Argh why can’t I find a dress I like?

[Stiffasaboard]

I have been to
Zara
John Lewis
River island
Top shop
H&M

I have looked on line at
ASOS
Very
Wolf and badger
Zalandro
And other stories
Banana republic

Nothing but nothing is grabbing me
I don’t actually suit dresses but I want one for an event but maybe should look for trousers and a top instead

I’m a 10-12 5ft5 about 9 stone with skinny arms and ankles, no waist, small boobs but a big rib cage and a bloated belly. But no curves- straight up and down.

Hate shift dresses as I’m already square
High necks make me look solid
Don’t want mini skirt

I’m just looking for a bit funky, slightly different modern cutting edge without being OTT.

Where else can I look?

(For style pointers I hate Boden, phase eight, ted baker styles; like whistles, some cos, some french connection type style)

Try Silkfred?

How about Quiz? I bought a dress from there for my cousin's wedding and got lots of compliments.

And your body description sounds exactly like me! I find it so hard to dress up sometimes!

Maximum budget?

Really reluctant to share this. And the whole site is glorious.

No budget really although unless I can get loads of wear from it then ideally not a fortune .

@coconut it’s the worst body shape for dresses as they are all designed for boobs and waists!

I quite like silk Fred but the returns cost is huge

Go for a jumpsuit.

There are loads around.

How about Toast - they have some lovely Cos style dresses

You really saw nothing in zara. I have seen loads I love there.

This dress is stunning on. The photos don’t do it justice

m.zara.com/uk/en/satin-dress-p02813867.html?v1=12525133&v2=1180405

Karen Millen?

www.karenmillen.com/gb/womens/clothing/dresses/sleeveless-midi-dress/021072.html?dwvar_021072_color=72&ds_s_kwid=58700002285045963&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5p3NiubQ4gIVA697Ch0EgQqUEAEYASAEEgIH2_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Your body shape sounds similar to mine and I also struggle to find dresses that look right. How about trying a jumpsuit or a maxi/midi skirt with a nice cami top instead? I've almost given up on dresses as so few actually suit me. I have a long body but no defined waist, narrow hips and am quite flat chested. Skirts definitely look better on me.

Anyone like this?

www.johnlewis.com/numph-kyndall-leaf-print-shirt-dress-peach/p4047561

@ella I think you are probably right but I struggle with the waist section in a top and skirt combo as I get a bloated belly and it seems to emphasise it more?

Plus most skirts don’t fit me well as I’m a 30inch/80cm waist so unless they are stretchy topped I struggle

Yes have a few jumpsuits but starting to think they are a bit ‘young’ for me (50)

I was recommended Monki by a friend. Quite quirky. It reasonably priced.

Anyone like this?

Not really. Inoffensive (if one doesn’t hate peach) but there’s no there, there. It’s just fabric.

Meant to say, Matches website has been malfunctioning all day - but their sale has just started. You’ll find something there.

GeorgeTheBleeder I love the YBD website. I’ve picked up a few pieces from some of the designers they’ve featured on Vestiaire Collective.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_62575+YD00135945_-1

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_60514+FFN0091025_-1

I love both of the Debenhams ones, I'm too short for them to look good in me or I'd be ordering.

Have you tried mango?

&otherstories?

I really like that second Debenhams one @Greentulips but can’t decide if it would be too tight at the waist. Hard to see the styling.
Might order it and see
Thanks!

Have you tried the Mallzee app OP - it’s been a godsend for me for loads of work social events

Book a free stylist at debenhams, they have always done me well. At 5ft 11 I cannot be bothered to lift and measure everything item of clothing to see if it is long enough etc etc. Takes and hour or so and I get shown shapes I wouldn't normally try and brands I did not know. They never oversold and happily bought sale items over too. Then after a first run of 12 or so items and viewing them on you a second run to adjust the odd size or get more in a certain style and the jobs done.