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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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lurchermummy · 03/05/2022 16:04

Thanks all - sorry been in bed, Covid!! Have ordered a couple but I think they'll be too long/plungy for her figure. Thanks for the suggestions I'll take a closer look.

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lurchermummy · 03/05/2022 16:12

This is the one she's ordered, we're going to see if we can adjust the front to make it less plunging, she definitely wants an "evening" type gown not short, and not too bridesmaidy. She has a fabulous slim and athletic figure size 4 and wants to look grown up. She's not used to heels though and I think a lot of the dresses will be trailing on the floor on her little frame! clubllondon.com/products/unforgotten-bottle-green-wrap-front-maxi-with-side-split?variant=39683221225514&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpcOTBhCZARIsAEAYLuW2hb3reAyfNmuewA3Qip1MPGcLiTxjoCUmZGgcslyyBED4x5TfpLMaAikoEALw_wcB

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TollgateDebs · 03/05/2022 17:18

Dark green, long sleeve

Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!
PeekAtYou · 03/05/2022 17:47

www.chichiclothing.com

Is good for cheap formalwear

ChateauMargaux · 03/05/2022 18:12

I'm in France so my search results won't help but what about a long sleeve dark green velvet dress..

lurchermummy · 03/05/2022 18:35

@PeekAtYou thanks but mostly seem to be sleeveless

@ChateauMargaux thanks she can't do velvet she hates the texture!!

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lurchermummy · 03/05/2022 18:36

@TollgateDebs that's nice I've sent the link to her to have a look

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tolerable · 03/05/2022 19:41

www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/moss-dress/
black=tights ok.

lurchermummy · 03/05/2022 19:45

@tolerable she'd probably love that for a night out

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mintich · 03/05/2022 19:49

Also look at StyleCheat they do lovely occasion dresses

tolerable · 03/05/2022 19:52

ah.thought might be not formal enuf.i'll look some more..x

FoggySpecs · 03/05/2022 19:58

Vintage night be good if she is very slight. A nice 30s dress with sleeves

tolerable · 03/05/2022 20:04

www.tedbaker.com/uk/p/Womens/Outlet/Clothing/Dresses/DEEH-Long-Sleeve-Bodycon-Dress-Oxblood/249834-OXBLOOD
(just tell her to try it bloody on!-then reject if doesnt like)

lurchermummy · 03/05/2022 21:38

@tolerable lol thanks yes it's nice would suit her colouring and style

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Runningupthecurtains · 03/05/2022 22:26

If she has seen/ sees something she likes that is sleeveless would she long gloves /fingerless gloves be an option to cover her arms?

Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!
Please help me find my daughter a formal dress!
lurchermummy · 04/05/2022 07:29

@Runningupthecurtains thanks I did float that idea but she thinks it would be drawing attention to her arms.

She sounds like a nightmare, she's really not she's a lovely girl but very particular and not very flexible (suspected ASD)

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Runningupthecurtains · 04/05/2022 07:39

@lurchermummy she doesn't sound like a nightmare - it was just thought. I hope she can find a dress she loves and has a fantastic time.

Greatoutdoors · 04/05/2022 07:51

This is lovely. It’s quite plunging on the front but you could have a seamstress add a mesh or fabric panel in to raise the neckline.

www.boohoo.com/chiffon-long-sleeve-open-back-maxi-dress/FZZ26469.html

TaffyandTeenyTaffy · 04/05/2022 09:04

What about a 50s style swing dress... try somewhere like Dolly and Dotty or Collectif - they have some 3/4 and long sleeve ones. It's a good shape for petite and loads of different colours/styles.

lurchermummy · 04/05/2022 11:18

@Greatoutdoors that's pretty not sure she'd fill the boob part as she's very boyish figure but might send for it

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tolerable · 04/05/2022 13:27

nfd