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A perfect dress up/ dress down navy dress! The search is on....

46 replies

ForSaleChesterDraws · 17/07/2017 19:44

Who wants to help me find a great plain navy dress. On the list of requirements it needs to be

  1. Navy (obviously)
  2. Knee length
  3. The sort of dress I can dress down with sandals or dress up with heals.
  4. Scoop/ round/ v neck. No high necks allowed as they make my 32FF boobs look like they are by my belly button.
  5. A decent fabric. Not thin clingy jersey/ tshirt material. And not polyester.
  6. Not skin tight. Ideally fitted on top with some movement in the hip.
  7. I can wear a bra with it (see comment re 32FF boobs).
  8. Decent price.
  9. Available in a 14.

Who wants to help me on my quest? Thank you!

OP posts:
Clarabelle40 · 18/07/2017 09:51

I have exactly what you describe - the Hobbs Karen dress. I don't think it's on the website now, but you might find it in store.

NomDePlumeReloaded · 18/07/2017 09:52

Whistles Lola.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 18/07/2017 17:47

Re the Whistles Lola - what's the fabric like? Is it machine washable? And how long is it? (And here endeth the Spanish Inquisition)

KanyesLunchbox · 18/07/2017 18:16

Remus, that pure collection silk dress is just what I'm after. Do you know what the sizing is like?

beela · 18/07/2017 18:20

I've got one of the bravissimo ones (I think it's the Emma?), it's lovely and very flattering, even with my 34Gs. Quality seems good - nice thick jersey, drapes nicely.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 18/07/2017 19:28

No idea, sorry.

Flo - are you reading this? Do you know?

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 18/07/2017 19:30

I've got this Bravissimo one. I really like it - it washes well and drapes really nicely, without clinging. It's above the knee on me though and I'm v short, so if you're tall it might be too short.

Floisme · 18/07/2017 19:37

At your service Grin

I'm typically 8 or 10 and I've always been an 8 with Pure although I've mostly bought jersey stuff from them (e.g. tube skirts) with a bit of stretch.

Floisme · 18/07/2017 19:49

People Tree also worth a look e.g. this navy one although it's largely sold out. Usually good quality and ethically made. I've never quite got on with the sizing (find they come up quite large) otherwise I'd buy from them a lot more.

They should have some black ones too Remus

KanyesLunchbox · 18/07/2017 19:53

Thanks Remus & Flo

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 18/07/2017 20:07

Really like that PT one. Our John Lewis has a tiny PT concession, but everything was v fussy when I last looked. I find ordering online such a gamble though, and not sure I can be bothered re returns if it's not right.

Pistachiois50pmore · 18/07/2017 20:12

Whistles Lola fabric v soft. Washes well, I don't tumble dry though and usually wash stuff like that at 30. Feels generally well made.

Not quite knee-length on me but I'm 5'10, but definitely office-appropriate and all that jazz. I wore mine to speak at a conference on the hottest day of the year when I was 8 weeks pregnant and I hold the dress responsible for getting me through!

Bobcat15 · 18/07/2017 20:19

I've got this one from current H&M collection. I love it. Have dressed down with flip flops and dressed up with heels. I bought a thin blue belt from M&S to finish it off. It's extremely flattering on my body shape (size 14, hourglassish).

A perfect dress up/ dress down navy dress! The search is on....
Floisme · 18/07/2017 20:35

Remus have they got it on the John Lewis website? If they have, you can order online but collect it from a local store, try on and return straight away if it's not right. I find People Tree really variable - some seasons it's all a bit too hippy-ish for my taste but other times it's spot on.

PrawnTempura · 18/07/2017 20:50

Remus I have the Whistles Lulu dress and the composition is almost exactly the same. I put it in the machine at 40 degrees and it comes out fine, no shrinkage and easy to iron.

I'm 5ft 2" and the Lulu fits me at knee length, also a good shape for my 32FF. The Lola is a couple of cms longer with its dipped hem though. One of my favourite recent buys.

PrawnTempura · 18/07/2017 20:50

^composition is same as the Lola^

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 18/07/2017 20:53

Thanks. Will go and have a trying on sesh in Whistles.

Sadly not, Flo.

CountFosco · 20/07/2017 05:35

That Pure Collection dress is lovely but the composition is different on the Pure Collection website than the JL website so it's probably not silk.

I like this COS dress, they have some nice navy shirt dresses as well.

nextchapterplease · 20/07/2017 07:39

Hi OP I have this dress from Baukjen - it's been my favourite dress this summer.
It isn't fitted on top and is a midi length on me but is very versatile, lovely fabric and always gets compliments !
I wear it more than my Whistles Lola but that is probably more to do with length as I find Lola quite short on me.

www.baukjen.com/uk/m/baukjen-sale/dresses-sale/isobel-dress-darkest-navy.htm

Ironicuser123 · 20/07/2017 07:52

i can't find a link but got a great one in Uniqlo earlier in the season

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