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Original poster

Summer dresses - how hard can it be??

45 replies

Dancergirl · 15/06/2017 08:07

So the annual search starts again Hmm

These are my criteria:

-Short (I have good legs and look frumpy in anything knee length so above the knee)

-Short sleeves (not bloody sleeveless!!)

-A bit of shape/semi fitted so I don't look shapeless

Is this asking the impossible? Any suggestions please MNers? I am a size 12 with boobs, 5'3" tall. Thank you.

OP posts:
Therealslimshady1 · 15/06/2017 08:12

They have ads for these kind of dresses in the back of the Telegraph Grin

Places like "East"

You have to go to slightly "older" shops for dresses with sleeves

Original poster
Dancergirl · 15/06/2017 08:15

Grin shady Definitely no Sunday paper ads! That's just it, I like to look stylish not frumpy!

I can never seem to get on with wrap dresses, I'm forever adjusting them.

OP posts:
Intransige · 15/06/2017 08:20

Something like this?

www.comptoirdescotonniers.co.uk/print-dress-9BALINA_3413.html#start=1

ThinkFastNotSlow · 15/06/2017 08:31

I'm a big fan of Whistles and Cos dresses although I do have to be very selective in my choices as I'm only 5ft 2" and quite norky. Most of my dresses from these places are knee length. With sleeves (and pockets often).

The Whistles sale has started, it can't hurt to browse...

Zara sometimes has interesting short dresses, but it's tricky to find the gem amongst the jumble.

Summerisdone · 15/06/2017 08:43

You sound like you are similar to myself OP, except I'm 5'1.

I find skater dressers or fit and flare (which are very similar to skater) are the best dresses. Have a mooch on ASOS, that's where I usually find some of the best at a reasonable price.

WhenIGrowUpIWantToBeAPenguin · 15/06/2017 08:59

I've just come across Yumi - looks like some of these might fit your criteria OP? (Disclaimer - I haven't ordered anything yet, so I have no idea what the quality's like, and some of them are polyester (and there's absolutely no info on fabric on some of the listings)). But they're very pretty!

Original poster
Dancergirl · 15/06/2017 09:15

Sorry, I also should have said no loud prints!

think I do shop in Whistles and Cos, haven't looked there for a while though.

OP posts:
A1Sharon · 15/06/2017 13:01

Pepperberry have lots of dresses that fit your description. I was browsing the East website the other day and thought their stuff looked lovely, not cheap though.

Original poster
Dancergirl · 15/06/2017 14:35

Forgot about Pepperberry, some of their things are bit floral for my liking but I did get a nice jersey dress from there a year or two ago.

OP posts:
MrsD79 · 15/06/2017 14:41

I wear black navy and grey 99% of the year. Today I'm rocking this parrot print dress from Debenhams. Lovely colours. Get sum print in your life bab!

Summer dresses - how hard can it be??
Winterbelle · 15/06/2017 14:48

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0202017053.html#Dark%20blue/Striped

Cheap and cheerful. I like the pockets too.

Original poster
Dancergirl · 15/06/2017 14:54

mimarmia I really like this from Joe Brown's:

www.joebrowns.co.uk/sp+women-buy-2-and-save-turtle-island-dress+wd092?coloursel=A

OP posts:
Intransige · 15/06/2017 14:55

If you like that you might like seasalt dresses?

ScrambledSmegs · 15/06/2017 15:00

I used to buy some lovely dresses from Oliver Bonas a few years ago, from a brand called Emily and Fin. Not sure if they're still going but they fitted your criteria plus mine - must be cotton, preferably with pockets.

If they're still around take a look. They might fit the bill.

CalmShambala · 15/06/2017 15:16

Over the past few days I have seen lots of women in simple dresses and they look fantastic. I love your parrot print MrsD. I like to wear block colours and am not afraid to wear bright or rich colours but I can't really do print. I'd look at MrsD and think she looked amazing. If I wore that I'd be like FFS I am wearing a dress with parrots on and think everyone was laughing at me. Confused

CalmShambala · 15/06/2017 15:17

Can I just also take a moment to get some sympathy. I have invested in a gorgeous red dress and a jump suit (with print!!!) and still had nowhere to go and wear it. At the moment I am school run and back Sad

MrsD79 · 15/06/2017 16:11

CalmShambala i thought the same thing though. I did have a few looks but its too damn hot to give a f**! Go get 1 its reduced too to about £19 from 40something. Thank you so much for your kind messages though, i am not 1 for confidence when it comes to clothing and colour. All my choldhood i had people telling me i was too dark to wear colours so should to black Confused

MrsD79 · 15/06/2017 16:13

*stick to black

rightknockered · 15/06/2017 17:05

Can I have a link to that parrot dress MrsD? It's amazing

TheFairyCaravan · 15/06/2017 17:10

Gap are good for Summer dresses.

I do like that H&M one. It would be great for an everyday dress or chucking on for lunch on holiday over a bikini.

MrsD79 · 15/06/2017 19:25

I wore it today first time nob of a hubby didn't bat an eyelid.Angry