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).

Itsyourturn - those are nice but ridiculously overpriced- £110 for a basic cotton dress🙄

Don't laugh but I have had some reasonable WFH dresses from Tu. No worse than anything on the high street, and in some cases better.

Sainsburys? M&S And I’ve had two nice ones from nutmeg Morrisons this year!

I have a few items from TU. Always find a few things in there. I have several of their oversized sweatshirts.

I bought this: it’s incredibly flattering and warm. I sized up as I don’t like bodycon

£45

I see long boots are making a comeback. That could help the dress issue.

Goodjob

I have a couple of dresses from this brand. They do some stunning stuff and some that looks like an 80 year old on a cruise. One of mine is a bit like this one and the other is longer and more fitted

https://patra.com/product/rwj/womens-bamboo-dress-with-ruched-waistband

I’m seeing lots of jumper dresses- warm but they always stretch and bobble. No point buying a dress that looks rubbish within 2 months

What do people think of SHEIN? I've been buying lots from them lately and they have a huge range, including plus sizes.

The quality can be a bit hit and miss, but for their ridiculously low prices you can't go far wrong.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-look-midaxi-pencil-skirt/p/clp60623027#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r4c2|prodflag_plp_ts_QP_31

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/skirts/product.pure-wool-column-maxi-skirt-black.1195874001.html

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/skirts/midi-skirts/product.a-line-midi-plissé-skirt-white.1161100003.html

I like the Sezane knitted coordinated tops and skirts but they are over £100 so hoping for a sale

I am totally with you here.

I don't know what kind of body type or woman the designers have in mind. Things are baggy but boxy but cropped all at the same time. The gorgeous 20 year old five foot nine models on the websites are making them work but barely, which is never a good sign for the rest of us!

I mainly shop secondhand for this reason. Easier to find more classic/ simple pieces from previous seasons and trend cycles.

Thanks @WeAreBorg.

Jumper dresses: I have seen some decent pure wool ones at Uniqlo, which likely won't bobble. Everywhere else is acrylic and will definitely bobble. Too long though for the OP. https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/boat-neck-long-sleeved-knitted-dress-460606COL06SMA004000.html?template=shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm66pBhDQARIsALIR2zBYBkW8KZjys72Nh5RQLtc5vOH-z4-LGXCi7wbHj7QuLjbJDF3dp_oaAuaeEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

No joke. And these Joannie dresses fit the very narrow remit which you've, (although not necessarily the OP) has set.

Joannie dress 1
Joannie dress 2
Joannie dress 3

People have different tastes - Joannie is a pretty successful business. What's normal? I see people wearing clothes like the stuff on Joannie.

TBH I struggle to find dresses reliably at twice your budget (if buying new), that's just the state of the high street now. ('Reliably' because of course there are still occasional gems, but it's generally so unpredictable when something I like that's within budget will turn up, it's hard to build a wardrobe as needed.)

Trying not to evangelise, but you sound like an ideal person to take up dressmaking if you like traditional, simple cuts (Boden). Most commercial patterns (Simplicity, Butterick etc.) cater to this and are drafted for your height to boot. For £80/dress you could buy excellent quality fabrics too. Obviously there's the initial outlay and learning phase, but any less-than-perfect makes will still be perfectly wearable if WFH. (I learned during pandemic lockdowns, so speaking from personal experience!)

Joanie is hit and miss for me usually, but that first check corduroy dress is lovely. I am thinking I should ditch midis and go shorter.

Do they make anything in decent natural materials,like cotton or,wool? I’ve only seen polyester and acrylic when I’ve looked and I won’t wear either.

wouldn't buy from them at all. they have ti be the worst company in the world for how they treat their staff etc. plus highest pulutters steal design etc..shocking

Agree, it's all either frumpy or skimpy.

I agree. My wardrobe consists of cotton, linen, and merino garments, and they can all be thrown in the machine. The only thing I handwash are wool, other than merino, jerseys.

I prefer skirts in winter, but if I do wear a dress then it's a summer linen one, with a merino poloneck underneath, and thick tights.

Have a look at this site OP. I got a winter dress by them in a charity shop last year and have been really impressed. Good length, proper long sleeves, pockets, and it's thick soft cotton which has washed brilliantly.

Brakeburn knitted dress This knitted dress is cotton & wool.

This is the dress/ boot combo I hate. It’s so unflattering even on a model so what would it look like on me? Looks like I’ve got my dad’s old black socks pulled up!

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/browse/women/dresses/c:841889/?clickOrigin=header:click:nav:women:clothing:dresses

thisisunfolded.com/products/melissa-sustainable-long-sleeve-belted-midi-dress

thisisunfolded.com/products/julia-sustainable-printed-shirt-midi-dress

Either of these any good?