Looking for a tea dress or very similar size 18 classic style - where are all the classics? Next day delivery

[Graphista]

I'm having a bit of a nightmare!

Trying to find a dress for a thing on Monday. Usually Next are my go to but they are having weird issues with their next day delivery options apparently (that they are in denial about!) ordered from M&S but I'm worried the delivery won't work as they apparently are now using bloody Hermes despite saying on sm that they don't.

I much prefer dpd delivery wise

The other issue I'm having is style wise as the online retailers that use dpd tend to be more "modern" ones and I am a 5'2" size 18 Apple shape 49 year old and quite frankly the current fashions would look hideously frumpy on me and I absolutely would NOT feel comfortable and confident in them.

I need a tea dress or wrap dress or CLASSIC shift dress style.

No puffy sleeves or frills or smocking or otherwise baggy and frumpy styling (frankly I don't think they even suit the slim young things but fashion can be weird like that!)

I'll try and post links/pics of the kind of thing I'm looking for, I'm even considering Amazon but I've never ordered clothes from them as they can be so hit and miss on size/fit and reliability of quality.

Not that I'm looking for super high quality but I don't want something that looks cheap.

Also willing to consider skirt or trousers and top outfit but again classic styling please.

Hoping you guys who are the experts can help

As I say preferably next day delivery with dpd. I'm going dizzy here trying to figure this out and fed up with looking at puff sleeves and frills!

Which retailers should I be considering style wise?

I really need help here ASAP

This is one I've ordered but I have to say I'm not even all that keen and can no longer find it on the site hence a bad screenshot from my order email

I have a few versions of this (in a 20), it's very good quality. And has pockets!!

www.amazon.co.uk/OUGES-Womens-Summer-Sleeve-Pockets/dp/B07TLVSMKJ/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Ouges&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1629481109&sr=8-5

Me in the maxi version of the same dress

I love that! What size did you order in? Cos it's not numbered sizes but s/m/l/xl etc - I think we're similar size and shape

I get the XXL, but an XL would probably fit - it's got a good amount of room in it.

Not currently available on next day delivery to me unfortunately

Aw no! 🙁

This is so frustrating

Have you tried H&M or ASOS? They have curve ranges with nice dresses

Have you looked at John Lewis ? Click and collect from lots of locations these days .

That is a really lovely dress! You look great @ThisIsSimplyBeyond

Order it anyway for the next occasion @Graphista

I haven't tried H&M or ASOS as was thinking they are also more "young uns" than classics but are you saying I'm wrong?

Can't do click and collect certainly not John Lewis as my nearest is quite far.

@haba yes I am tempted! Defo adding to my wish list

This is so incredibly frustrating. Next seem to have lost the plot somehow

I'm actually on Next site now and even on there "in stock" supposedly means "available for next day delivery" but I've tried ordering approx 20 dresses and every time I go through the checkout...not available for next day delivery! So they're not even sticking to their own t&c's!

Ugh H&M also Hermes users hate Hermes

I wish the DPD delivery I had yesterday was as good as you're claiming 😂 they left my new pram and a few other items on my doorstep for all to see despite me telling them on my account where to leave them (safe place) and putting a note on the door!

prettykittyfashion.co.uk/collections/vintage-tea-dresses/products/copy-of-red-and-white-tartan-check-strap-swing-dress
Hope the link works. I am currently eyeing up a dress from here but it keeps going out of stock so I'm not sure of the sizing but they do offer next day delivery.

These might help . Next day delivery £3.99
www.roman.co.uk/

ASOS has loads of dresses that fit your description

@dontjudgeabook I'm well aware courier quality varies regionally! It just happens the dpd chap here is excellent and the Hermes one is shit!

I'm too late for pretty kitty need to order before 1pm!

Sorry but ASOS really didn't! Almost every dress in my size was short, frilly, puff sleeves, smocking etc or VERY low cut which as I'm busty (being a size 18!) I'd not be comfortable with at all

Roman is Royal Mail - also not great here unfortunately

You can click and collect a John Lewis order from any Waitrose, in case you have one close by?

Nope no Waitrose I'm in Scotland

If I could afford and had time I would design what I want myself:

Short sleeve, bold print, wrap or 50's tea dress style slightly a line skirt hitting knee length, not mini or maxi, v neck or scoop or even sweetheart or square neckline but not too low cut...

All the dresses I'm seeing are VERY similar with the big baggy puff sleeves which do not suit me at all. Then usually also mini or maxi length, crew or boat necklines, frills AND smocking galore.

I honestly don't think these styles flatter anyone yet they're everywhere at the moment

They certainly don't suit larger ladies at all.

Weird hideous prints mostly too lots of oranges and yellows which again suit very few people

Try joanie clothing.

Toast - but may be a a bit pricy?

Joanie next day I'm too late for I'm afraid 3pm cut off

But annoyingly the joanie dresses are lovely