Help!! Looking for a dress for a work event

[AntennaReborn]

Hi all,

I will be going to a work event in March, and after 2 years of WFH my old workwear just doesn't appeal anymore

I want to find a new dress, I will be expected to go on stage to receive a prize so I want to look nice!

I can't really find anything I like in my price range and could use a bit of help

Some relevant info:

• it's a daytime event, and no drinking so looking for smart office wear rather than cocktail iyswim
• I don't want to spend more than about £120, because I probably won't have many opportunities to wear the dress again
• I am tall, and an athletic size 12/ 14 (with strong legs / glutes, strong shoulders, slim waist)
• I am confident and don't mind bodycon or short styles, but as it's work I will have to keep it reasonably conservative
• I can do heels, although would probably need new shoes too!

In my mind, I'm picturing myself stepping on stage looking like Jessica in Suits 😂 (albeit more of an olive colouring)

Attached is one I found on Asos for reference ; I like the style but I would rather not white, and the fabric looks a bit cheap

I would be grateful for any help!! 💐

How about this? It’s a little over budget but timeless so plenty of opportunities to re wear

www.jasperconran.com/collections/dresses/products/bonne-a-line-swing-dress?variant=42460213313770

https://www.johnlewis.com/hotsquash-emma-button-waist-pencil-dress/black/p5558803?sku=240041844&size=12&sppc=2dx92700066354843792&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1wavbOqX0MeviY3lp6eVccel&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1wavbOqX0MeviY3lp6eVccel&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI00vHu7L69QIVBLDtCh2S-QlLEAQYBSABEgKM8PDBwE&gclsrc=aw.dss

https://www.roman.co.uk/double-fluted-34-length-sleeve-dress-14028908?istCompanyId=2c7d42bf-c86e-4126-852a-34976c2accf2&istFeedId=2671bd7b-958a-4180-b178-22e89d93d179&istItemId=wlrmalail&istBid=t&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI00_vHu7L69QIVBLDtCh2S-QlLEAQYDiABEgLxiDD_BwE

https://www.hobbs.com/product/kristen-satin-fit-and-flare-dress/0121-5740-9025L00-THYME-GREEN.html#isSecondPage=false&start=58&sz=60&is=true&imageType=model&cgid=clothing-dresses&pid=0121-5740-9025L00-THYME-GREEN&pos=73

https://www.secretsales.com/6197c63d4238e-ted-baker-ted-baker-ellame-wrap-over-full-sleeve-bodycon-bright-blue-blue/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0vHu7L69QIVBLDtCh2S-QlLEAQYDyABEgL5kPDD_BwE

I love this from Hobbs.

www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-tie-front-midi-swing-dress/p/clp22528181

Any good?

https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/collections/vintage-pencil-dresses

https://www.coastfashion.com/flare-sleeve-crepe-dress/ACC02135-1.html?color=105

Oh wow you lot are fast!!!

I was only gone long enough to drop DD off and I have just come back to all these links!

I'll make myself a coffee and have a good look at all the suggestions now

@DarlingCoffee it is indeed a beautiful and timeless dress! I think I prefer a pencil style for this event though , which I didn't realise until now so it has helped me narrow it down!
@justaweeone the first two are definite contenders! And bonus points for machine washable options 😂. The Hobbs one is beautiful but I would feel like my MIL in it I think. I really like the Ted Baker one but unfortunately this shade of blue tends to make me look ill. I'll have a look for it in other colours though!

@Gardeningdream thanks, I like the style but I think I have decided on a pencil style (which I appreciate I gave no indication of until my previous reply, sorry!)

OP the Hobbs one was a bit of a wild card!

@justaweeone I'll have to have a good look through that vintage style website, I quite like this type of silhouette!

The Coast one looks great and I like that it comes in lots of colours, this one is definitely on the short list!

@justaweeone thank you, it's always worth throwing in a wild card, sometimes you don't know you're going to like something until you see it!

Winser

This is a little over budget but it is very nice quality fabric and very versatile. I bought it for a funeral (not worn off the shoulder!) Plus I will wear it for a day to evening work do.
www.reiss.com/p/off-the-shoulder-knitted-dress-womens-lara-in-black-aw21/?category_id=1121&gaEeList=W%20-%20Dresses

@fernsandlilies thanks, it's a bit pricier than I would like, but I like it. It could be a good investment when I eventually start working from the office again

@schmalex this is utterly gorgeous (I love the camel colour!) but I think I would be spending the day rearranging the fabric over my shoulders. I absolutely love it though!

Update:

I ordered the Coast dress and it came today (I was really impressed, I have had Deliveroos that took longer 😁)

Sadly the fit isn't quite right, so it's going back. There is way too much fabric around the waist for me so it forms a pouch instead of draping

I'll have another through the other suggestions

This is the sort of style I see Jessica wearing, though you probably want higher quality than Shein can provide!