DRESSES- what on earth is going on this season?

[IslandsInTheSunshine]

So, I decided to wean myself off boring trousers and tops and try to wear more dresses over the winter.

What can I find in shops and online? Next to nothing.

Everything looks like it's designed for giants (I could fit 2 of me into most of the floaty offerings.) And VERY long even for me as an average 5 4". There are some knitted dresses around but they are shapeless and huge.

Or the fabric is thin and more suitable for summer.

My go-to in the past has been Boden (sorry folks.)
But this season it's all garish prints (again) or black/ navy and either super-clingy or with low V necks, etc etc etc. And the knitted dresses are £130 (okay- you can get a 20% discount but still....)

I'd spend up to £90-ish for something nice (I work from home so don't need formal stuff).

@WhatWillIWear Was that for me? If so, fair enough - I like the vaguely 1940s vibe of it and the slim fit, which tends to suit me.

Many of the fabrics are shocking. I wouldn't use those on my sewing machine. I can't imagine how much online stuff gets sent back. Seams not finished, raw edges, you scrunch the material in your hand instant creases, unfinished button holes.

I'm happy to shorten hems, shoulders, I'm short so my problem. But when they've cut the material on the bias to save money I'm out.

Weirdly Primark are generally spot on. As are M&S these days.

@BravelyThroughTheDragonsEye I love this on Reiss too, though I can't really do such a slim fit. https://www.reiss.com/style/SU046742/815301#815301

@Lentilweaver Ooh, lush. For clingy dresses I need to be a bit choosy about length - I'm 5'3 and if they finish in the wrong place it's a bad look - but I love this in theory. A trying on session is in order!

The Reiss dress is something I would have worn to work around 30 years ago to show I was a serious person.

It's far too conservative now.

Maybe I’m unusual (and perhaps @NatashaDancing also?) but I have no objection to my clothes taking up space. I completely acknowledge that some of the current fashion for tiers and oversizing might be driven by economy - but some of it is simply designers experimenting with what’s possible. Cecilie Bahnsen, Rick Owens, Melitta Baumeister - it’s such a different vision of what a woman can be.

I’ve just got back from town and I saw a nice dress in Oliver Bonas. It’s not as loose fitting as it looks online, it’s actually smocked across the chest. I’m 5ft 3 and it comfortably hit my knees, it’s described as mini but just depends on your height. The sleeves aren’t too enormous either.

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/wavy-geometric-purple-mini-dress-359556#selection.color=2003&selection.size=26326

@MissyB1 I love that pattern, though probably too mini for me. But straight out of Austin Powers!

The quality of high street fashion has plummeted as costs have rocketed and they are trying to keep prices down. Unfortunately I've realised I'm just going to be able to buy far fewer clothes than I used to. I love clothes! It makes me sad! I didn't used to buy lots of really disposable crap, either. But I saw someone say that whereas 10 years ago you could get something from H&M and probably still own it now, what you buy from there now won't last 10 years, not even close. I am not sure it's possible to get good new clothes for the sort of prices we have been used to any longer.

Brands I do like are Iris and Ink (own brand of the Outnet), Sandro, Maje and Rouje. The Rouje Elisa dress is gorgeous for winter I think.

https://uk.rouje.com/products/elisa-dress-uni-kaki

This is nice too

https://uk.rouje.com/products/jaelle-midi-dress-uni-chocolat

It's a shame. Colours fade so quickly for me I find. I quite like monsoon, they tend to have a couple of gems every season but the big balloon sleeves are a no from me.

I keep seeing ads on insta for a brand called together on freemans and their dresses look right up my street and reasonably priced. Haven't ordered from there before so no idea about quality or fit.

Yeah I'm over balloon sleeves. Particularly in autumn/winter. I need to wear a coat, man.

Today I'm wearing a navy velvet jacket (Vinted (M&S)), polkadot navy blouse, ecru jeans, pewter metallic ankle boots (blouse, jeans, boots all TU). I looked at all the dresses in my wardrobe yesterday, looked at the temperature forecast and went "Nope!"

I find Roman clothes look great online, but when you receive them they're terrible quality - horrible fabrics and poorly fitting. Basically Primark quality.

I love that red heart dress up thread - just my style - but having ordered from Roman before I know it's that nasty cold, plasticky feeling fabric which clings to every lump. Not for me.

Actually it isn't bad a nice fabric, hangs well but as always I wear a petticoat if a garment isn't lined. For lumps and bumps especially . I've made my own clothes so am fussy.

Sometimes it's wise to go try a size up

I have a few Simone dresses bought from Fatface over the last 3/4 years .
I wear them with tights / boots / cardigan for winter .
However I’m not so keen on the colours and prints this winter 🤔
I also have a very nice jersey shirt dress from Sugarhill Brighton which is a neater fit .
I know what you mean about so many dresses being so big and long !
I am 5’2” and size 10ish .

Positive proof indeed. That's almost the only dress I've seen on this thread that I quite like!

What is wrong with Boden dresses?! I think they look quite smart yet can also be casual, are a bit thicker than standard material so warmer, have pockets, a good arm length and paired with tights make an easy winter outfit? What am I missing? 👀
I must admit I haven’t bought myself anything new for years, all charity shop finds all my money goes on the kids and food bills!

You have taste. First suggestion I’ve looked at and liked.

Not just dresses, but the Ines de la Fressange uniqlo collection is the only stuff I want to buy new atm: https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/collaborations/women/ines-de-la-fressange

I don’t mind Boden but very expensive for what they are.

I mention La Redoute upthread. I have a couple of dresses and jumpsuits from there bought 10 years ago that have been in constant use. The Anne Weyburn collection I think.

@SusiePevensie you've just given me hope for a Uniqlo expedition I have promised my daughter this weekend! Something for me too!

I buy dresses from next clearance, all styles and brands. My go to is white stuff and seasalt which are available at great prices

I have both these bought last year £30, now cheaper

Ok so the Uniqlo ponte jersey dress I bought has arrived. It’s for work( in school) and is comfy and warm and has pockets!! It’s a steal at £25!
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/ponte-knit-long-sleeved-flared-dress-460605.html