Is there such a thing as an 'edgy', 'cool' dress for a 48 year old woman? Does it exist?

[Nyama]

And before you start, I absolutely hate those fifties style dresses that always get recommended on here

I am going to a summer party and want to look slightly rock n roll and boho.

Not maxi (always frumpy imo), not a wrap dress, nothing from Boden, BUT something that hides knees.

How can it be so impossibly hard?!?

cissyfuss - I'm intrigued, you mentioned scandi body in your post. Is that a thing? As in a recognised build for someone from that region? (Sorry this isn't in reply to OP).

I ask as my original surname was of scandi extraction and I'm 5'10" with broad shoulders, minimal boobs and hips and size 14. Very straight up and down. And big feet.

If it is a thing are there manufacturers that cater to that build? If so could you point me in the right direction?

I like Whistles at the moment too. Low key, modern, hangs nicely and reasonably good arm and knee coverage (although admittedly I'm short).

Plus bits and pieces from All Saints, Me&Em, Baukjen.

Kin at John Lewis does some interesting, laid back shapes although I haven't yet bought anything.

I have just ordered some bits from here:
www.lagenluxe.co.uk/collections/spring-collection
The asymmetric drape dresses look fab.

mrsmortis I love that desigual dress. I wonder how long it is

Ooh, thanks for starting this thread, Nyama - I'm about the same age and shape as you, and also have a party coming up.

There have been some great suggestions, so far.

I assumed I was pretty much limited to a plainish shirt dress (patterns clash with tattoos), as I have knobbly knees and veiny shins, so need to wear thick footless tights. I also dislike the 50s style (flat, saggy old butt).

A jumpsuit hadn't occurred to me, so I'm checking some out, now - thanks to whoever posted the Coast one.

Anyway, I would echo a PP, and have, in fact, made an appointment to have my long, boring hair chopped. I was googling 'edgy bob' even before I spotted this thread.
Is a radical new haircut an option for you, OP?

So far, I've bought a denim shirt dress and hope to dress it up with some amazing shoes - and the new hairdo. I've ordered a few pairs, so if I like them enough, I might post a (headless) photo!

I'm also watching a few Vivienne Westwood dresses on eBay. My friend, who is similarly scruffy, pulled off an 80s look for a recent wedding, in one (she's naturally more stylish than me, though).

It's quite a big deal for me, to ditch my 'uniform' of identical (Topshop Leigh) skinnies and (H&M) vest top. I'm very conscious of looking like a transvestite if I try to be 'feminine' or a NHS employee, if I get the shirt dress wrong
What do you usually wear, OP?

(I will probably end up just going as myself, though, and dealing with the snide comments about not making an effort - my sisters are both younger, smaller, more able to afford clothes and shoes, etc, and my mum looks and dresses younger than me!)

Anyhow, I look forward to seeing what you go with, OP

I have a few Vivienne Westwood dresses and tops, go on her website for the exact size measurements as they're cut smaller than you think

Oh and check out Van Milderts online if there isn't a shop near you, they sell designer dresses and you can normally get a discount code.

Definitely Vivienne Westwood Anglomania.

Mint Velvet - sometimes a bit dull but sometimes you get some interesting pieces.

I follow this board on Pinterest which I find to be a good source of inspiration.

uk.pinterest.com/dalea1_2/fashion-edgy-boho-rock-chic-attire-for-mature-wome/

Occult not want ting to make sweeping generalisations here but your body type does sound more suited to Cos clothes... I'm more curvy and have to be selective.

I have noticed that the country of origin of some clothes manufacturers can dictate the styles somewhat... Zara, Mango can be more suited to boyish figures whereas American and British companies tend to accommodate a few more curves...

I may well get flamed for that statement but honestly don't mean to cause offence... (sorry to continue the highjack)

Btw am following other recommendations on this post with interest, ta!

Some good midi dresses on here

GRAZIA25 gives 25% off warehouse some ace dresses there

Empress I love that website you gave, they've got some gorgeous dresses, and the lengths are divine. I'm keeping that link now. Hope OP finds something she likes.

cissyfuss You're right, it's all down to the fit model the company designs to, so yes you will definitely see variance depending on the target demographic which explains why I no longer fit into Topshop stuff.

What about this from All Saints: www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/allsaints-tate-brocade-dress/?colour=5&category=22&partner=awin&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Skimlinks&awc=3708_1463608198_767420ea88bbc10a8b18386a2f85115e

I agree with you cissyfuss – Zara/Mango/French brands work well on me as I am small and short with not much of a waist and narrow hips - imo English brands cut more for a pear shape and American ones for bigger shoulders.

Have you looked on The Outnet? I find good stuff on there.

Finery?

Ooh Albert, I just looked at Finery and liked a lot of it. What kind of body shape do they suit? I am short and it all looks v long. I like this: www.finerylondon.com/uk/products/mitcham-frill-detail-dress?taxon_id=6

If you're flush, Akris.
Issey Miyake Pleats Please could well have something sculptural that would suit, the lines add interest, plus no ironing!
Quite a fair bit of Westwood (mainline and Anglomania) in my local TK Maxx at the moment.

On the tangent subject, Mango is for petite curves, Zara is straighter cut. Most German brands are long, for a flat bum and no waist - Hallhuber, Black Dress worth a look (I live in Germany and am short here, normal height in the UK). Dutch and Danish brands (Scotch & Soda, Maison Scotch, DMM,, Marco Polo etc) are longest, relatively straight. Esprit is a pot luck. French brands are small, straight, petite in my view.

Pleats Please

For years and years I've waited for the moment when I would be grown up enough and grand enough to model the Zaha Hadid Issy Miyake look (even as her style progressed to other things). Yesterday I saw a photo of a woman clearly younger than me, (and I'm older than you OP) enveloped in black pleats and looking awesome.

So no one cared for the silver frock I linked earlier? This is good news - it's obviously headed for the sales.

Dropped an "e". Never mind.

This is such a brilliant thread thank you so much. I get paid next week so will order a few things and report back!!

Queen bean please could you repost your link to h and m dress?

Love that pleats please dress. Think I'll want something brighter for this particular party.

Rick it's a jumpsuit and is here:

m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0388581002.html

I have this and it's fab - bit of jewellery and some flats or trainers (leather jacket if cold) and you're done. Just seen they do it in olive so going to get that too. Quite slouchy cool and I always get compliments from the young 'uns ;-)