Stepping away from the viscose floral midi. Where to find simple, good quality day dresses?

[LaChienneDesFromages]

Is there anywhere that’s not now a forest of pattered midis? I’ve tried Hobbs, Boden etc. All to no avail. Everything is viscose or polyester, patterned, thin fabric, with random tie belts, ruffles or bits hanging off it. Lining dresses seems to be a thing of the past. Nothing in cotton, silk or wool.

I know some people love these styles but they really don’t do it for me. I’m older, not as slim as I used to be and I want elegant, durable, flattering dresses I can wear with lovely accessories. I’m willing to pay good money for them, and I can’t be the only one!

I did pick up a simple denim skater dress in Whistles but everything else in there was also a bit grim. I’ve got a couple of smart work dresses from The Fold but they are too smart for casual or day to day work wear.

Is it just a case of trawling through in hope, or are there any brands that are still reliably elegant and good quality?

following with interest! I have a major gap in my wardrobe for casual-ish dresses that are well-made, well-cut and not blimmin floral! Also prepared to get spendy if needed.

Watching with interest @LaChienneDesFromages
I’m looking for 2 outfits one for a wedding (black tie and day dress ). I’m still slim but can no longer just chuck on anything in size 10 and look ok in it.
I refuse to wear anything “ditsy” I like some of the fold but find they are too smart and officy

Dolly and Dotty, Joanie, The Vollectiff and if you're quick, Little Wings Factory.

They are so so so hard to find. I’m petite too which makes it harder as most dresses are to the floor when I put them against me.

there is a shop on Oxford Street called Reserved. I have found a few nice dresses and skirts in there over the years more so than any other retailer. It’s not expensive but their stuff can be very flattering.

Cos?

https://www.dollyanddotty.co.uk/

https://www.collectiflondon.com/

https://joanieclothing.com/

https://www.littlewingsfactory.com/

Cos or Arket. Dont think I’ve ever seen anything in ‘ditsy florals’ in either. They don’t ‘do’ them.

What about finding a local seamstress? Head to Joel and Son. choose your own gorgeous fabrics, and have it made as you like it. Comparing with a very good quality of the rail garment, I think the total cost could be about the same.

https://www.theprettydresscompany.com/new-arrivals-c12/new-arrivals-c14/the-pretty-dress-company-grace-fit-flare-swing-dress-p367#attribute%5B1%5D=1

https://www.revival-retro.com/products/revival-retro-dress-cambridge-crepe

LK Bennett??

Dare I say it...but I wear separates again, idea of dress lovely, reality of getting all bits to fit and not floral...nil. I've got two denim skirts, floaty black skirt...much easier if you aren't well proportioned

I quite often find decent day / work dresses in French connection

All these in the Cos sale: https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/sale/dresses.html

Floral-free zone.

Zara

Massimo Dutti

I feel like there is just a major gap in the market really?
Zara/H&M/New Look - fast fashion. Can be some good finds but often poorly made, unethical production etc.
LK Bennett/Hobbs/Boden - quite good for workwear but often either too smart or frumpy.
Joanie/Collectif - i love vintage style but some of the styles just feel a bit like I'm wearing a costume/someone else's clothes (?!)
Cos/Arket - don't suit my 5"3 figure :-(
The Fold - amazing but definitely haven't seen much daywear in amongst their beautiful clothes.

Probably the only brands I've found for decent daywear are Sezane and Gaala but even then it's not always quite right. Reiss (petite range) can also have some good finds but I don't think the quality/price ratio is good unless in the sale.
For any petites definitely check out The Shortlist.
I end up spending my weekends wearing Sweaty Betty jumpsuits and Sezane knits but I would love the well-made lovely day dresses the OP is looking for. Sigh.

I have a few day dresses from Me & Em and really like them. Would love to get more but they're a luxury for me at the moment.

I've just discovered K-DESIGN. Despite its unpromising name it's actually a Belgian designer who does lined, well-made dresses in quality fabrics with stretch, with the silver-coated anti-armpits treatment thing. Range of patterns and plain. Their L size fits my very busty 5'3" size 14.

Having been a dress-free zone for 3 years amidst the sea of floral polyester flounces, I bought one in the sale in my local independent boutique and another online after wearing it once.

https://www.experiencethedifference.co.uk/collections/k-design-fashion

Thanks for all of the ideas. I will definitely be having a look at all of those recommendations. I had a mooch around Cos yesterday and unfortunately I think I might be a bit too little and wide for their dresses, but it was worth a try.
In the meantime, I have ordered this dress, which looks promising. Very simple, but I’m hoping to jazz it up with some nice jewellery and perhaps colourful tights.https://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Stitch-Detail-Cocoon-Dress/p/A10694?swatch=Navy

Jigsaw

@LaChienneDesFromages
Try Carolyn Donnelly The Edit dunnesstores.com
Similar vibe to Cos.
An Irish company but they deliver to the UK.
Sorry I can't do links

Thank you. The label is on the Dunnes website and they look nice. Im in Dublin in April so will try some on.

I agree with your analysis, but even though I'm almost 5'7, it doesn't change much or anything. The dresses out there are still poor quality prints with no lining, etc.