love the blue one but long is maybe a bit much for lunchtime?

I have this too, my 'do is a lunchtime affair but goes on til the last person falls over. It's very hard to dress for!

Original poster
BeCool · 02/12/2014 12:58

it is at a very fancy hotel in Mayfair and is a fairly informal industry dress wise so dress code as such is all over the place.

Yes it's is one of those go on into the night affairs, though I generally leave before everyone gets too pissed - which considering the drinking starts at 11am isn't too late in the day. I'll probably have to pick the DC up afterwards this year too!

I've got the blue one in a basket. Might have to sew up the back a bit though.

Hate being fat and wobbly and buying dresses

OP posts:
nottheOP · 02/12/2014 13:25

If its any consolation I'm average sized but wobbly too. At least everyone is usually far too occupied with what they look like to notice anyone else.

FauxFox · 02/12/2014 13:38

navy lace
stripe

Original poster
BeCool · 02/12/2014 14:00

what I really wanted to wear was a long sequinned maxi skirt with a plain black v neck silk or linen knit t-shirt/top, with some awesome jewelry.

But I would need to make the skirt. And I couldn't find a good top.

sigh!

Will look at everything again when I get home tonight

OP posts:
Totallyfidobono · 02/12/2014 14:39

Awful styling in photograph but could really work with good heels and top.

www.wallis.co.uk/en/wluk/product/black-sequin-lace-skirt-3337591

Fillybuster · 02/12/2014 14:47

I know this is short, but it looks amazing with 100 denier black tights and flat boots, sparky heels or sandals....and I know it isn't low across the bust, but its amazingly flattering. It's also much more low key than it looks in these pics...I went out to buy it because I saw someone wearing it at an event and was really impressed.

www.next.co.uk/g404s1

Original poster
BeCool · 02/12/2014 16:03

Filly nice dress - but there aren't tights on this planet that would get me to wear anything above the knee outside of the beach, home or playground :)

OP posts:
aftereight · 02/12/2014 16:35

Whistles Bella dress (sorry, can't get my phone to link).
The style is surprisingly flattering for an ample chest Grin

OP posts:
jimmybim · 02/12/2014 17:46

grey
black

bluewisteria · 03/12/2014 20:33

i have this, it's stunning and a perfect colour for christmas, great for your shape, mine is v similar. the dress falls/skims very well
www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/joanna-hope-mock-wrap-jersey-dress/SZ993/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=1402&ci_sku=SZ99310&ci_src=18615224&promo=6230&cm_mmc=Googlebase--Simplybe--Product%20Feeds-_-na&gclid=CKfiivjbqsICFaIIwwodswUA1A&gclsrc=aw.ds#colour:Cranberry,size:30

bluewisteria · 03/12/2014 20:36

Oh, and it falls below the knee, great for norkage, and wraps well on the hips. With good control underware the ruches around the waist could look very Westwood.... she's my fave designer.
Honestly, the dress is great and doesn't look cheap IRL.

Original poster
BeCool · 03/12/2014 22:57

thanks blue - it could work especially as my friend has offered to lend me some of her amazing pieces of jewellery to wear on the day.

oh drat - only available in 24!!!

OP posts:
WhiteHairReally · 04/12/2014 00:50

Artigiano do jersey mock wrap dresses with cunning ruching and they fall below the knee too.