Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Anyone else hate midi dresses?

57 replies

MidiDressesWhy · 23/02/2023 22:44

I honestly can't wear a midi dress. I'm short and they make me look so frumpy. My legs are also my best asset so if I hide most of them I have nothing to offer!

My sister is getting married in June and once you take out the midi dresses there is barely any choice out there, I can't find anything at all.

Is anyone else the same and has recommendations of shops with a good selection of shorter dresses suitable for a wedding?

Thank you so much in advance

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
IForgotOurSong · 26/02/2023 10:53

I don’t really like midi dresses either and I find dressing for special occasions really difficult. I think if I was going to a wedding a jumpsuit or a pastel coloured trouser suit would probably be my preference but I appreciate you might need something cooler.

Amperoblue · 26/02/2023 11:08

Will there be a French contingent at the wedding? I find they tend to be less all out than us at weddings but more staid.. A shorter dress will be perfect. You don’t need loads of florals either. A bit more structure shape hides a belly better than a tie waist.
Not keen on the black one.
Coast has some fabulous wedding suitable short dresses. I can’t link but there is loads of choice. I love the tuxedo dress and the purple and green one.

blondieminx · 26/02/2023 11:13

Maybe try the personal shopper service in JL/Fenwicks etc?

totally agree with you on midi dresses…. I’m five foot seven and dear god they make me look frumpy!

MidiDressesWhy · 26/02/2023 20:21

Thank you all, I put the yumi dress on the "maybe" pile and would get it shortened if I were to use it.

But yes @Amperoblue with this one I do wonder whether it's a bit too much for a French wedding. Everyone there will be French, I am French myself, and I don't think florals are really a thing, it's usually quite understated. But then again, I've not lived there for so long I'm not really sure anymore!

I have another one coming tomorrow, and will check out some more of all your suggestions. Thanks everyone!

OP posts:
Amperoblue · 27/02/2023 09:20

I’ve screenshot the Coast dresses.
The tuxedo dress comes loads of colours if you chose the sleeved option - very good for showing off legs but maybe too hot.
The blue dress I thought would work for things in the U.K. too as it’s not so wedding guest looking.
Purple and green dress is a safe option.

Anyone else hate midi dresses?
Anyone else hate midi dresses?
Anyone else hate midi dresses?
Minesril · 27/02/2023 09:25

They only work if they have a fitted bodice, full skirt and you wear them with a petticoat (1950s style). Having said that I like the John Lewis one on you!

Feefee00 · 27/02/2023 09:26

I love them but I hate my thighs 🤣

QuietlyConfident · 27/02/2023 09:30

The length on that John Lewis one looks lovely on you, and will be even nicer with heels - I don't think the neckline is your most flattering choice though.

MidiDressesWhy · 27/02/2023 10:13

Thank you! @QuietlyConfident what neckline would you recommend? It will narrow down my search.

OP posts:
QuietlyConfident · 27/02/2023 10:15

MidiDressesWhy · 27/02/2023 10:13

Thank you! @QuietlyConfident what neckline would you recommend? It will narrow down my search.

I don't claim to be an expert, but I personally would go boat neck.

MidiDressesWhy · 27/02/2023 10:17

I'm also considering this: www.next.co.uk/g7523s1/u94433#u94433

It's the sort of colour that usually works for me, I like the neckline and length.

It is tie belt again though so may not work for me

OP posts:
MidiDressesWhy · 27/02/2023 10:20

QuietlyConfident · 27/02/2023 10:15

I don't claim to be an expert, but I personally would go boat neck.

Thank you, that is what I usually go for. Especially with my currently deflated chest after finishing a year of breastfeeding, so I have even less cleavage to speak of at the moment!

Ah, I miss the days where I could literally wear anything and look great in it!

OP posts:
Amperoblue · 27/02/2023 11:00

Maybe my choices are a bit formal. I like that last Next one though. Not a huge fan of that shade of navy (puts me in mind of lower management office worker) but if it works for your colouring and you taste what do I know!

neverendinglauaundry · 27/02/2023 11:05

What about a vintage design? www.thehouseoffoxy.com/1940s-fashion

Mummyford · 27/02/2023 15:04

I actually think the problem with that dress is that the waist isn't hitting you in the right place. You have a lovely figure, and I'm guessing long legs in proportion to your height, so if you're on the shorter side, it's not always just the skirt length that's the issue. Try it on again and lift it about two inches above your shoulders and I suspect you'll like the fit a lot better. A good tailor can do that alteration, but it's only worth it for something you really love! I'm just under 5'4" and end up getting a lot of things altered.

bubblecity · 27/02/2023 16:05

amandauprichard.com/en-gb/collections/midi-dresses/products/stanford-dress?variant=40214913450032 - knee length on the model so probably longer on you but it has a slit so you could still show off your legs? they also have a silk version in olive green and pink that is on sale for £73?

Lovetotravel123 · 27/02/2023 17:10

Have a look on Vinted. Might save you money too.

Whenwillitstop1 · 27/02/2023 17:25

Oasis? They have some really nice dresses.

www.oasisfashion.com/lace-trim-floral-chiffon-skater-dress/BAA03688.html

sunshinesupermum · 27/02/2023 17:37

That Oasis dress is lovely for someone with the legs to show off!

hot2trotter · 28/02/2023 10:43

Whenever I wear dresses, which is very rare these days, its always midi. My thighs are massive so I wouldn't get away with a mini. Plus, with a midi, I only have to shave the bottom half of my legs so its a win win for me.

KM123456 · 14/03/2023 18:44

Can you get a dress you like then shorten it? Dry cleaners in my community sometimes have alterations done for a reasonable amount, and that will increase your selection and get you the length you want.

missg00se · 14/03/2023 20:35

Could you do a dipped hem situation so you get to have the legs out but don’t have to worry about bending over? Yumi have some lovely ones in floral fabrics and also block colours. Some are quite long but other are shorter like this one www.yumi.co.uk/mela-london-mela-navy-floral-halter-neck-high-low-dress-p12193

Eatentoomanyroses · 14/03/2023 20:37

I'm tall and they look
terrible on me.

JL642 · 14/03/2023 20:39

I agree with pp that next is a good shout. Ax paris do some good jumpsuits. I’m in the same boat - midi dresses look horrendous on me!