Help My s&b. I am clueless!

[lifeissweet]

I Have looked in all the usual places, but you lot are fashion ninjas and may be able to come up for 'the thing'. I haven't got found it anywhere, which maybe because I'm looking in all the wrong places.

Requirements:

I am 5'5 and a size 10/12. I have a small waist. But legs and arms are 'sturdy' and that is a factor.

I am looking for a summer dress. One that I can wear for the last few weeks of term (teacher), but that I can also get some use out of in the summer.

High neck lines don't suit because of the boobs. Hemlines are difficult because I don't want a maxi, but those fashionable mind-calf floaty dresses that are everywhere at the moment are a horrible length on me and cut my calf off at the first points I feel like just above the knee is good for work, but also that any higher is making too much of a less-good feature. (Thunder thighs)

I need something that pulls in at the waist - belted or tied at the waste is ideal. Anything shift-dressy or square makes me look square all over.

I am not keen on big prints, but smaller ones are fine. Prefer not black as I'm going for summery.

I'm also not keen on lots of frills or peplums.

As I impossible? I can't find a thing.

Even if you just give me some new sites to look at, that would be helpful.

Apologise in advance for fussiness. I have only been this slim for 2 years and my brain hasn't moved on from 'can't wear that - arms, legs, tummy...' and I still looks more at what doesn't make me look worse rather than wearing things that enhance.

Budget is flexible if I can find 'the one'

Ready, steady,,, hit me with it:

Thank you!

What are all “ the usual places”? High street?

@Divebar2021

What are all “ the usual places”? High street?

Yeah sorry. That wasn't specific, was it. I've looked at most of the high street shops (which seem to be more floaty mid-calf floaty numbers, which just wouldn't suit me, plus boden, hush, silk Fred , Fat Face...

Haven my looked at M&S

Is there anywhere I really need to look?

Nobody’s Child do a tea dress shape which is flattering. If these are too long they also do a mini dress shape which might hit your knee.

@Divebar2021

Nobody’s Child do a tea dress shape which is flattering. If these are too long they also do a mini dress shape which might hit your knee.

Thank you. I will have a browse.

My main problem is that I haven't adjusted mentally from dressing myself in tents to hide everything as much as possible.

I don't know what suits me or what I should be wearing. I still have all these self-imposed 'rules'.

I almost need someone to take me in had and say 'not this.' This.'

How about this from Omnes

www.omnes.com/collections/dresses/products/black-ditsy-floral-puff-sleeve-wrap-mini-dress-lucca-eco-multi

Or these from Pretty Lavish:

prettylavish.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/petunia-mini-dress-green-gingham?variant=39269568020573

prettylavish.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/shay-mini-ruffle-dress-white?variant=28376276795485

I think a tulip style dress would suit you. There are lots about but here is one example

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/tenki-london/clothing/short-sleeve-patterned-tulip-dress-in-navy-blue?locale=en-GB

All on the right lines!

My worry with tulip shapes is that they add more bulk to me hood and rear end. I don't honestly know if I can pull it off.

My 'rule' had always been things that skim my hips and don't kick out A-line because I just look like a lump.

I don't know which of my 'rules' I can afford to ditch.

Although my many problem areas are still problems. Fat upper arms, chunky legs, child-bearing hips.

I've lost about 5 stone in two years and I can't I've past 'can't add bulk, hide EVERYTHING.' In terms of mindset.

Might not be to your taste but Seasalt do some great dresses that fit at the waist. I'm pear-shaped and find some of their styles the most flattering, plus they are very comfortable so perfect for teaching. Here's an example:

www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/clothing/dresses-tunics/crebawthan-bamboo-jersey-fit-flare-dress-sea-daisy-cut-stem.htm

Thank you Whatstheweather.

I'm having a look now.

I am 43 and don't want to dress to too young (if that is such a thing) but similarly, this is my first time being a normal weight in so long and I want to have fun with it.

I'm hyper aware that I don't want to look like an actual granny in a dress, which lots of those floaty, mid-calf flowering dresses would do to me. They look great on little young sylphs, but would like try-hard and aging on me.

[quote Girlintheframe]I think a tulip style dress would suit you. There are lots about but here is one example

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/tenki-london/clothing/short-sleeve-patterned-tulip-dress-in-navy-blue?locale=en-GB[/quote]
I love this one.
Just considering it. Thank you!

www.finerylondon.com/sabine-midi-dress-green-d02f020-grn

as a not frilled waist tie arm hide boobable,wear again,again,, perhaps?
this too frill floaty or nor..its pretty\summery www.na-kd.com/en/products/overlap-flounce-midi-dress-yellow
www.theprettydresscompany.com/shop-c1/dresses-c2/the-pretty-dress-company-belgravia-peplum-dress-p381#attribute%5B1%5D=63

I love the shapes of the last ones, but can't do a length that is not maxi length or above the knee. Anything else makes my legs look ever worst.

They have no real shape. They are like two, thick triangles from my ankle to my hip. No nice knee definition.

They either need covering completely or the screws cutting off a bit higher.

I need to post pictures really. I have hated my legs since I first noticed they were bad at 8 years old.

chichiclothing.com/collections/wedding-guests
www.phase-eight.com/product/germaine-midaxi-dress-220423300.html#navAjax=true&is=false&cgid=dresses&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=sleeve&prefv1=3/4%20Sleeve&pid=220423300&pos=50
is boots option?

Thank you. You are so kind

Scamp and dude do lovely maxi dresses x