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 Joe Brown dresses as I find they fit well and not too long.

I like that .

Regarding Roman UK dresses - I sent off for a couple a few weeks back and they came up enormous on me massively too baggy and massively too long. I could easily have gone down 2 sizes from my usual size. Absolutely huge. And they charge to return.

I like Apricot
Bit different from the run of the mill I think.

They are made from organic cotton and are fair trade so you are paying more for ethical production

Albaray is great for dresses

https://www.albaray.co.uk/collections/dresses

Getting so many recommendations on this thread. I would never come across these websites. Are there shops or all online?

Apricot has 17 shops based in the UK.
Uk based business.
You can Also shop online.

Dilling have some lovely dresses in merino wool
uk.dilling.com/category/women/dresses

Apricot used to be in Dorothy Perkins I think.

this. you pay for what you get. look after your clothes buy well and they will last for years

I was looking at this dress in green or navy

https://www.marksandspencer.com/button-front-mini-tiered-shirt-dress/p/clp22568887?color=GREEN&prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip14g2r5c1|prodflag_Online%20Only

Have you looked at Sezane. Above high street prices but typical French style, understated and super stylish. Styles to suit all shapes, heights and sizes too.

That's a fab shade of green but the poor love is clearly suffering with back pain.

La Redoute

Anthropologie? https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/maeve-mock-neck-mini-shift-dress?category=dresses&color=029&type=REGULAR&quantity=1&size=XS

Thermal vest, thick tights, boots and a jacket?

Lol, there was a really scathing thread about Sosandar recently.

If I remember correctly, the OP was particularly offended by the styling.

I don't like Sosander's quality.
I also (irrationally) object to their shiny sales brochures!

I have no opinion on their quality or their brochures but that thread was really stuck up.

I know its a bit marmite on MN, but I've had several good dresses from Roman. There are a lot of different styles/lengths and I've never had a issue with the quality. I'm 5'4 and currently contemplating this one for winter WFH:

https://www.roman.co.uk/cable-knit-jumper-stretch-dress-14438759

I like Gudrun Sjödén and Seasalt Cornwell. I don't buy new outfits every season. I sew myself and often alter clothes to my style. Usually I don't like what's "in fashion" so prefere basics and classics with a nice twist.

Gudrun is Swedish and makes wonderfull clothes, colourfull, layered, warm 😊
https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwi15_bG0vqBAxVVk2gJHZZMBm0YABAAGgJ3Zg&ae=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItef2xtL6gQMVVZNoCR2WTAZtEAAYASAAEgLuY_D_BwE&ohost=www.google.be&cid=CAASJORo56lRIe7M3GqqM6WEK-8qgVI4Hud8PDAWSWJrBnJDr-wkkQ&sig=AOD64_0QCJvm8JN33ouOFehsCwvOJxYGeQ&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwiWzPDG0vqBAxXpVKQEHYuDByIQ0Qx6BAgKEAE
Seasalt has elegant and at the same time practical clothes 😊
https://www.google.be/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjxqdDu0fqBAxWGU6QEHazVAXQQFnoECDkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seasaltcornwall.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw1v8n3SD4cKDAEa0E1jU_4-&opi=89978449

Just taken a look at the Sister Jane website. Had to laugh! Most dresses looked like a child’s party frock modeled by childlike waifs. Can’t see anything that might reasonably be worn by an ordinary grown up person let alone anyone more than 50.
However this brand is not alone - far too much fuss, flounce and garishness about. I’ll be sticking to jeans and tops this winter.

Sister Jane gives me a sort of Grayson Perry vibe.

Why do they make so many waistless shapeless midi dresses? Because they're cheaper I guess? (no zip or buttons needed, a single size can 'fit' many shapes).

They look terrible on me. I'm swamped in them.

https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/collections/dresses

Have a look a this shop