Stylish, fitted dresses?

[TakeASadSong]

I need some new work dresses, but am struggling to find a style I like from my ‘usual suspect’ brands (Hobbs, Phase Eight, Jigsaw, LK Bennet).

Wondering if anyone knows of any online shops I might be missing? Where do you shop if you like more classic, fitted, ‘feminine’ styles rather than on-trend/edgy/androgynous or floral/ditsy/boho?!

A few points:

• I don’t need to be ‘business formal’, more the smarter side of smart casual.

• I’m early 40s, size 12-14, tall hourglass with a good waist but a bit of a c-section overhang lower belly - so nothing ‘bodycon’

• I don’t like unstructured stuff like Cos or slouchy stuff like Hush. I need a bit of structure or at least a shape that flatters big breasts and accentuates my waist.

• I am SO over generic jersey dresses. They’re making me feel like a frump. I’d like a new style...

Driving myself mad browsing online! There must be some magical place I can find a good selection of nice dresses?!

What about that French one, something de comptoir? They have done pretty,loose dresses at the moment.

Thanks for the tip @dudsville

Just had a look. Some really nice stuff but not quite my style. I like something a bit more fitted or structured. I think?! I think I might be looking for some that doesn’t exists😆

The Fold? Although it’s more formal than casual.

Thanks!@ToEllewithIt

I didn’t know this brand, so thank you for pointing me in that direction. It’s definitely closer to what I’m looking for, although £250 is a bit out of my price range at the moment 😬. I’ll definitely consider it for a dress or two for more formal work events in future, though.

Watching with interest!

I adore Reiss and love their structured stuff.

I'm also having the same issue. I'm part time so don't like spending a huge amount as I don't tend to wear work clothes away from the office.

I've just ordered this, but it might fall into the generic Jersey dress category. I was in two minds but at the reduced price I thought I'd try it out. www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/abigail-jersey-dress-midnight-garden-confetti-dot/sty-j0493-grn?istCompanyId=a40e1fa1-0635-4a1b-8d9a-2caa763eeee2&istFeedId=2baa5e38-c363-4ebf-aa58-ab2450d639aa&istItemId=iwmmpxqlq&istBid=tztt&ef_id=CjwKCAjwsan5BRAOEiwALzomX1btUgm_n02OdLAwt8eOa9_A7-UBs0XL8euet9-FckaOopEYU2o69hoCSq8QAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!8125!3!297909388773!!!g!532564148288!&cm_mmc=PLA--GoogleNMPICSS1585740208--60124337656-_-40173156&gclid=CjwKCAjwsan5BRAOEiwALzomX1btUgm_n02OdLAwt8eOa9_A7-UBs0XL8euet9-FckaOopEYU2o69hoCSq8QAvD_BwE

I feel totally lost on what to wear lately, and where to buy.

FRench connection have a sale on at the mo?

@MistyMinge2

Ah, Boden! I’d forgotten about them. Now and then I do find something nice there, and a bonus is that they do longer lengths (I’m 5’11). That dress is nice, but I fear that neckline might make my bust look shelf like. I tend to go for v necks or a scoop neck. But what do I know?! I’ve also totally lost my way with clothes! I feel like I was ready for a style change about 2-3 years ago but haven’t had the money or the mojo to go for it.

Currently in my lockdown leggings and long top, so am really NOT a style maven of any sort 😆

Will investigate Reiss and French Connection. Thanks everyone!

Boden ottoman dresses work for me. Styles like the Bronte rather than the more pencil skirted ones. They’re structured but not too much, and I always get compliments when I wear them.

Gap (and Banana Republic) do some lovely items. Worth a look to see if they have any in the style you need? They also had a 20% sign up for orders.

I always think Gap to linen well!

https://www.gap.co.uk/gap/short-sleeve-wrap-front-dress-in-linen-cotton/000583067.html?dwvar0005830677color=000583067001&dwvar0005830677fit=regular&cgid=1013327#start=1

@takeasadsong I feel completely the same as you. So, will be looking at any other recommendations on here with interest.

I don't think working from home for the last 5 months and living in elasticated 'gym' leggings and baggy tshirts has helped. I've got very lazy about making an effort.

Are you on Instagram? I follow some women on there who have good recommendations and I've bought a few things I wouldn't have normally come across and discovered new brands/shops.

OP, have a look at the Whistles Anita dress, comes in various colours

I’ve just bought a couple of dresses from Joe Brown, lovely fit and good quality

Is this any good m.patra.com/products/NDD/pure-noil-silk-dress

Would you consider a jumpsuit? You can get some quite tailored ones which might fit the bill.

I would also look into vintage styles - better brands have good structure and some interesting necklines. Try Topvintage.net for a range of retailers.

Cefinn

But The Fold prices.

Zoe Vine

I am the same sort of shape as you, not quite as tall. Have you seen Ivy and Oak ?
Arket .
Finery London .
Me and Em.
Long Shirt dresses look good, not too floaty, flattering if you are tall, forgiving on the tummy but showing off the waist .

Try Winser - quite classical style.

www.winserlondon.com/shop/clothing/dresses-and-skirts

I’m the same size and shape as you and wanted to update my work dresses. I just bought these in the White Stuff sale. I would never usually look there for work but these are perfect for me

La Redoute have a work wear section. www.laredoute.co.uk/pplp/100/157878/201/692/cat-66452.aspx#opeco=plp:Bannerlink:Dresses&srt=noSorting
Different styles. I quite like the shift dresses.

Nobody's child

OP - are you me?! My entire work wardrobe is Hobbs dresses and a couple of old Jigsaw ones from before they totally lost the plot a year or two ago (at least it was pre covid - now it's any T-shirt that looks ok for the top two inches visible on a Zoom call). Thanks for the thread!