Where to buy trendy, non-frumpy dresses

[mindandsensespurified]

Just that really. On the rare occasions I go out I never know what to wear as all my clothes are either casual or mumsy. I'd love to have just 1 gorgeous dress to throw on which makes me look great - trendy but not "mutton dressed as lamb" (I'm late 30s), flattering but not frumpy. I'm not one for heels so something that goes with trainers or boots. Any suggestions re where to look? Budget wise up to about £200. Thanks in advance!

(and as I said, I misread the post, I wouldn't have necessarily recommended it for going out out).

But...but...so many of the dresses on this website also look like children's clothes.

They should be called Baby Jane instead of Sister Jane.

Personally I think these days all the trendy expensive dresses look like little girls's clothes. Huge yokes, puff sleeves, waist bows, ruffles... it's the Emperor's New Clothes if you ask me. I'd look a fright in any of the Sister Jane ones.

See I would definitely put some of these suggestions in the ‘frumpy’ camp! Overpriced voluminous smock dresses in cotton and cord are the signature dress code of the middle aged, middle classes! (I love them) but if you want something a little more 30s and sophisticated - how about Free People, All Saints, Anthropologie, Mint Velvet?

Try popsy 🙂

Anthropologie has also gone voluminous smock dress. It's a sad time for those of us who prefer something even slightly fitted. I am in my 50s, but I don't want to wear huge billowy dresses with a Velociraptor frill around the neck to justify prices in the hundreds.

This is why I mostly wear jeans.

What about Me+Em? Your budget would allow it and I think it has some lovely dresses, especially the ones where you can change the look by adding or removing a belt etc

https://www.meandem.com/cotton-voile-belted-maxi-shirt-dress-slip-navy-eclipse
This any good?

Or this if shorter is more your style?https://www.meandem.com/silk-blend-shadow-bloom-print-swing-dress-belt-light-cream-fresh-morning-blue-light-khaki

I like everything in the Poetry autumn edit. But probably not to everyone's taste.
Poetry - Silk velvet pleat-hem dress (poetryfashion.co.uk) I want to buy this for Xmas parties.

I'm 42 so not a dissimilar age and like to think I'm not too frumpy. My tope recommendations would be &other stories (as above), whistles (is this a bit grumpy now?) and Sezanne. I mainly shop on vinted but Sezanne holds its value so probably worth buying new and can send back.

https://www.johnlewis.com/soeur-lauren-geometric-silk-midi-shirt-dress-multi/p110384136

https://aligne.co/collections/dresses/products/khloe-printed-satin-kaftan-dress-ivory-wave

i find silk or satin really flattering, always get compliments in dresses like these!

This from Hobbs - comes in standard and petite)

https://www.hobbs.com/product/petite-lainey-dress/0223-5868-9021L04-GREEN-MULTI.html

It all really depends on your shape. Most of the ones posted would make me look frumpy and other people look fabulous!

This is very true, if you can find a shape that suits you, updates can be had with fabrics, neckline, sleeves etc. I generally stick to my shape but am buying up to date prints.

That is a nice dress.

Op are you me?? Right down to children presenting fashion 😁

I too have no idea how to dress less casual. I've just started a new job where I have to actually be in the office and dress accordingly. So miss my elasticated waistbands!

I carry my weight around my middle so find it hard to find stuff I like and that doesn't make me look 6 months pregnant.

Love scamp and dude and sugarhill Brighton but all very spendy!

I like some of the queens of archive dresses. I also just bought a leather pencil skirt from essential Antwerp that I'll wear out with a white ribbed vest and heels and a blazer maybe. Also not really into the milk maid look as I'm 5'2" and it doesn't suit me. I've got a short leather dress that was mum's from the early 80s that I might wear out for something in a few weeks, also bought these silver boots from all saints (https://www.allsaints.com/women/boots-and-shoes/orlana-heeled-shimmer-leather-boots/WF623X-1310.html) to wear with jeans tucked in and a queens of archives blouse. They haven't arrived yet so they may yet go back. I know you asked for dresses, so I've totally missed the brief but I just thought I'd make some different going out suggestions. I like some of the essential antwerp dresses, eg https://www.essentiel-antwerp.com/uk/p/red-dress-encona and https://www.essentiel-antwerp.com/uk/p/green-leopard-dress-elixir.

(I’m also childrens presenter vibes - love a bit of Lucy and Yak!) 😂

Oh dear god. Is that pink dress out of a dystopian drama. The Handmaid's Tale in pink?! Hideous.

Please gawd ignore any advice to get a cropped cadi or a bolero for your dress
it's a mn perennial. The magical bolero much loved by mn. No one else just mn

Omnes, Nobody's Child, Dancing Leopard, Hush

I agree - they are what I would wear for a BBQ/supper at home with a good friend. I wouldn't wear them 'out out' - and I'm in my 50s. The OP should definitely be going for something a bit younger.