Find me a dress (please)

[ClosedAuraOpenMind]

Because I've been looking, and there's not really much....but maybe I'm missing something?
Anyway, I have a couple of things coming up where a vaguely smart summer dress might be good. One is a family thing, the other is a drinks reception at work.
I'm 50ish, professional, short - so I can't do maxi - and round (size 16/18)
I don't like florals, can't abide anything twee or ditsy, and don't like pastels.
Must have sleeves, but not full length, and not puffy ones.
And I've got boobs, so no crew necks, and not off the shoulder either cos I don't want to have to faff with a strapless bra
budget up to £100 but ideally less

help me please!

I'm sure one of the super stylish crew will be along with loads of help.....
In the meantime I just wanted to say, as a fellow shortie (5'2" and a size 12/14) please don't disregard maxi /midaxi dresses. I wore a fab one to work this week with ballet flats and have never had so many compliments. As someone who is more at home in heels and a more structured dress/suit I can recommend pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

Btw, I'm not linking it as it doesn't meet your 'no crew neck' criteria.

Good luck with the search!

www.next.co.uk/style/st483931/D91926#D91926

Something like this?

Dress up with nice bag, jewellery

www.next.co.uk/g88299s1/q10640#q10640

www.next.co.uk/style/st362475/d34919#d34919

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/petite-green-zebra-print-belted-midi-shirt-dress/p/858624639

www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-jaelyn-flared-sleeve-dress/p109188521

COS: https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.gathered-midi-shirt-dress-green.1149949002.html

M&S: https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-v-neck-midi-wrap-dress/p/clp60620319#intid=pid_pg2pip48g4r10c2

Seasalt: https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-v-neck-midi-shirt-dress/p/clp22560410

Monki (lots of different colours/prints): https://www.monki.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.grandpa-collar-dress-black.1036961010.html

Other Stories: https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.belted-waterfall-boatneck-dress-black.1138799001.html

John Lewis: https://www.johnlewis.com/closet-london-wrap-midi-dress/p6416585

John Lewis:

M and s have some fabulous things in . You can wear maxi with heels or flats to help .

Find a large m and s and spend a few hours there . Harrogate is amazing.

love that orange dress @Woofie7
sadly harrogate is a good couple of hundred miles from me, though I am heading to yorkshire next month on holidays 😉

You can get it on line . Lol. I live in Suffolk and I was in Harrogate on hols lol. I got gold shoes too v comfy . From a shop called Daniels .
I'm usually a conservative dresser . Loads on line at m and s . If you suit green it's the big in colour this year .

I have my eye on this, not sure if it’s too long though: https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/vintage-summer-midi-dress?color=072

Ooooh that “Vintage” dress looks so different and fab. 😍

I don't think the vintage dress is suitable for work if you need to look smart. The Jolie Moi dress upthread is lovely but will emphasise big boobs.

Some lovely suggestions on this thread.

How do you feel about shrugs? They get around the sleeves issue so you don’t discount sleeveless options.

I like Phase Eight for formal-ish as they do lovely jersey dresses. As a pp said, don’t discount maxis I’m 5’5” and live in them in the summer. V-neck and gathered/wrunkles over the tummy are my go-to.

I have no idea what is currently in the shops as I get 99% of my clothes second hand. I know what works for me, what size I am in different brands and what will look good. I’ve had to temporarily ban myself from Vinted as I have no more space! I would rather get 10 x £10 dresses than 1 x £100.

Jumpsuit? You can go wrong with a wide leg, v-neck jumpsuit with angel sleeves! Have a look at Hotsquash (they also do dresses).