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Original poster

Where to buy trendy, non-frumpy dresses

74 replies

mindandsensespurified · 22/09/2023 12:22

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!

OP posts:
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14
ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 25/09/2023 22:35

Zone2NorthLondon · 25/09/2023 19:54

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

You're the only person who's mentioned this. And I can't say I've seen a bolero or crop cardigan suggestion on S&B in general - not recently anyway .

Silverfoxette · 25/09/2023 22:38

Ordered these yesterday

Where to buy trendy, non-frumpy dresses
Where to buy trendy, non-frumpy dresses
justasking111 · 25/09/2023 22:47

I feel the cold so never used to wear dresses in the winter. Discovered Seasalt had natural organic cotton dresses with 3/4 or full length sleeves and never looked back.

"Women's Dresses - Seasalt Cornwall" https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/clothing/dresses?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLsnpfXfqvf9sQ-lx7d8pqiYlpYhHl_BwZAsa0NmLLxbTgaIAjYAw5RoCUGAQAvD_BwE

justasking111 · 25/09/2023 22:55

Fat Face have had some nice ones in the past, haven't checked out this seasons yet.

tobyj · 25/09/2023 23:16

Thank you to whoever linked Me+Em. I've never looked on there before, and now want every one of their dresses. The military fit and flare ones are just gorgeous!

Leggytigberk · 25/09/2023 23:20

Has anyone said JoeBrowns, they always show young or youngish models but the dresses would suit most of us. I have the button through dresses from 2 seasons back. Colours, some are a bit of a riot, but wearing Ok for work.

Blinky21 · 25/09/2023 23:25

Me and Em or Sezane

Chasetherainblownfearsaway · 26/09/2023 00:29

& Other Stories would definitely be my first suggestion. Huge range of styles, not super-expensive. I'm definitely considering this one for Christmas. (It's a bit literal but, hey, green suits me.)

www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/mini-dresses/product.neck-tie-mini-dress-green.1197017001.html

Ruthietuthie · 26/09/2023 03:38

Like @Persiana, I came on to recommend MeandEm. Really lovely things, frequently made of really nice fabrics. There are so many pieces I want from their Autumn release.

BusterGonad · 26/09/2023 04:28

Ruthietuthie · 26/09/2023 03:38

Like @Persiana, I came on to recommend MeandEm. Really lovely things, frequently made of really nice fabrics. There are so many pieces I want from their Autumn release.

Autumn clothes are my favourite, I love layers, knitwear and cosy dresses.

DietsAreForTheWeak · 26/09/2023 04:49

Go wish dot com.
Order a dressm get a teacup made out of paper instead!

Riverlee · 26/09/2023 06:55

I would recommend getting a body analysis done so you know what your body shape is and what colours suit you. What suits person A and looks absolutely fabulous on them, will make person B look frumpy.

Desperatenow1 · 26/09/2023 07:20

CEFINN, Me & Em, Whistles, Aspiga

justasking111 · 26/09/2023 13:14

Can I just say whatever dress you buy from wherever buy a petticoat unless your dress is lined.

Original poster
mindandsensespurified · 28/09/2023 07:51

HydeHall · 25/09/2023 09:50

I like the Cub and Pudding Hopscotch Dresses. I've got two so far. Love them. They are so well made.

https://cubandpudding.com/collections/dress/products/hopscotch-strawberry-milkshake-dress

Otherwise, I'd say Hush, Nobody's Child, Albaray, Scamp and Dude, Friends Like These (Next). I'll come back if I think of more, I've got a bit obsessed with dresses this year. So easy to chuck on and feel sorted. Not looking forward to the colder weather and having to add more layers, I like to just chuck and go. 😃

Oo yes I love these! Right up my street. Probably more for daytime/more casual evening out as you say but will definitely be be adding to my "to buy" list. Interesting to see how marmite they are 😂

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Original poster
mindandsensespurified · 28/09/2023 07:54

Lentilweaver · 25/09/2023 13:53

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.

Same here... I really do like it the look of some of the Sister Jane dresses but don't think they'd do anything for my figure at all

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PrincessPeaches123 · 28/09/2023 07:56

Me & em.

Original poster
mindandsensespurified · 28/09/2023 07:57

@bubblegumpeach @grumpycow1 hello fellow dungaree wearers!! 👋😂

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Original poster
mindandsensespurified · 28/09/2023 07:59

So many great suggestions, I'm making a note of all of them - thank you all!

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justasking111 · 28/09/2023 08:13

There's something a bit creepy about the Sister Jane dresses for a full grow woman IMO

Lentilweaver · 28/09/2023 08:21

@justasking111 Exactly what I think, but I feel that way about most current fashion, IMO. It's not about what they will do for my figure, but I gave up puff sleeves, pie crust frills and massive bows when I was about 7. Just not to my taste. Also Christopher Robin smocks.

But I like Other Stories ( sometimes), Albaray ( sometimes), and Poetry if you have lots of money. Just involves a lot of sifting and trying on.

Graciebobcat · 28/09/2023 11:21

I don't know if it's your taste but I like Oliver Bonas and Sugarhill Brighton.

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