Are there any shops left where I can try inexpensive evening / occasion dresses on ?

[Viola59]

Please can anyone help? I’m getting married in 7 weeks time. I’m looking for a long dress, not white, that will be flattering ( 18/20) well ,I can hope?
There are hundreds of possible dresses online . I just want to walk into a store where there are lots of dresses to try on… is this an impossible dream nowadays? I’ve been to Manchester - walked 14,000 steps in 3 hours . Hardly any ankle length dresses…. the racks are metres apart with 5 dresses and a few matching separates on each rack. I can’t understand why there are clothes galore in real stores for young people (who order stuff online all the time )but nothing for my age group 50 +. Yes ,I often shop online ,but buying four potential dresses at £150 each and then the hassle of returning 3 and having lots of problems paying shipping / getting a refund is not for me . Back in the real world I’m dealing with some serious issues / illness in my wider family and I don’t need extra worries! If anyone knows anywhere in the North West where I can try on long dresses (but not a bridal gown) please help!

I had some success in Quiz before Christmas. (Although it was mostly trouser styles which didn't meet the dress code...)

Next have a fab range of evening dresses. Search with the word prom.

I know it's still online but next return policy is very easy. No posting Just go to store and get an instant refund.

I got dd prom dress from there and there were hundreds of dresses.

Can you get to the Trafford Centre? There is a John Lewis with a personal shopper set up who will probably be able to help within your budget, plus all the other shops - Next, Selfridges, Primark etc? This could be an option.

You can try on in Next and then return there and then so don’t have to take them home- just have delivered to store and try on. Not sure if other companies do that

Is Monsoon still on the high street?

I’d try some wedding dress shops but ask for the bridesmaid dresses. You’ll get a massive choice of colours and most will be maxi length.

ASOS also has a big selection and you can pay using Klarna. Very easy to return stuff too.

Would also suggest Monsoon. They have a concession in John Lewis at Trafford Centre. There’s also a store in Liverpool One. Might be worth trying Cheshire Oaks if not too far.

Try this in Birmingham? (Or is that too far!?) www.davidsbridal.co.uk/stores/birminghamwestmidlands-uk-b25ef-0818

Do you have a shop such as a Roman near you. Many dresses such as you need, in many different sizes.

TK Maxx used to be great for one off evening dresses - don't know if they still are as having been out to an evening dress thing for over a decade!

I have just been to the Trafford Centre to look for an evening dress and had a similar experience, just nothing at all! John Lewis had v little evening wear, I was surprised. Just off to John Lewis in Handforth to see if it is any better, will report back!

Phase eight has some beautiful occasion dresses. Not sure about sizes

Thank you so much everyone! The Next idea / concept sounds good. I have tried many of the others, but I will give the bridesmaid dress idea a try. I have been to three Roman shops but no long evening dresses ! I look ok in short dresses and black tights but I don’t think that would work in mid- May!