Help me find a dress please !!!

[quarentini]

Size 20 Apple shaped mid 40's woman in desperate need of a dress for dinner at The Kitchen in October.
I've tried 20 and sent them all back and I'm getting really desperate now.
Any suggestions will be gladly received

What colouring are you? And what do you feel was wrong with the 20 you sent back so far?

Why do you need a dress? Is there something else you’re more comfortable in Ie trousers and a good top, jeans and a good top?

The 20 I sent back were mostly too long.
I'm open to any options, jeans,skirts anything.
I'm pale with grey hair

@quarentini

The 20 I sent back were mostly too long. I'm open to any options, jeans,skirts anything. I'm pale with grey hair

. . How tall are you? Could you not have it shortened? I'm short and I have to do that all the time.

Fellow apple here.

Is this any good? Or were you looking for something more glam as it's dinner)?

www.monsoon.co.uk/heart-print-dress-with-organic-cotton-blue-84681902.html

I love that dress but is it too summery?

John Lewis have got lots of good dresses, including
www.johnlewis.com/oasis-curve-spot-print-midi-dress-black-white/p4927327
This is shorter and more glam.
www.phase-eight.com/product/iris-tuxedo-wrap-dress-230720050.html
Sometimes searching for the perfect dress can be an impossible task and stressful! Is it for a very special celebration?
Maybe also consider a beautiful silk shirt or tunic with trousers?

Ok do you have trousers or nice jeans you like? Pop a pair of heels on and then it’s just about the top..

Not really got dressy jeans or trousers

What's your usual style?
For an apple shape I would look for a V neck dress with an empire line or possibly a wrap dress to create a waist - Boden are usually really good for this but if you hate Boden style then obviously it's no good for you. If you give us some idea of where you have been looking already we can have an idea of what labels you like which will help.
Do you have warm or cool skin tones?
If you really can't find a dress how about some fitted trousers (or maybe coated jeans) with a long line blouse and some nice jewellery?

@quarentini

I love that dress but is it too summery?

I think it's dark enough not to be too summery. Maybe wear it with black opaques and boots? I would.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_61252+287360_-1
What about this?

m.patra.com/products/MPD/womens-long-sleeve-jersey-dress I've a couple of dresses from here and they're one of the few that has the waist in the right place. I.e.

Do either of these tickle your pickle? How tall are you?

How about this...

www.phase-eight.com/product/bailie-button-knit-dress-220270983.html

I would wear it with opaque tights and heels/ankle boots.

Definitely going to order those suggestions.
Love the phase 8 dress

This, also from Phase 8, would look great with gold hoop earrings www.phase-eight.com/product/bette-swing-dress-230621050.html#cgid=dresses-1&is=false&sz=60&start=0&pid=230621050&pos=40

Sea salt fit and flare, with a jacket?

@quarentini

I love that dress but is it too summery?

It's new stock so I assume it's meant for Autumn wear (was looking at it myself )

It's new stock so I assume it's meant for Autumn wear (was looking at it myself smile)

I know - I'm trying so hard to forget I ever saw it!

The Kitchin isn't particularly formal in terms of dress code, OP. I wore a leather mini-skirt, opaque tights, and a black fitted turtleneck last time I went, with either DM monkey boots or black Stan Smiths, I can't remember which.

@Judystilldreamsofhorses thank you for that information.
I was thinking a shirt dress and boots with a leather jacket .
Do you think that would be ok?

@quarentini that would be absolutely perfect.

We've been quite a few times, and yes, some people have been a bit fancier, but they tended to be more my parents' age, with men in shirts/blazers, and women in frocks, and they were in a minority. I have also gone in culottes/tucked in (nice) t-shirt, with a leather jacket, and I think brogues on my feet, and an outfit very similar to what you describe. My DP pretty much wears dark jeans with a casual-ish shirt whenever we go out for dinner, and he was fine in that.

The overall vibe is pretty relaxed and not at all stuffy. I think as long as you aren't in shorts and a vest top, you will be fine!

I hope you have a lovely time!