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).

So no-one has suggested Popsy clothing. They are based in the uk- and at the time of ordering they do free alterations- to both length and to sleeve styles...might be worth a look- and all dresses have a dress length on them. (If you have them altered they aren't returnable though)...

Looking at all of these dresses, I’ve ended up buying these.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/cupro-rich-geometric-midaxi-shirt-dress/p/clp60610205

https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/products/d0787-paola-midi-shirt-dress-black-multi-leopard-love

If I was 25 years younger I’d have worn so many of those dresses, I think they’re fabulous.

I find knit dresses hard to wear as they can look saggy.

I’ve bought a black Next one before lockdown (2019) and have a couple of old Oasis sort of colour block knitted dresses. And I have an &otherstories warm knit dress which is navy with small polka dots (white) with a belt.

I’ve had a cord shirt dress from Tu before but ended up charity shopping it.

I'm not seeing anything that floats my boat on this thread, or, in the shops for that matter.

Its all either child-like or Amish wife (aside from the Kim Kardashian bodycon dress a pp linked to).

Not sure what kind of dresses you are looking for but I practically live in 50s style midi dresses and my go to's are dolly & dotty, British Retro and pretty kitty fashion. Sorry if not your style but thought I would suggest just in case 😊

I find knitted dresses a bit clingy if you’re any bigger than a size 8.

"Red Heart Print Stretch Midi Dress | Roman UK" https://www.roman.co.uk/heart-print-stretch-midi-dress-14467678

Found this the other day. Perfect cut, fabric, length. Great for winter. Seasalt and Fat Face have done similar in the past.

I like that @justasking111 a very easy dress to wear.

I’ve ordered this is grey.
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/ponte-knit-long-sleeved-flared-dress-460605COL09SMA003000.html?template=shopping&gbraid=0AAAAADM0H6gma80uImggywhroEtvzxjDM&gclid=CjwKCAjwvrOpBhBdEiwAR58-3G6ixA5yFHtmLd9yrEvM9BWJiWqkJHSRP8kRVdtR85F6WmyMyFm1XxoCtNkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Wool but not shapeless https://www.woolovers.com/womens/dresses/ribbed-knitted-dress-green-25325

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/womens-gold-label/gold-label-clothing/grey-wool-midi-dress/p/12245303 Above knee in the picture

I've been lucky and just been wearing really old ones. M&Co are online now so I might look there for dresses as they were quite good at them in the past.

The quaker style is so ugly. And don't get me started on the boots which have more tread than a tractors tyres. 🙄

Thanks. At least I have one new dress this year. May wear it Christmas day

I know ! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

There seems to be a lot of frumpy shapeless dresses around at the moment, often with a frilly collar to add a bit of extra frump.

Hahaha yes what is with the Little House on the Prairie collar? Has it been on the catwalk or something?

I quite the look of this cord dress from M&Co:

https://www.mandco.com/mco-green-cord-shirt-dress-p

Lots of good suggestions on here for you OP. Personally I love nothing better in the winter than a knitted dress & boots but it has to have some shape, as I’m only short. Phase 8, Roman & Sosandar are always happy hunting grounds for me.

The colour is lovely, but the breast pockets don't appeal to me. It's always something!

I sent back that Brora dress I ordered as the waist tie was too broad and the fabric too thin and synthetic. Pah.

I am going to do a big charity shop trip.

This is BEAUTIFUL! I’d trust you with my outfits shopping. 😊

https://www.reiss.com/style/su018616/N36488#N36488

I am stalking this until it goes on sale.

@Here4thechocs - positive proof that humans are all hilariously different. The nonagenarian in my family would dismiss that Reiss dress as hopelessly old fashioned.

Personally I don't care anymore about things being old-fashioned. Anything up to date on me makes young men stand up on the Tube because they think I am pregnant. I am returning to the 50s to wear whatever nonagenarians used to wear.