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Original poster

Summer party dress but not wedding!

44 replies

FancyFanny · 03/06/2023 18:36

I'm going to a celebration party next week- it's an evening drinks party in a local club function room, disco, etc.

Been told to come 'glam' but don't want to look over dressed. I want a dress, but everything summery seems to be more day-time and every dress I've tried so far makes me feel like a wedding guest rather than a party-goer.

Suggestions please- for reference I'm 50, size 12. 5'7"- so fairly tall and reasonably slim. Have a varicose vein on inside of knee so preferably below the knee length.

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CassTheFox · 03/06/2023 19:47

I tried on that dress and it was lovely but too clingy… I ended up exchanging it for this one which is gorgeous and much nicer then it looks on the website..

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/nouveau-floral-black-mini-dress-357428

Hope you find something, have a lovely time x

Sarvanga38 · 03/06/2023 20:05

Either of these grab you? I think MV good at dresses lately. Love the one shoulder one.

https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/green-one-shoulder-midi-dress

https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/pink-linen-maxi-dress

triplecheeese · 03/06/2023 20:35

I've just ordered this for the same
sort of event! 5'4" size 12 so shorter than you. Let us know what you think of the length?

If you like OB - this dress looks fantastic with a skinny metallic belt but looks like a beach dress in the advert - https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/textured-abstract-print-blue-strappy-midi-dress-54#selection.size=21

Original poster
FancyFanny · 03/06/2023 22:48

CassTheFox · 03/06/2023 19:47

I tried on that dress and it was lovely but too clingy… I ended up exchanging it for this one which is gorgeous and much nicer then it looks on the website..

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/nouveau-floral-black-mini-dress-357428

Hope you find something, have a lovely time x

Oh no! I'll let you know what it looks like on me- big hold-everything-in-knickers at the ready!

The other dress is lovely but don't want mt knees on show!

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Original poster
FancyFanny · 03/06/2023 22:49

MadEyeMoodysEye · 03/06/2023 20:21

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.voluminous-belted-midi-dress-black.1155917002.html

If you don't mind strapless, what about something like this, with coloured flats and statement necklace or earrings?

Love that- but not sure about it being strapless.

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CountryCousin · 03/06/2023 23:42

Have to say, apart from the black bustier dress I’m not sure anything linked so far is remotely ‘glam’!

I think you’re right - the majority of dresses being sold at the moment are not intended for glamour - they are more wedding dress-y or beach.

Don’t know what your budget is, but this is vaguely similar to your first link, just a little more something.

Classic Green Smocked Satin Maxi Dress | GANNI UK

This Smocked Satin Maxi Dress is made from a blend of certified recycled polyester. The dress is designed for a form-fitting silhouette and features a round neckline, smock bodice, beaded detailing and a high slit at the front.

https://www.ganni.com/en-gb/smocked-satin-maxi-dress-F7823.html?dwvar_F7823_color=Classic%20Green

CountryCousin · 03/06/2023 23:48

To me ‘glam’ suggests black leather leggings and a backless top - but this is maybe this year’s dress equivalent? I’d be surprised to see anyone wearing it to a wedding, certainly. (And I imagine it’s not quite what you have in mind?)

Silver Metallic Jacquard Layer Dress | GANNI UK

This Metallic Jacquard Layer Dress is made from a blend of certified organic cotton. The dress is designed for a regular fit and features a V-neckline with a ruffled edge at the front and back and a tiered skirt.

https://www.ganni.com/en-gb/metallic-jacquard-layer-dress-F7867.html?dwvar_F7867_color=Silver

justawee · 04/06/2023 05:48

Also in green but only size 16 left

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-simara-sequin-pleat-midi-dress/soft-gold/p109562110

Original poster
FancyFanny · 04/06/2023 09:47

CountryCousin · 03/06/2023 23:42

Have to say, apart from the black bustier dress I’m not sure anything linked so far is remotely ‘glam’!

I think you’re right - the majority of dresses being sold at the moment are not intended for glamour - they are more wedding dress-y or beach.

Don’t know what your budget is, but this is vaguely similar to your first link, just a little more something.

I LOVE this! It's a bit out of budget for now but will keep an eye on that if it ever goes in the sale!

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fairycupcakes · 04/06/2023 10:08

Ooh just noticed the other colourways aswell :)

Sisisimone · 04/06/2023 10:24

I love the dress you have ordered OP.

@CassTheFox what is the sizing like on the dress you linked to? I'm between sizes atm so not sure whether to size up or down.

CountryCousin · 04/06/2023 10:55

If you like Ganni, The Outnet has a large selection of their clothes quite noticeably reduced.

And either Matches or Net-a-Porter (can’t remember) has Ganni on sale at the moment - so you may find the green dress reduced.

MadEyeMoodysEye · 04/06/2023 11:11

Ooh I love that one @fairycupcakes

Original poster
FancyFanny · 04/06/2023 11:17

Sisisimone · 04/06/2023 10:24

I love the dress you have ordered OP.

@CassTheFox what is the sizing like on the dress you linked to? I'm between sizes atm so not sure whether to size up or down.

It's not arrived yet, so not sure- will let you know!

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CassTheFox · 04/06/2023 13:12

@Sisisimone I would say Oliver Bonas is usually true to size, this dress isn’t too clingy, I’m usually a 10 and a size 10 was perfect for me 😊