Please help me find a 'wow' dress :)

[Gravitatio]

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!

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/dkny/dresses/knee-length-dress/belted-plisse-satin-dress/1647597292400334

We sound the same size. Dresses are my thing. I go for fit & flare. Closet London is my favourite place as the dresses are fabulous, definitely give the wow factor.

Big tip: Go on Vinted & spend a fraction of the price for barely worn items from all different shops.

Good luck!

Please do not go for any of the loose billowing dresses or puff sleeves in fashion currently or the tiered stuff it is hardly flattering on anyone. I agree go fit and flare.

What is the event/venue OP? Sorry if you've already said, I know you've mentioned smart casual and if it was say an upmarket pub, it would be hard to pull off some of these dresses. A friend of mine recently wore a fitted maxi denim skirt with a black body (with an interesting neckline) and looked great - and this sort of outfit would suit an hourglass who doesnt like her arms. But it depends on the event - not sure that would be anywhere dressy enough!

I have such a strong image of you chasing up and down the street yelling at people that their fashionable clothes are all wrong.

Must say this thread underlines the strange divide on MN regarding what actually constitutes style. Some people believe (even assume!) it involves an active engagement with the contemporary, others … don’t. Thankfully we’re all free to choose as we please.

I don’t think this has to be an either/or situation. Find a dress that does both!

Have you had a look at Dancing Leopard?

They have some beautiful dresses - simple and elegant!

https://www.dancingleopard.co.uk/products/dove-dress-in-navy

Hard agree on Vinted! Search by brand and you can find loads of bargains.

I’m a similar shape and size and find Whistles, hush, mint velvet all fit well. Think about a jumpsuit as well maybe as they are often more fitted around the waist than a lot of current dresses.

That peach and gold split dress is stunning.

I have expensive stuff but i also have the orange n gold dress from girl in mind . Its cut so well. I wear with gold platforms

Can't believe no-one has mentioned Bombshell UK, definitely top end of budget, even in the sale, but sound perfect for your figure

Good for hourglass/fit & flare IME:

Pretty Dress Company link
Bombshell as mentioned above
Sosander (but not my style)
Some Phase Eight
Reformation
Karen Millen (but not my style)
Some Reiss
Ted Baker
ChiChi

And yes Shein but I wouldn’t buy there.

Agree a jumpsuit could be good

Love the Dancing Leopard designs! Shame it’s all polyester… I know that’s their thing, recycled polyester, I just hate wearing it!

I agree with Girl in Mind. Their dresses aren’t too expensive & flattering shape. I’m a similar body shape to you, in my opinion you need to show off the small waist! I often use a belt as well. I also love vesper and see lots of nice things on DLSB although haven’t ordered from there.
Some of the dresses suggested have no shape whatsoever and would make you look bigger.

Sorry in advance did not read whole thread - I have bought so many fabulous dresses from Karen Millen. My wedding, hen party and honeymoon / very happy.



https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses.html

I’m similar shape and love my &other storied dress. It’s no longer on here but lots of others I would wear in a shot.

@Gravitatio too much?

I know you say you like block colours but I thought this was lovely, but see it's sold out in all sizes...

...but this one (also Paul Costello for Dunnes) is available

With strong colour bold accessories like a chunky bangle or great bag, or some wow earrings it could be really striking

From someone else's link to Mint Velvet, this dress is fairly wow:

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/green-one-shoulder-maxi-dress

Also available in black or white.

It is so interesting the range of suggestions being made! Hopefully you'll find something that catches your eye 😉

There’s a Ted baker outlet in Swindon (and Hobbs) they normally come up trumps, once you’ve sacked off all the stuff for 16 year olds. There’s also an outlet in bicester. The sizes are odd so I would check how they come up.

phase 8 often come up with some nice stuff.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-kallie-floral-wide-leg-jumpsuit-221744493.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=58&cgid=new&isSecondPage=false&pid=221744493&pos=105

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-lola-floral-tiered-midi-dress-221676493.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=178&cgid=new&isSecondPage=false&pid=221676493&pos=185

phase 8 really are smashing it out the park. Have a look. I’d go fit and flare not dropped waist and capped or sleeved

https://www.marksandspencer.com/polka-dot-v-neck-midaxi-waisted-dress/p/clp60626480

not very wow but I tried this on today and it was v flattering, far better than the photo. I know you said sleeves I thought was flattering on my bingo wings ! ( although might just be delusional!)