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HELP NEEDED TO FIND DRAMA DRESS!

51 replies

heldinadream · 03/11/2022 09:00

Help needed, oh Mumsnet S&B afficionados!
Not a one for dressing up or for events, an event has been thrust upon me.
Basically I’ve got a painting into Grayson Perry’s next Art Club exhibition (shameless name dropping), and there is a launch party with Grayson and Philippa and people like Jo Brand, who chose my painting (more utterly shameless name dropping) so having been mulling it over for weeks and looked at more than a bazillion dresses but bought nothing. So, inspired by the ‘artsy’ thread I thought I’d see what you might all come up with!
I’m five foot three, age 67, probably a size 14-16 (but I never buy anything nowadays).
I’ve got a wardrobe (and many, many drawers and bags…) full of mismatched shite and if I could be arsed I could pull something together from what I already own.
I don’t really want to buy more stuff BUT it would be nice to make an impression, albeit fleeting and instantly forgotten I’m sure.
I love colour. Drama. Well of course I do. So something Philippa Perry-like would be marvelous. Not fussy – simple flattering shape.
I really think a dress is best rather than separates – just to keep it simple.
No bows or tiers or flounces. I adore patterns but I’m thinking either one striking colour or a simple two colour pattern better.
I’m really into yellow at the moment and I don’t really have anything yellow so that would be good. But bright is good – greens, blues, reds. Not keen on pink or purple. Well I am but not at the moment, I’m not feeling it.
Pale complexion and grey hair, finally given in. I quite like the grey hair – it's not white grey more salt and pepper.

Budget – the lower the better because I’m never going to wear it again probably, unless it’s to lie on the sofa and eat chocolate in some deranged fantasy.
Please don’t suggest anything over £100 I AM NOT INTERESTED.
Fabrics – natural – cotton or probably even better stretchy viscose.
NO POLYESTER OR NYLON OR ACRYLIC. I paint in acrylics, I don’t wear them. Comfortable not structured.

I don’t want or need accessories or bags. My handbag is lime-green leather and it’s fine, I have no use or desire for another handbag.
I’ve got jackets and cardigans and shawls and scarves coming out of my ears, so if I can’t find anything amongst that lot that will go with it I’m a lost cause.
So just a dress, a single, impressive, bright or striking, easy to wear dress.
NOT SLEEVELESS.
In a bit I might post pix of a couple of the dresses I’ve been looking at.
THANK YOU! 😂

OP posts:
Gr33ngr33ngr4ss · 03/11/2022 09:13

joanieclothing.com/dawn-oporter-x-joanie-sunrise-psychedelic-print-midaxi-dress-citrus.html

I love this. But too flouncy?

MrsHughesPinny · 03/11/2022 09:16

Firstly, HUGE congratulations! What an achievement! You must be so pleased, and of course this is an occasion for a fabulous dress.

A starter for ten:

www.johnlewis.com/closet-london-belted-high-neck-midi-dress/mustard/p109488865

(I love Joanie!) joanieclothing.com/dawn-oporter-x-joanie-sunrise-psychedelic-print-midaxi-dress-citrus.html

Gr33ngr33ngr4ss · 03/11/2022 09:21

www.marksandspencer.com/satin-v-neck-midi-waisted-dress/p/clp60575509

Quite wish I could pull this off too.

Gr33ngr33ngr4ss · 03/11/2022 09:21

MrsHughesPinny · 03/11/2022 09:16

Firstly, HUGE congratulations! What an achievement! You must be so pleased, and of course this is an occasion for a fabulous dress.

A starter for ten:

www.johnlewis.com/closet-london-belted-high-neck-midi-dress/mustard/p109488865

(I love Joanie!) joanieclothing.com/dawn-oporter-x-joanie-sunrise-psychedelic-print-midaxi-dress-citrus.html

Great minds!!!

heldinadream · 03/11/2022 09:33

Ohh thanks! I like but don't love the Joanie, but it's on the right lines.

The Closet is gorgeous - but polyester (😱) and anyway I can't do a high neck, they really don't suit me. But I love the colour and how it drapes.
The M&S is beautiful but I'm not sure it's my shape. I'm gonna post a pic in a minute of one I keep looking at, because it's got some of the right shape thing going on.

Thanks for the congrats!

OP posts:
LookItsMeAgain · 03/11/2022 09:37

I know you said no acrylics or polyester but this one is lovely:
joanieclothing.com/gaia-v-neckline-midaxi-dress-green.html

LookItsMeAgain · 03/11/2022 09:39

Would something like this work do you think?
www.coastfashion.com/petite-v-neck-velvet-maxi-dress/BCC04307.html

MiddleParking · 03/11/2022 09:39

Surely Cos is the only answer to this question! And congrats OP!

MrsHughesPinny · 03/11/2022 09:41

@Gr33ngr33ngr4ss 😆 Evidently! Clearly we have great taste!

More Joanie, but not plain:
joanieclothing.com/gaia-v-neckline-midaxi-dress-green.html

joanieclothing.com/dawn-oporter-x-joanie-candi-floral-print-midi-dress.html

www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-maayan-dress/scarlet/p109073363

heldinadream · 03/11/2022 09:42

Interesting lots with separated boobage. I think my elderly boobage might misplace itself.

So this is the one I keep looking at, much simpler shape - won't let me save a pic so it's a link. www.roman.co.uk/tie-dye-pocket-jersey-midi-dress-14290480

Looking at Cos now...

OP posts:
LookItsMeAgain · 03/11/2022 09:43

How about this one:
www.coastfashion.com/flare-sleeve-ruche-waist-midi-dress/BCC00390-3.html?color=119

UnaOfStormhold · 03/11/2022 09:44

What about hiring instead of buying?

heldinadream · 03/11/2022 09:48

MrsHughesPinny · 03/11/2022 09:41

The Jolie Moi is gorgeous! Much more dressy than I'm used to but I think I could do it! Definite contender... and I would never have found it myself, I thought they were all polyester.

OP posts:
LookItsMeAgain · 03/11/2022 09:49

Similar to what you were looking at yourself
www.next.co.uk/style/ls336028/q29150#q29150

heldinadream · 03/11/2022 09:49

UnaOfStormhold · 03/11/2022 09:44

What about hiring instead of buying?

That's a brilliant thought! Do you know websites? I'll have a google.

OP posts:
LookItsMeAgain · 03/11/2022 09:51

Something on the green scale -
www.next.co.uk/style/ls346239/k23986#k23986

MrsHughesPinny · 03/11/2022 09:51

@heldinadream I love bright scarlet and lime green together, that would look fab!

heldinadream · 03/11/2022 09:56

MiddleParking · 03/11/2022 09:39

Surely Cos is the only answer to this question! And congrats OP!

Never really looked at Cos but LOVING this one... and thanks!

www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.printed-midi-shirt-dress-blue.1024471003.html

OP posts:
monsteramunch · 03/11/2022 10:08

Massive congrats, how exciting!

I would rent something in this situation and Vivienne Westwood sounds like a great fit for your preferences?

Rina66 · 03/11/2022 10:25

I know you said dress but I just love this, perhaps over a basic black dress you already own....you can normally get offer codes too.

www.kitandkaboodal.com/made-in-italy-campbell-leopard-lined-velvet-jacket-p7005?attribute%5B2%5D=38

TheLongRider · 03/11/2022 10:30

Something completely different.
www.madkollection.com/collections/midi-dress/products/emilia-button-down-shirt-dress-1

It's 100% cotton, Ankara print. The website has a wide range of dresses from maxi to mini and jumpsuits. It's all African wax print cotton. The clothing is great quality, the prints are amazing and certainly suitable for a Grayson Perry event.

I have bought from them myself but I have absolutely no connection other than being a very satisfied customer. I'm a middle aged white woman who loves a good print.

stayathomegardener · 03/11/2022 10:46

Oooohhh exciting! Congratulations.
Following for the finished look.
Wondering about jewellery or maybe a streak of crazy colour in your hair to contrast?
Possibly a tasteless idea for you to ignore Grin

Bumzoo · 03/11/2022 11:09

Congratulations!

Babysharkdoodoodood · 03/11/2022 11:16

John Lewis are doing dress hire now

rental.johnlewis.com/women/new_arrivals