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Dress for a back to work 'baptism of fire'. Please help!

19 replies

Countrybumpkinintown · 10/06/2021 10:40

After 15 months of WFH very comfortably in shorts, hoodies and flip flops with no make up I've just heard that I need to go and visit a number of our office locations to present some awards.

And there will be photos. And I desperately need to find something to wear that doesn't make me look like a bag of washing.

Ideally I want a dress that I can wear with heeled sandals. I look awful in jackets/suits and I hate having my photo taken at the best of times as I feel I look fat and slightly terrifying. I'd be less bothered if it wasn't being captured for social media and internal comms.

Company dress code is 'business casual' so my male colleagues will undoubtably be wearing navy suits, pale coloured shirts, no tie.

I'm a size 18, typical apple shape, and suit darker/deep colours - no pinks, pastels, white etc. I prefer short sleeves, v-necks, and midi-length, don't like anything tight and will be spending a lot of time in the car so preferably a fabric that won't get too creased, maybe a heavy jersey.

Has anyone seen anything that might be suitably flattering please? Budget is up to £100 for the right dress that takes several stone off and makes me look polished and professional!

OP posts:
Countrybumpkinintown · 10/06/2021 10:54

(Sorry, should have added that I'm only 5'4")

OP posts:
Bellbottomstovetop · 10/06/2021 10:59

If you have a look on Popsy, their dresses tick a lot of your boxes, v necks, mid length, heavy jersey (very stretchy and comfy IMO). Some of the prints are downright crazy, but they do have some that are plain and a bit more neutral. They do alterations as well (I always ask for mine short sleeved because I hate the sleeves).

Countrybumpkinintown · 10/06/2021 17:18

Thank you both. I haven't come across Popsy before but some of those might just work, I just wish they were a little bit longer.

Not sure if the Miracle Dress might be too clingy but I'm going to have a look.

OP posts:
goose1964 · 10/06/2021 17:52

Monsoon is my GO to for special dresses, there's one called batik,. I have this in the winter version and it gets loads of comments, which is very pretty but stylish

waltzingparrot · 10/06/2021 17:53

www.next.co.uk/style/ls136983/R39591#R39591

waltzingparrot · 10/06/2021 17:54

They do the above dress in a black pattern although this would co-ord with all those navy suits.

PumpingPauper · 10/06/2021 17:55

Some shopping channels have what you're looking for xxx

PumpingPauper · 10/06/2021 17:55

Yes the ones on the telly xx

CMOTDibbler · 10/06/2021 18:12

I have a couple of Alice Temperley dresses (and jumpsuits, but they might be too long for you) and they are incredibly flattering - this black midi one would be lovely with sandals or you could do a pattern

DarlingCoffee · 10/06/2021 20:12

It’s over budget but this is a nice dress OP

www.jigsaw-online.com/product/mini-petals-floral-tea-dress/J43507_BK000

CyberGhost · 10/06/2021 20:23

@Countrybumpkinintown

Thank you both. I haven't come across Popsy before but some of those might just work, I just wish they were a little bit longer.

Not sure if the Miracle Dress might be too clingy but I'm going to have a look.

Just FYI on Popsy, the material isn't particularly breathable, according to another thread on here. Apparently they make you extra sweaty! Put me off buying.
FreshFaceTime · 10/06/2021 21:54

I bought a couple Popsy tshirts for one of my kids and the fabric is sweaty as fuck at this time of year. He is absolutely dripping with sweat whenever he wears them.

I really wouldn't go there for an occasion at this time of year where you are keen to look professional and not a horrible sweaty mess.

I know I'm going on my kid here but l really would avoid. He doesn't have this reaction to his £3 cotton blend Asda tshirts. Just the fucking £15 Popsy polyester ones Hmm

tolerable · 11/06/2021 00:17

@Countrybumpkinintown..just back on.posted miracle-then reread,clingy..might be...(tho miracle might..allow?) maybe try shop.mango.com/gb/plus-size/dresses-and-jumpsuits_c14020799

PawsQueen · 11/06/2021 01:14

Boden would be my first thought

PawsQueen · 11/06/2021 01:28

You might hate it but I'll post it anyway Grin

https://www.johnlewis.com/studio-8-albany-jacquard-dress-black-multi/p3371110

Lady v London if you ignore the bonkers prints - their Elsie dresses and Lyra are both really lovely
25% off at the minute too

Are you after fitted or flowy.. pencil type or fit and flare..

PawsQueen · 11/06/2021 01:32

Wallis has some nice midi dresses but might be too casual
https://www.debenhams.com/product/Wallis-Shadow-Floral-Midi-Dress_AYY00307

StCharlotte · 11/06/2021 10:13

@Countrybumpkinintown

Thank you both. I haven't come across Popsy before but some of those might just work, I just wish they were a little bit longer.

Not sure if the Miracle Dress might be too clingy but I'm going to have a look.

I'm a generous size 20 and I have a similar dress to the Miracle dress and it really is a miracle! It's transformed me from an apple to an hour glass - even from the side. I have no idea how!

I would never have given it a second glance for the same reason as you but the shop assistant was quite insistent that I try it.

So don't write it off.

Countrybumpkinintown · 11/06/2021 19:14

Wow. Thank you. Some great suggestions and online shopping is planned for later.

I love the Alice Temperley dress and I'd somehow forgotten about Monsoon and Jigsaw.

Really appreciate everyone's help.

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