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Please help me find a 'wow' dress :)

122 replies

Gravitatio · 17/07/2023 00:02

I'm catching up with friends next week and am looking for a new dress as I've lose some weight since they last saw me so want to look my best 😁

It's smart casual dress code, although I would rather be too smart than too formal!

I've dropped down to to a 12, I have a small waist but my hips/but are a large 12, as are my upper arms... bingo wings. So nothing sleeveless please, I need at least short sleeves!

I tend to prefer block colours rather than prints but I'm open to all suggestions really! Thank you!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
35
Spiralout · 17/07/2023 14:11

Sosandar dresses are lovely. Don’t pay full price - there is always a discount code, especially for new customers. Something with a cut out shoulder would look good but still cover your arms if you are concerned about them
https://www.sosandar.com/blue-white-swirl-print-cold-shoulder-midi-dress

Blue & White Swirl Print Cold Shoulder Midi Dress

Model is 5'9 and wears a UK size 8 Product composition: 91% Viscose 9% ElastaneProduct length: 123.5cmProduct code: S23DJ251NASP01Care information: Machine Wash

https://www.sosandar.com/blue-white-swirl-print-cold-shoulder-midi-dress

Mariposa123 · 17/07/2023 17:35

I think if op wants to show off her hard earned weight loss she probably doesn’t want a dress that will drown her 😄 it sounds like she has a lovely hourglass figure so quite rightly wants people to see it!

Mariposa123 · 17/07/2023 17:36

What about this one? https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/warped-animal-print-green-midi-dress-353373#selection.color=16

looks better on the model than in the thumbnail picture

Mariposa123 · 17/07/2023 17:37

What about this one? https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/warped-animal-print-green-midi-dress-353373#selection.color=16

looks better on the model than in the thumbnail picture

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 17/07/2023 18:05

NatashaDancing · 17/07/2023 11:03

I took one look at the home page of Girl in Mind, thought, "wouldn't wear any of that, ever." Thought that might be unfair, clicked on "dresses" and thought, "I'd never wear any of that ever."

Sister Jane is full of fabulous dresses. I love this one.

Sister Jane Organza Dress

The Sister Jane dress would look lovely on Grayson Perry.

Gravitatio · 17/07/2023 18:29

Gosh thank you so much all! I’ve been at work all day so going to have a good read through now!

OP posts:
NatashaDancing · 17/07/2023 18:37

Spiralout · 17/07/2023 14:11

Sosandar dresses are lovely. Don’t pay full price - there is always a discount code, especially for new customers. Something with a cut out shoulder would look good but still cover your arms if you are concerned about them
https://www.sosandar.com/blue-white-swirl-print-cold-shoulder-midi-dress

Each to their own but to me that dress is awful.

Spiralout · 17/07/2023 19:15

@NatashaDancing indeed, the world would be very boring if we were all the same. However, it may be a nicer place if we all followed the old adage of “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything”.

Hopefully the OP has had a range of suggestions across varying styles to find something she would like.

NatashaDancing · 17/07/2023 21:18

Spiralout · 17/07/2023 19:15

@NatashaDancing indeed, the world would be very boring if we were all the same. However, it may be a nicer place if we all followed the old adage of “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything”.

Hopefully the OP has had a range of suggestions across varying styles to find something she would like.

Not sure why you're singling me out for that. Have a read back through the thread.

NatashaDancing · 17/07/2023 21:21

That's a wow dress.

mnahmnah · 17/07/2023 21:28

I’ve just ordered this in the Next sale

Please help me find a 'wow' dress :)
Marchintospring · 17/07/2023 21:49

To me a wow dress would be something like the Prada dress in The Break up. Sexy on, a bit different, beautiful fabric.
“Nothing you could wear to work” would be my guide.

Please help me find a 'wow' dress :)
Gravitatio · 17/07/2023 21:55

Such an eclectic mix of suggestions on here which is absolutely brilliant to see. The world would indeed be boring if we all liked the same thing. 🩵🩷💚🧡💛

I wouldn’t have the confidence to wear some of the looser fit dresses as I think I’d just look odd in them 😆 but I do like the three here, especially the Ted Baker one.

I do think I’m leaning towards something more fitted to try to highlight that there’s a bit less of me!

OP posts:
Gravitatio · 17/07/2023 21:55

mnahmnah · 17/07/2023 21:28

I’ve just ordered this in the Next sale

Like this!

OP posts:
Cakeandcoffee93 · 17/07/2023 21:57

Jesus Christ get on SHEIN- the quality is decent and cheap and it’s quick to arrive most times I’ve ordered.
jeans
blazer
fitted blouse
gold hoops
curled hair

honestly go red blazer
or red blouse and black blazer
red emits power
and sexiness

noglow · 17/07/2023 22:03

Are you wanting a wow dress or a dress that makes you look wow. Slight difference, you either want the dress to be the star or you.

noglow · 17/07/2023 22:04

Cakeandcoffee93 · 17/07/2023 21:57

Jesus Christ get on SHEIN- the quality is decent and cheap and it’s quick to arrive most times I’ve ordered.
jeans
blazer
fitted blouse
gold hoops
curled hair

honestly go red blazer
or red blouse and black blazer
red emits power
and sexiness

It's really not. It's awful quality. A decent quality dress will be cut well and show off OP's figure if that's what she wants.

mnahmnah · 17/07/2023 22:04

@Gravitatio

Excellent! I think it’s the perfect mix of wow and smart casual. Cheap as chips too!

NatashaDancing · 17/07/2023 22:09

noglow · 17/07/2023 22:03

Are you wanting a wow dress or a dress that makes you look wow. Slight difference, you either want the dress to be the star or you.

That's a really good point and quite a big difference.

Highdaysandholidays1 · 17/07/2023 22:14

If I had a small waist, I would go for a shirt dress with a belt, I saw someone wearing a stunning one today, longer than midi length, which was khaki at the top and had flowers all the way down. It was for uni graduation, the uni has a lot of well-to-do parents and the main looks were the more fitted dresses, shirt dresses and lots and lots of wide linen palazzo pants, everyone looked great and not like they were going to a wedding like they often do!

noglow · 17/07/2023 22:29

NatashaDancing · 17/07/2023 22:09

That's a really good point and quite a big difference.

Yes and there's nothing wrong with either.

Personally I'd go for something classic and well made but I am quite dull fashion wise.