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).

Thanks to everyone for the ideas. I'm working my way through them all!

I had already looked at quite a few of the websites linked to and sadly they are a no-no. Mainly because the styles are very long (models are usually 5 10") and I'm a size 8-10 so many clothes swamp me.

My budget is not so much because of lack of funds, but what I see as lack of value! I only need a dress now and then for casual dinners out, mainly with family or close friends.

I have bought from Jigsaw in the past but their prices are crazy (their outlet site is okay) and also Whistles, but again I'm not going to pay £150+ for polyester. I will wait for the sales! And Whistles longer dresses are very long.

I used to love Jigsaw when it was more quirky but it's very 'office based' now and I read only last week that they are catering more for the corporate , formal style.

I've bought a couple of the knitted dresses from Uniqlo and very flattering, easy to wear with jackets - one a red /one black (I have lumps and bumps and they cover these, alongside washing brilliantly!), alongside a lovely lower waisted black dress (more of the longer body length waisted dresses please) from M&S. They are out there, just not shouting as loud as the patterned horrors at the front of the shops / websites!

OP I've PM'd you

It's all a bit Killing Eve.

They’re so expensive too. I like Nobody’s Child, but only buy in the sale and their sizing is way off. Love Jolie Mai, but only in the sale.

@Bluevelvetsofa does their sizing come up small or large, or just erratic?

It comes up small. I ordered a dress from NC on another site and there was a note to say their sizing is skimpy. I had thought that with things I’ve had previously. Particularly with dresses that are fitted under the bust and button through.

Nothing extra to add, just totally agree with you.. its totally rubbish this season

I second this! And I used to love COS but its gone to dumpy unstylish frumpy….

The famous pink dress in Killing Eve was by Molly Goddard. Sister Jane is the affordable and more wearable version

I used to think Molly Goddard was the less unaffordable version of Cecilie Bahnsen. But had a look at the website recently and the prices are suddenly ferocious.

It's all a bit Killing Eve.

Goals …

Can I recommend Meshki for knitted dresses? They're made of really good material that pulls you in. You have to dig through many postage stamp sized things that can only be worn by ultra-skinny teens on the site, but there are some real gems and the quality is excellent and the price relatively low:

Knitted dress

That really sums it up 😃

Ooh Betty has some nice dresses. And the owner is very size inclusive. AND it's slow fashion, made in England. And if you want some lounge trousers do check out the Betty's bottoms (I have 4 of them, 2 summer and 1 winter, with another on the way!)

Am finding the anti Boden banter hilarious..never knew the feeling ran so deep 🤣

It's been mentioned earlier in the thread but Phase Eight has some very nice dresses. I went in by mistake recently and ended up trying quite a few on that I'd quite like to buy. Not happened before..I don't think I've ever bought a thing from Phase Eight and it was a real revelation.
Agreed all other shops are pants though. Bodycon or strange waists or blinking flowery prints (still).

I agree on length. I mostly shop online but have returned two pairs of trousers & a skirt this week as they were just way too long. I'm 5ft 9. I have no idea who they were designed for 🙄.

Oh now that is lovely!

Sounds warm and soft to me. I really like this one from Roman, but they don't seem to have a warehouse in the EU so I'd have to pay custom charges as well. If anyone has seen something similar from a ore international brand, please let me know.

Camel Corduroy Button Detail Pinafore Dress | Roman UK

Does look nice but what’s the material? I can’t find it anywhere!

A few cord pinafores in Tu. but not as nice as that Roman one.

https://www.nobodyschild.com/green-piper-cord-pinny-mini-dress.html?glCountry=GB&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Redbrain&ranMID=47538&ranEAID=pfxNKSnglIM&ranSiteID=pfxNKSnglIM-V96dVI2GAwoQvfJeNBHiIQ
Bit short but model probably tall.

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/evie-cord-shift-dress-cognac/sty-d0392-brm

https://www.johnlewis.com/white-stuff-lothbury-corduroy-tunic-dress/dusky-blue/p109089459?size=6&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwvrOpBhBdEiwAR58-3D1hRwoCYLSaxIhiBbjMoYeigTlZz2EWCYnkqjFjdQSX5lhMcSUSvBoCqS8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Inly one left / size 6 but comes up big OP!