Dresses when you're a different size top and bottom?

[SewMuchToLearn]

I always say I want a summer dress but never manage to find anything that fits. I'm a size smaller on the top than on the bottom so either it's too baggy and fits or it fits and is too tight.

What sort of styles or types of dresses and fabrics should I be looking for or is it a lost cause?

Me too. Fit and flare type, in a jersey material is good choice. However, not much chance of finding that kind of dress at the moment in the shops. I'll see if I can find examples out there to link to.

My waist has always been at least 10 inches smaller than my hips, making it difficult to wear shift style dresses. However, I feel that this shale works perfectly for wrap style dresses. I just bought the one pictured, and it fits just right. The last three dresses I've bought have been this style.

^ Shape. As in body shape.

Blue sleeveless

or this style from Hobbs "Gables" dress but its quite formal www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_64104+58070_-1 - didn't know Debenhams did Hobbs but there you go

or Boden Marina dress

or
Boden Camellia dress

Arggh Links in first 2 not working. here they are from the original sites

Lands end

[https://www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0117-5673-3655L00&productvarid=0117-5673-3655L00-BLUEBERRY-12&refpage=search/results Hobbs]]

Have this problem but find that if it fits round the shoulders it's too tight over the bust, but if it fits there it's too loose on the shoulders.

See if a local dressmaker can make a "toile" to fit your body shape and get a few made up in different fabrics. If your user name means you like sewing you could get the pattern made and have a go at making them.
My body shape is opposite to yours and I also am short waisted so got a friend to help me shape a paper pattern to fit me.

Some of the retro companies have more forgiving bust-waist-hip ratios (in the 1940s and 50s clothes were cut for women who went in and out). So:

Vivien of Holloway
House of Foxy
Pretty Retro

all have sensible clothes for curvy women who aren't straight up and down and have different size bust to their waist to their hips (so I'm a size 8 on top, size 4-6 waist and a size 10 hips! )

I have this problem I am 6 on top 10/12 hips :-( I can't buy high street which is one of the reasons I stick to being a goth. Hell bunny and vixan sell some good stuff that's not too alternative and will fit well

I have small chest, skinny ribs and waist, but pear hips.
I seek out ones that have a fitted bodice and a fuller skirt - not just 50s but also slightly-40s shirt dresses in this or this kind of shape.
Nothing empire (makes me look pg), nothing drop-waisted, nothing with a straight skirt, except for one ancient Monsoon Galaxy-a-like cocktail dress that clings in an unusually flattering way.

All links so far are good too.

Thank you for the advice. I do hope you're right because DH's credit card has just ordered me a dress

It's just arrived. I love it! I think that's the first time ever I've said that about a dress Thank you soooo much for your advice!

Very nice, where's it from?

It's the Land's End one loving linked to.

I have the opposite problem - I'm a size 12 for tops but size 8 trousers/skirts

I'm a size bigger on the bottom and go for dresses that emphasise the waist and have a fuller skirt. Boden and Hobbs usually have decent smart casual stuff. I also find that vintage dresses with full skirts work well!