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).

I like that @43ontherocksporfavor but I wish they had slightly brighter colours. Tired of black and grey.

Yes I agree. I went for charcoal. It’s a simple dress that looks better on.

Would be nice in a forest green or teal.

I like that it’s a thick enough jersey to hang well.

Quite like this @Lentilweaver
https://www.freemans.com/products/bonprix-casual-oversize-dress/_/A-944304_14?utm_source=GoogleProductList&utm_medium=PLA&utm_campaign=Womens_Dresses_CasualDresses&utm_content=944304&ns_campaign=Womens_Dresses_CasualDresses&ns_mchannel=PLA&ns_source=GoogleProductList&ns_linkname=944304&ns_fee=0&utm_medium=cpc&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwp8OpBhAFEiwAG7NaEr5vE4jihX8W3JHy_QR4oiVXgk91YLDY5gqOT7L_5XXFhGhBFeF6PxoCvb4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

How's Uniqlo sizing? I'm size 18-20 on the high street and I'm guessing their xl will not be good enough. Otherwise, loving that dress

What's the length like @43ontherocksporfavor ?

Any good for someone 5 ft 3?

I’m 5ft 5 and it’s lower mid calf.

I find it therapeutic to sit of an evening hand hemming a dress either because it's too long or the machine hemming is bad.

School trousers go up and come back down too 😁

@faffadoodledo I'd avoid Uniqlo Spitalfields at weekends, it's absolutely rammed.

@givemeasunnyday I'm delighted that I won't be facing the censure of the nonagenarians on my own.

Try Apricot https://www.apricotonline.co.uk/shop/shop-dresses/?start=0&sz=24

I've just bought my autumn and winter work dresses and they're beautiful.

No one on earth suits cord pinafore dresses. I mean no one.

Sorry I know I’m late to the party in replying to this, but I completely agree with you.

I’ve been watching old episodes of Cheers lately and drooling over Kirstie Alley’s wardrobe. Most of her outfits take up acres of space - voluminous (you might even say bulky) suits, jumpers with shoulder pads, bold colours and patterns. Big hair! It’s so unapologetic, and she seems so comfortably powerful in those silhouettes. I love it all.

I think 5 years old might

I think that clothing manufacturers are just using up excess fabrics at the moment, the state of most things in the shops. High Street stores are just buying it up at low prices.

https://www.apricotonline.co.uk/geometric-satin-shirt-midi-dress/Am1127-Blue.html

Fabric composition 72% Acrylic, 25% Polyester, 3% Elastane

I agree. Just returned a camel tie coat in size small that had myself and a much larger tall friend in fits of laughter. I’m 5 ‘4 and very slim, the coat was HUGE on me, made me look like I was selling pirated dvds underneath, my friend tried it on ( a size 14 and about 5’11 ) and it was huge on her too, it made her look like a peeping Tom. Was worth the faff ordering and returning for the laughs. Who on Earth are designing these garments?!

@hsar200 I bought this dress and am in your size range but with wide hips, 5 ft 7. The xl actually worked, but the pockets hit a bit weird on me so I will sew them shut. Its a very comfortable dress, makes my backside look amazing, and with some tights underneath with boots will be a great staple. Was really surprised and pleased for the price.

Seasalt had a fantastic summer line but their winter options are just god awful and frump central.

Just woke up and read that as a camel toe coat. That would look far worse! 😳

Will have another look! Thanks

@43ontherocksporfavor you had my friend staying any in stitches again. Howling with laughter, that would be worse 😂

@CrebillionFils lol

@CrebillionFils

'Who on Earth are designing these garments?!'

i so often wonder this too! I am an average size but so many clothes I try on look ridiculous.