Need GREAT dress:return from mat leave + work drinks - need a dress

[roarfeckingroarr]

Hi everyone

I'm returning from mat leave to a new role next week and will be going into the office followed by drinks with my department on Thursday. I'm in quite a senior role and my office/company is smart casual not very formal/office wear.

I'm looking to buy a new dress that I will feel amazing in but not sure where to start. I love ba&sh (favourite), French connection, Hobbs, and other stories...

I like midi dresses, prints, any colours.
I'm blonde (mid-long), 33, 5'4", size 8 and bust 30 E

Has anyone seen anything that might fit the bill, impress and help me conquer all nerves?

What's your budget? La DoubleJ have absolutely gorgeous patterned dresses but they're not cheap...

I don't really have one but ideally no more than £200.

My fiancé recently left me and our 10 mo baby so I really want to feel good about myself for once.

Your ex is a fool and will live to regret it.

With your figure you could probably wear a bin bag and look great.

@shouldistop thank you. I absolutely agree he's an idiot and it's his loss. I like those, particularly the first.

Please keep them coming.

Would any of these work?
www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-geometric-print-maxi-dress-pink/p5543784

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-winifred-floral-fitted-jersey-dress-indigo-multi/p5005144

www.johnlewis.com/fenn-wright-manson-laurentine-floral-print-midi-dress-petunia-placement/p4918129

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-clarissa-drape-detail-dress-raspberry/p3871699

These are on the expensive side:
www.johnlewis.com/reiss-livvy-open-back-midi-dress-teal/p5727765

www.johnlewis.com/reiss-bella-asymmetric-neck-velvet-midi-dress-berry/p5189673

www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/brushed-animal-print-green-black-midi-dress-329642#selection.color=16

Can I just say - I was nodding along with you about returning from mat leave (check), new senior role (check), 8mo baby (check) and then got to your measurements! (Not check, for the avoidance of doubt).

You are going to look gorgeous whatever and you should feel super confident in your abilities that you’ve been promoted whilst on maternity. You’ve got this 💪

(Ps I like the JL Clarissa one above)

@MalFunkshun 😂 you're very kind and congratulations to you! When do you go back to work? Pah my measurements - I'm just lucky, it's all genes (and recently stress due to wanker ex).

These are great suggestions thank you so much. I haven't seen one yet that's struck me as perfect but I might order a couple and send back if doesn't work.

Bit more info - I'm in London and never feel the cold, so nothing too thick/heavy/warm!

Sorry about your fiancé, what a twat.

My favourites so far are definitely the Reiss dresses. The velvet might be a bit OTT for a day in the office though, unless you're planning to change for drinks, so I'd vote the teal. It says "I am effortlessly fabulous and in control" to me.

I really like the teal too but I think I'm a bit short for it

@roarfeckingroarr I’m working my notice period at the moment and going to new job early next year. So am low carbing like a boss to lose a couple of stones before I do!

How about Joy? They have some good stuff: www.joythestore.com/louche-privela-pencil-shavings-print-belted-midi-short-sleeve-shirt-dress-red/p

Also sorry about the wanker ex - what a shit.

Are you looking for a "desk to drinks" or just something that works for the drinks? Cefinn have some highnecked dresses like the Reiss one but a bit more officey. Or The Fold would have something great to straddle the desk-drinks line and work for the future.

Wyse London dresses would be amazing for you - or Me & Em?

My pick from Cefinn - one left in 8

Ok - how about these:
www.silkfred.com/boutiques/cutie-london/clothing/short-sleeve-maxi-dress-in-polka-dot-navy

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/feverfish/clothing/bardot-frill-midi-dress-dark-royal-blue

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/moe/clothing/black-tailored-midi-dress-with-stripe-detail

I like those Bardot dresses!

Thumbs down to scummy ex.

Yes to ex being a shit. A whole other thread. He's demanding 4 days a week with the breast fed infant he ignored until he left. No chance.

My favourite is the polka dot silk Fred dress so far

@MalFunkshun I used to love Joy for the prints and cuts but it never fitted that well on me (I'm too petite round my ribs and their size 8s were huge on me) and the quality wasn't great.

@impressivelycunty I adore your username. Never heard of Wyse and never tried Me and Em. I'll look!

He's demanding 4 days a week with the breast fed infant he ignored until he left. No chance.

What an arse, that's just so he doesn't have to pay maintenance.

I’m not sure if this will be too long.
Just seen Lauren Laverne looking fabulous wearing it
www.nancymac.co.uk/products/sable-dress-in-boheme-bloom-print-crepe-2

Love Nancy Mac dresses.

Sorry to hear about shitty ex

@roarfeckingroarr - just wondering how the back to work and after work drinks went for you?
Hopefully you looked a million dollars in whatever you wore and you're getting in to the swing of things again.