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Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!

70 replies

lurchermummy · 03/05/2022 11:46

Hi my daughter is going to a "graduation" ball from college in two weeks time. Due to Covid she missed out on all her previous leaving dos/balls etc and she's not going to uni so we really want to make it work for her. She's had a number of mental health issues and because of this there are some specific requirements for a dress i.e long sleeves (to cover her self harm scars). She's also tiny, 5'3 and very petite, and flat chested, so nothing too plunging or ridiculously long. She doesn't like sequins or frills (this is a girl who is most comfortable in riding boots and jodpurs). She likes black, dark green, or strong colours, not pastels. Budget wise we can only go up to about £80 - 100. Can anybody help?? We'd be open to hiring or buying. Thanks so much!!

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Littlemissprosecco · 03/05/2022 11:47

Try Coast, they have a lot on line,

lurchermummy · 03/05/2022 11:49

@Littlemissprosecco none with long sleeves unfortunately

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Littlemissprosecco · 03/05/2022 11:51

Oh! What about a little bolero to go over?

Littlemissprosecco · 03/05/2022 11:52

My daughter also needed to cover her arms, she opted to hire a tuxedo!

AngelsWithSilverWings · 03/05/2022 11:54

I've just googled "long sleeved black tie dress" and lots of lovely dresses came up in different lengths. Haven't linked any as being a 50 odd year old I probably have no idea of the style she would want but I hope she finds something she loves.

hellsbells99 · 03/05/2022 11:56

Try SilkFred or Sosandar. Hope you find something suitable

lurchermummy · 03/05/2022 11:56

@dannydyerismydad thanks I don't think she'd like the sequins but I will suggest it. You can see my challenge!

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Bellex · 03/05/2022 11:57

Reiss has some lovely pieces.H&M collections may have something. Debenhams online is still a thing, they often have Karen Millen in the sale.

IvorCutler · 03/05/2022 11:58

Would either of these work? The blazer dress looks a little indecent here but I’m sure it would be less so on someone petite!

Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!
Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!
dannydyerismydad · 03/05/2022 11:58

@lurchermummy rebrand it.

Tell her it's beading. VERY different from sequins Wink

AngelsWithSilverWings · 03/05/2022 11:59

I do see the issue you will
have re wanting lack of sequins or frills though - it's hard to find anything without some sort of embellishment.

Margotshypotheticaldog · 03/05/2022 12:01

Not sure if these are too casual, lots on asos

Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!
Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!
Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!
thisplaceisweird · 03/05/2022 12:02

These are pretty and plain:

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1048879001.html

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1012694001.html

IvorCutler · 03/05/2022 12:05

More Zara

Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!
Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!
Littlemissprosecco · 03/05/2022 12:09

The coast, evening weather online sale have long sleeved

lurchermummy · 03/05/2022 12:19

@Littlemissprosecco I actually suggested that but she said she didn't want to look like she was making a statement about her sexuality! I also suggested a cheong sam but she said that was cultural appropriation...I suggested she go in jodpurs!!

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MrsVeryTired · 03/05/2022 12:21

this from ASOS is gorgeous and would look fab on someone petite, a vest top under if too plunge-ish?
Or this too casual?

latetothefisting · 03/05/2022 12:29

www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/edits/occasionwear/occasion+party-dresses/green-pleated-lace-midi-dress/p/30489439

Something like that?

Lots of online shops (asos, new look etc) have the option to filter by sleeve length if that's the priority?

merryhouse · 03/05/2022 12:44

what about this one?

I rather like this but it is quite Pink

this is lovely but it's midi so may be too long

black but ruffly

this claims to be green but really isn't - I don't like it but others might

Littlemissprosecco · 03/05/2022 12:44

Oh my! I do remember mine being very tricky too!
my a level dd is wearing a gypsy top ( long sleeved) with a tight black mini skirt, and the most chunky drainers she could find to her prom this Friday!!
I really wish you luck xx

Littlemissprosecco · 03/05/2022 12:45

Trainers!!

jytdtysrht · 03/05/2022 12:50

Try Quiz