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?

Me & Em do well tailored dresses in silk or cotton cord

Rew clothing fits what you are looking for.

@LaChienneDesFromages
Dunnes deliver to the UK so f you like any Carolyn Donnelly The Edit dresses you could order them instead of waiting til April.
I got tempted again at the weekend and succumbed to another Carolyn Donnelly dress

I’ve just found some beautiful dresses here. Probably a bit smart for day to day wear, but such lovely colours and natural fabrics. I’m seriously considering one as my going out frock this summer (I’m dropping heavy hints about Glyndebourne to DH!)
https://www.jasperconran.com/collections/dresses

@LaChienneDesFromages NRBY use mainly cotton, linen and silk fabrics. They are a small UK brand, pretty sure John Lewis stocks some of their collection. I have several items from them, generous sizing and good quality.

Those Jasper Conran dresses are beautiful but sadly I am an apple shape and so can't wear a belted dress @LaChienneDesFromages

NRBY has a lovely selection @Sedgwick.

Mumsnet is a fount of knowledge re smaller, less well known but great . brands

I love cos but my dd calls their dresses mum sacks

Are you tall and slim? I'd look awful in cos dresses. I'm short and a bit curvy/dumpy

I bought a summer shirt dress from Emily and Fin last year and it's lovely. Fits beautifully and is lined. I'm size 16 and 5'6 for reference, so often find them tricky. No gaping or anything.

https://emilyandfin.co.uk/collections/winter-sale

Just wondering, why the dislike for viscose?

I really like their dresses but have struggled with fit. Love the fabrics, lining and colours. Although that might be easier this summer as I’m somewhat less between sizes (in an upwards direction!) than I was.

I absolutely love the dress in the picture but can’t see it on the website! How annoying.

I’m tall and occasionally slim