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Original poster

Help me choose an amazing dress

517 replies

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/12/2019 17:32

I 'may' be having a significant birthday soon. I was hoping to get a dress made but two local dressmakers have proven useless, so might want to buy one instead.

I'm size 14, used to be hourglass but now a bit rounder, busty. I'm very fussy! I want something that feels dressy but could equally well just be worn with ankle boots and a biker jacket to the pub. Would prefer it to have at least short sleeves, and not be polyester. Black or red probably my best colours, or maybe a dark print.

Budget up to about £200 for something really amazing.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
67
Boopear · 27/12/2019 19:03

Ghost? V flattering, fabulous quality and they can be dressed up or down. This is one but they have loads www.ghost.co.uk/meryl-dress-green-dc07ca-j30

Ardnassa · 27/12/2019 19:05

Too work-like? Again, a bit over budget but they do have a 20% discount today. thefoldlondon.com/product/arlington-dress-red-wool-jersey/

AwkwardAsAllGetout · 27/12/2019 19:10

I’ve just ordered this from Hush which I think would be great for what you need. Hasn’t arrived yet so no idea on the fit but I sound the same size and shape as you

Sarri · 27/12/2019 19:11

Des Petits Hauts often do long sleeved wrap dresses. I have this one, which is good to dress up and down (admittedly mostly down in my case..)
www.despetitshauts.com/en/robe-tezee-emeraude-92489.html

These are both lovely (in my opinion) though perhaps not va-va-voom enough for a big do..?

www.despetitshauts.com/en/robe-violine-nuit-99691.html

www.despetitshauts.com/en/robe-savana-reveries-100003.html

StuntCroissant · 27/12/2019 19:16

Have you looked at Stardust? I've seen them at weddings but you could easily wear to the pub with boots.

Help me choose an amazing dress
ginyogarepeat · 27/12/2019 19:24

Ooohh I think the green Ghost one is my fave!

BestIsWest · 27/12/2019 19:33

I liked the Reiss shirt dress too.

Is this too dull? Reiss again

Original poster
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/12/2019 19:33

Not loving the Ghost one, sorry - but will look at others by them.

I like the black midi dresses, but already have several similar ones.

OP posts:
thisenglishlife · 27/12/2019 19:38

Hobbs? All of the following are available in size 14, have sleeves and aren't made from polyester.

Help me choose an amazing dress
Help me choose an amazing dress
Help me choose an amazing dress
Original poster
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/12/2019 19:42

Not too dull but too 'Christmas party'. The only things I like on the Phase 8 website are black velvet and also therefore too Christmas party.

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Original poster
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/12/2019 19:42

Hobbs ones all too worky.

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Original poster
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/12/2019 19:45

Ghost ones too Abigail's Party.

OP posts:
Palavah · 27/12/2019 19:47

Hard to tell what you are actually looking for.

Have you gone through outnet, John Lewis, brand alley, shopstyle, to find styles that you like even if not in budget or in stock.

Would make it easier to help you....

Original poster
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/12/2019 19:51

I don't know quite what I'm looking for but will know it when I see it. Being deliberately vague to see what people link to, although I know it's annoying if I then don't like things.

The first All Saints one but with short sleeves would be perfect! Or an old style VW type dress, but there's very little on the site and most of it is pretty dull now.

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XingMing · 27/12/2019 19:52

Given that you say dresses are not your natural comfort zone, I would be looking at separates, perhaps a rather glamorous jacket in a favourite colour that would take you to weddings and parties, over a bland basic well fitting comfortable ensemble. Or a chic jumpsuit. Me&Em can do this style well. Kitri? Essential-Antwerp? Ganni?

The Hambledon is a retailer with presence online and a store that seems to have a good balance between workwear, casual and mother of the bride. They stock lots of brands but seem well edited.

ToftheB · 27/12/2019 19:57

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/equipment/dresses/midi-dress/lenora-washed-silk-blend-midi-dress/9679066508843471

How about this? The more fussy you are, the more fun the thread Grin

Help me choose an amazing dress
Original poster
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/12/2019 19:58

Dresses are definitely my comfort zone, just not bling dresses or dresses that show masses of cleavage!

I like this but once again it's sleeveless.

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Original poster
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/12/2019 19:59

Thanks ToftheB. Grin

I don't like that, sorry. Love the colour but the shape would be awful on me. Needs somebody tall and flat chested.

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JustASmallTownCurl · 27/12/2019 19:59

Can you share some pictures of styles you like using google images / celeb style inspirations of yours? Eg someone might google "Christina Hendricks green dress" or "Blake Lively event dress" etc?

Rather than looking for ones actually for sale at the moment I mean. If you share ideas on which people's styles you like along with some pictures then it'll be easier for people to help you with ideas for dresses that are currently for sale Smile

ToftheB · 27/12/2019 20:00

Hmm, I'm tall and fairly flat chested - must be why I like it!