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Long sleeved ‘day to night’ dress for work event

34 replies

BabCNesbitt · 06/04/2022 22:37

Got a work do coming up in June - large meeting, followed by dinner in evening. I have many self-harms scars that I don’t feel comfortable showing in a work context, but I’m having trouble finding a long-sleeved dress that won’t look OTT during the day or underdressed in the evening! Any suggestions/advice, please? Size 14 - I look swamped in maxi/midi dresses and rarely wear black. Thank you!

OP posts:
BabCNesbitt · 06/04/2022 22:43

Meant to add: budget up to about £80 or so.

OP posts:
MichelleScarn · 06/04/2022 22:47

No chance to change for dinner?

MichelleScarn · 06/04/2022 22:48

Sorry posted too soon! To change shoes/tights etc?

MichelleScarn · 06/04/2022 22:53

Would you consider a jumpsuit?

coffeeschmoffee · 06/04/2022 22:55

Nobody's child have some nice long sleeved dresses that would work IMO

dcadmam · 06/04/2022 22:58

Look at Wallis - couple of long sleeved dresses in sale. Wear in day with lightweight suit black jacket. Take jacket off in evening and add dangly earrings and necklace etc

BabCNesbitt · 06/04/2022 23:08

No idea if there’s time to change or anywhere to leave the previous outfit! But would definitely consider a jumpsuit (though I’m only 5’5” and can’t wear heels).

OP posts:
BabCNesbitt · 06/04/2022 23:09

@coffeeschmoffee

Nobody's child have some nice long sleeved dresses that would work IMO
They look pretty but maybe a bit too casual for a formal dinner?
OP posts:
greenmeansNogo · 06/04/2022 23:18

https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350251461.aspx#searchkeyword=short%20dress%20long%20sleeve&shoppingtool=search

Otherwise I'd go on Asos and use the filters, maybe something mesh on the sleeves won't be too heavy in the day, if you feel that gives enough coverage ?

It's hard to know what your work wear is usually, how formal should it be ... this ASOS DESIGN pleated wrap mini dress in dobby spot with pin tuck sleeves in red could work? https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-pleated-wrap-mini-dress-in-dobby-spot-with-pin-tuck-sleeves-in-red/prd/20440051?ctaref=productsharee_native

BabCNesbitt · 06/04/2022 23:37

Workwear is usually “business casual” (ie no jeans) but for this the dress code we’ve been given is “dress to impress!” Confused

OP posts:
Wtfidiot · 06/04/2022 23:42

I would wear a black with lace sleeves add Jewellery after work

londonmummy1966 · 06/04/2022 23:52

Just to say that if you find a sleeveless shift you could wear it under a jacket for work and then put on a pair of sleeves (like a bra with sleeves) underneath for the evening easy switch to make in the loo.

BabCNesbitt · 07/04/2022 06:14

@londonmummy1966 Can you tell me more about bras with sleeves? I haven’t heard about anything like that.

OP posts:
Riverlee · 07/04/2022 06:38

1

2

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5

A few options

Orchidflower1 · 07/04/2022 06:44

Number one in @Riverlee selection is lovely.

Thewheelsfalloffthebus · 07/04/2022 06:47

Some shops or websites aimed at women who always cover more of their skin for religious reasons sell cut away tops that are just sleeves or just a higher neckline and sleeves. The idea is to add coverage for the arms without adding too much extra warmth or bulk. This might be what a PP means by ´bra with sleeves’.

Thewheelsfalloffthebus · 07/04/2022 06:49

If getting too hot is not a huge issue, you could look at long sleeved bodysuits to go under a sleeveless dress.

BabCNesbitt · 07/04/2022 06:51

Thanks - do you have any links for these? Should I be googling “modest dressing” or something?

@Riverlee, thank you for all the links. My preference is definitely for a non-maxi/midi dress as anything below the knee looks and feels weird and flappy on me. I should also have said I don’t wear florals or ditsy or any small prints! But thank you for the suggestions Smile

OP posts:
Abagisforlifenotjustfor · 07/04/2022 06:56

John lewis have a 50%off sale on dresses ATM.

There is a good choice from boden/hobbs to Dotty P. Personally I like quite plain so would go for something like this: www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-emily-knitted-dress-navy/p5806131

Or this:www.johnlewis.com/l-k-bennett-josephine-crepe-scoop-neck-shift-dress-pink/p5321703

But if you want something a bit fussier then this is lovely and with jewellery will dress up nicely: www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-clandre-vintage-lace-dress-rosso-red/p3879603

Good luck! And have fun.

Riverlee · 07/04/2022 07:10

@BabCNesbitt. That’s ok, I’ll have another look.

1 (sorry, black, but maybe ok,

2

3

Thewheelsfalloffthebus · 07/04/2022 07:52

Try googling ´modesty sleeves’. There’s a brand called wingz but they don’t seem to have much stock on their website : www.wingzfashion.com/

Rainbowqueeen · 07/04/2022 10:19

www.next.co.uk/style/ls292501/P97226#P97226
This - with a jacket over it during the day?

Rainbowqueeen · 07/04/2022 10:21

www.next.co.uk/g2825s4/t04225#t04225

With some statement jewellery for evening

DSGR · 07/04/2022 11:51

White Company do day to night dressing well

CMOTDibbler · 07/04/2022 12:00

I have huge surgical scars on one arm, and the lace Wingz sleeves are brilliant to add to a dress to make it 'dressy' but covered up. You can also find the same sort of thing on Etsy

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