Can anyone help me look for a summer dress please?

[Brandingo]

💐for anyone who tries, it's not the most exciting brief ever!

Searching for a midi length, shirred bodice, preferably black summer dress. Sleeveless but able to wear bra straps underneath (so not spaghetti straps). Woven fabric - cotton or viscose, would take jersey. Pockets would be a bonus😍

Feels like it should be simple, but I've had no luck so far....

I'm 5ft 5, and a 10/12 depending on the retailer. Budget up to about £50, could go higher.

The patterned FF dress is a good shape but I'm looking for plain black, and also like the warehouse one but out of stock in my size and has spaghetti straps:

Thank you!

M&S? They have so many dresses at the moment.

1

limited sizes online but may be able to find in store

or this?

slightly above budget

may or may not take bra

Slightly over budget option:
[https://www.sonderstudio.co.uk/sonder-studio-shirred-midi-dress-black/165467500100012.html?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxOOl272x-AIVbIBQBh2P0QiYEAQYDiABEgL1W_D_BwE]

Or Under Budget options are

New look
Shein
Boohoo
Debenhams

They all do a black shirred midi dress, of varying styles. Not sure on quality though with Shein etc...

I have this from H & M - 100% cotton. The straps are very thin but removable - could you sew some thicker ribbon or broderie anglais ruffle on to it yourself to create thicker straps?

Thank you @Riverlee ! I really like the 2nd M&S one, need to stalk the website for returned sizes. Love the first one but I have a couple of summer dresses with sleeves already. Also like the Sonder one - less keen on tiers on the skirt but they are not a retailer I'm familiar with so off to browse. Haven't tried New Look so that's a good call....

@Rina66 - great idea, I could probably manage that! What's the length like on that H&M one?

It's hard to feedback without feeling rude - very grateful that you have both taken the time to reply!

@Riverlee do know how Sonder Studio comes up size wise please? I would say I'm a size 12 but in lots of retailers like M&S, everything is so big, I usually fit a 10

The H & M one is mid calf on me and I'm 5'6 - the model wearing it in the pic is 5'10. You don't sound rude at all!

Ha @Rina66 that's good news, appreciate the help!

The H&M dress must be longer than it looks in the pics so will give that a try as it's also a bit of a bargain. Annoyed I missed the 15% off though 😠

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-shirred-square-neck-tiered-frill-midi-dress/p/827089901?extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_Generics_Bing_DV_c&_cclid=Bing_9f2edbceb5681f4c0198b9644f437da9

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/black-tiered-midi-jersey-dress
Slightly over budget, but fits your requirements exactly. I tried this on (in the khaki) and found it comfy and flattering (but couldn’t justify the cost - I’m hoping for a sale!)

@waltzingparrot love that NL one thank you but it's sold out in my size(s) - material looks really lovely!

@MrsZzz Sorry, missed your post....love it but the cost 😥It's too expensive for a summer holiday dress (for me anyway!). Does Mint Velvet ever do discounts? My experience is that by the time stuff goes on sale, my sizes have sold out... For reference what's the sizing like please?

@MrsZzz Despite looking for plain black, I am very drawn to the animal print one....would hide a multitude of sins I think!

They did a 20% off everything a couple of weekends back so it does happen… I’ll be keeping an eye out for something similar. Sizing-wise I’m also 5’ 5” and the length was great. I’m an 8/10 and the small fit well, but there wasn’t much wriggle room so you might find the medium better if you’re a 10/12.

This one’s lovely

@MillieMollyMandi the shape of that dress is great but it's some sort of synthetic fabric/lining which makes me overheat dreadfully but thank you for the suggestion

Sorry I haven't actually ordered anything from sonderstudio, often find things I like the look of, but haven't actually bought anything yet so don't know what they are like for sizing I'm afraid.

lovely coast dress

Or if navy is an option

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-cotton-shirring-sleeveless-dress-446833.html Or www.frenchconnection.com/products/rhodes-solid-midi-sun-dress-utility-blue

Just came on to recommend this from H&M but I think someone else has already suggested it! I’m 5foot2.5 and it’s a good length on me 🙂. Really flattering too. www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1059067001.html

Actually the one I’ve suggested is slightly different to the other one. It’s really lovely!

Peacocks have one, in plain black or red. I bought the red version and might take the straps up a little but it’s not strictly necessary.

Sorry @EnglishRose1320 , I don't think I acknowledged your choice earlier (got mixed up with Riverlee's suggestions!), I really like the Sonder Studio one so thinking about ordering that. They seem to be a part of M&Co which is a surprise. Always love to find retailers who do stuff in natural fabrics. I've ordered the bargain H&M dress that @Rina66 suggested but the shoe string straps may scupper it if it's beyond my abilities to alter it without it looking too DIY so it could be going back....

The Uniqlo one is a great shape but I definitely want black (so picky, sorry I know!). Not sure what the composition is either, it's not clear on the website but I overheat really quickly so find polyester uncomfortable. Prefer the Sonder one over the FC one but thank you.

Thanks also to @Askinvillarblues for the second H&M dress - it's very similar isn't it?!

Just off to checkout the one suggested by @MrsFionaCharming, I'm having a great time...although getting very little work done 🤗