Summer dress for age 35+

[slowandsteady]

I'm struggling to find the 'perfect' Summer casual dress for me! I would love something that isn't strapless or too strappy, either a thicker strap or a short sleeve would be perfect. I'd like knee length or midi. Pulling in at the waist would be ideal (I'm an hourglass) and quite floaty (hides the stomach and hips). Does this dress exist (preferably not too expensive either)? If it helps I'm 37, 5ft 3 and around a size 14 (but sometimes a 12 is a better fit). Thank you

Boden have nice dresses with short sleeves.

Something like this?

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114750775651

I have them in a few colours and they're quite good for work. They have pockets too ,light and breezy enough and they don't break the bank either.

Honestly, however hard I look I can never find the 'age range' label in any adult clothing.

Am I looking in the wrong place on every garment?

Have you looked at M and S? They have a superb range of dresses this year,, including dresses from other brands.

dress 1

no 2

no 3

dress 4

@MayIDestroyYou

Honestly, however hard I look I can never find the 'age range' label in any adult clothing.

Am I looking in the wrong place on every garment?

So true! I’m in my early 50s, and in the last 12 months, brought clothes from Dorothy Perkin, Topshop and Next.

There is a great thread running on summer dresses OP, loads of good suggestions and inspiration: Show me the dresses you're wearing this summer http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/styleandd_beauty/4259087-show-me-the-dresses-you-re-wearing-this-summer

@MayIDestroyYou

Honestly, however hard I look I can never find the 'age range' label in any adult clothing.

Am I looking in the wrong place on every garment?

I'm not sure that comment is required. Someone in their late thirties would 'usually' dress differently and have different tastes to someone 20-ish and again to someone who is over 50 for example. Everyone's tastes are obviously different but giving an age would give someone who wanted to help an idea of what I was looking for.

Thank you for everyone's suggestions. I will check them out 👍

@EllaPaella

There is a great thread running on summer dresses OP, loads of good suggestions and inspiration: Show me the dresses you're wearing this summer http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/styleandd_beauty/4259087-show-me-the-dresses-you-re-wearing-this-summer

That's great, I hadn't spotted that. Will have a browse through it.

I'm taller than you at 5'7, but size 12-14 hourglass and 40, and I find maxi dresses that pull in at waist the best. I just bought a black floral one from boo hoo, so cheap, so could replace every summer. Let me try and link it...
Cap Sleeve Shirred Waist Floral Maxi Dress
www.boohoo.com/DZZ15101.html

Someone in their late thirties would 'usually' dress differently and have different tastes to someone 20-ish and again to someone who is over 50 for example.

But I, personally, could never preface any request for clothing advice with my age. If I did - here particularly - I would be presented with low grade, taste free crap - because of the persistent belief that people of my age are pretty much dead, have no interest in fashion and style and should be grateful to be allowed out of the house at all. So, no - age is not a helpful criterion.

If I told you instead how much I was ready to spend, where I usually like to shop, what sort of style I aim for - with no reference to age but some indication of size and shape - I might have more hope of a helpful response.

I've been liking stuff from Nobody's Child recently. Quality is lovely and I get lots of compliments every time I wear stuff from there

A shirt dress. Lots about.

Over 35? Why is that an issue?

www.next.co.uk/g86175s3/360554#360554

I don’t know if the strap is thick enough for you. I have this and it’s surprisingly flattering and a nice length.

Bought my first Boden last week and I love, love, love

I’m 41 and buy my summer dresses from Boden, Crew Clothing, Hobbs, Oliver Bonas and White Stuff. I used to like Fatface but am not too impressed with their collection this year.

Anything with a shirred top is your friend. I'm an hourglass and a shirred top always looks good. I've bought 5 dresses in similar styles because of that and the fact they're in style now. I'm so excited.

Ones like this www.newlook.com/uk/p/694884309

I find because the top is so stretchy and my rib cage is so small I tend to go down a size. These are very flattering dresses! There's lots out there in this style that have wider straps, cap sleeves, and even 3/4 length puffy sleeves.

www.next.co.uk/style/ls157458/r76749?dp=a&gclid=CjwKCAjw2ZaGBhBoEiwA8pfP_gsi3Vsz50aW5V7mmtTp3E_g0r57HhFOfHeDBUOOwvFoK-ATL48X3xoCXasQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#r76749

I’m pretty much you - 5’3”, 12-14 and 37. I’ve just recently bought this in 2 colours in a 14. Fits really nicely but quite booby if that’s bothers you.
www.nobodyschild.com/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/lenzingtm-ecoverotm-pink-and-blue-floral-alexa-midi-dress.html

I also got this which is more demure but still very pretty:
www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/clothing/dresses-tunics/organic-cotton-jersey-midi-pleated-skirt-dress-riverbank-blooms-waterline.htm

There are some nice ones in shops like new look at the moment too.

A few others:

👉🏻 www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/uo-lottie-70s-floral-tie-back-midi-dress

👉🏻 www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/uo-odila-linen-midi-dress

👉🏻 www.asos.com/prd/22933126

Thank you for all the great suggestions. Plenty of links to keep me busy!