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Original poster

Problems with summer dresses in the shops right now

383 replies

Clotheswoe · 14/05/2024 00:27

I've been trying to find some nice summer dresses to buy. I'm a size 12, mid/late 30s.

I'm struggling find any that suit me and that I'm comfortable wearing.

Main issues are:

  • Many are wrap dresses and don't feel secure, especially when it's windy
  • I would like a waist line where my waist actually is - and I can't find dresses like this
  • Dresses seem to either cling in all the wrong places, or the opposite and they drown me.

Anyone else having issues with summer dresses?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
32
Vettrianofan · 19/05/2024 18:08

I agree with a few others. It's been a real challenge to find any summer dresses that don't have plunging necklines. I prefer a modest look.

suburburban · 19/05/2024 18:38

Vettrianofan · 19/05/2024 18:08

I agree with a few others. It's been a real challenge to find any summer dresses that don't have plunging necklines. I prefer a modest look.

Yes I saw a nice one on Woolovers but deep V and buttons

Why can't it have a slightly higher neckline

BrandNewBicep · 19/05/2024 18:48

Rina66 Thats a lovely dress - whats the fabric like? I know it says viscose - is it the nice drapey type?

Vettrianofan · 19/05/2024 18:59

Ordered the dresses online so yet to see them in person and try them on, can report back 😬

Saw someone recommend Mountain Warehouse on a S&B thread so thought I would have a look.

bendmeoverbackwards · 19/05/2024 23:55

CommeIlFaut · 19/05/2024 07:04

I dislike tiers and smocking, only wear cotton or linen summer dresses and prefer a lining. This has drastically limited my dress options over the past couple of years.

However, I just picked this up and it’s absolutely lovely. It would only suit certain colourings (there are other fabrics) but it’s beautifully made and so comfortable. https://emilyandfin.co.uk/collections/plaids-and-checks/products/roberta-jaipur-plaid-dress

That’s beautiful @CommeIlFaut

Rina66 · 20/05/2024 07:00

@BrandNewBicep the fabric is very drapey, almost has a bounce to it if you know what I mean?

BrandNewBicep · 20/05/2024 07:47

Rina66 Sounds lovely. I am very tempted.

Packetofcrispsplease · 20/05/2024 08:52

BrandNewBicep · 16/05/2024 13:39

I just bought this dress today. Looks really good (without the belt - I can't do belts as they make me look like a sack of spuds). Comes up large, I went a size down, Lovely colours and hangs really well from the shoulders. Just looked online and they do it in black as well.

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/3826/marianne-linen-blend-dress/ORANGE_PR

Ooh that’s gorgeous , none left 😭😭

ToBeOrNotToBee · 20/05/2024 09:01

Very have some lovely own brand dresses.

I also love Dolly and Dotty. Some of their patterns are a bit out there, but their dress styles are bang on! Their Donna is perfect for me! I've got 3 in that style, different patterns.

Original poster
Clotheswoe · 20/05/2024 22:38

Vettrianofan · 19/05/2024 18:08

I agree with a few others. It's been a real challenge to find any summer dresses that don't have plunging necklines. I prefer a modest look.

I don't know why so many have plunging necklines. I really don't want everyone to see my bra, and it's a faff to wear a cami underneath (and often too hot)

OP posts:
Original poster
Clotheswoe · 20/05/2024 22:40

poppyslashtulip · 18/05/2024 18:01

I’ve ordered another dress too. Pure cotton. It’s tiered at the bottom though…

Still waiting on the M&S polka dot one.

Lots of lovely ideas on this thread.

I tried on this dress too. It's a lovely material but the neckline is very low on me (it looks fine on the model though, so maybe it depends)

OP posts:
Lentilweaver · 21/05/2024 12:16

Any good shift dresses in plain colours that are not black or navy, and in cotton?

ifIwerenotanandroid · 21/05/2024 22:37

Is this the sort of thing posters are looking for? Cotton, no tiers, no plunging neckline, not a print & only £60.

https://www.adinilondon.co.uk/organic-cotton-slub-lutari-dress-midnightblue/

Organic Cotton Slub Lutari Dress

https://www.adinilondon.co.uk/organic-cotton-slub-lutari-dress-midnightblue

minipie · 21/05/2024 23:56

Like that, but with a waist

ABirdsEyeView · 22/05/2024 08:34

I think I may have found something - a New Look ribbed racer back dress. I'm 5'2 and it's long but not too long, has a side split. But crucially there's no gaping armholes and it fits beautifully across the bust and at the back and skims my 'significant' tummy/arse (an a size 16).
Now it's not like an expensive cotton dress but for £28 I think it's pretty good and will be quite versatile.

ifIwerenotanandroid · 22/05/2024 09:02

minipie · 21/05/2024 23:56

Like that, but with a waist

Yes, I thought it had a waist until I saw the other photos.

The search continues...

slavetoloverhythm · 22/05/2024 17:50

I don’t know if it’s already been mentioned on here, is a big thread but two things I really can’t stand on top of lots of the other things mentioned here:
drop shoulders on everything, T-shirts, sweatshirts, cardies, jumpers etc, make me feel like a quarterback and really struggle to find nice casual tops with regular shoulder placement and I can’t stand cap sleeves or short sleeves which cut across (my) largest part of the arm.
super unflattering, especially when paired with a drop shoulder!

Vettrianofan · 22/05/2024 19:31

Well I ordered four midi dresses on Mountain Warehouse, they arrived today and I am impressed with them. Glad they were recommended on here. Pockets, long sleeves, no plunging necklines. Perfect. Good for summer but would be great teamed up with boots and tights in the winter.

Lentilweaver · 22/05/2024 19:47

Would never have thought of Mountain Warehouse for dresses but I have seen them recommended on here, and on the website they look better than most.

Vettrianofan · 22/05/2024 21:03

Lentilweaver · 22/05/2024 19:47

Would never have thought of Mountain Warehouse for dresses but I have seen them recommended on here, and on the website they look better than most.

Must admit I never considered Mountain Warehouse either until someone on MN recommended it.

I was busy looking at the usual retailers on the high street. Getting nowhere🙄

Anuggetofpurestgreen · 22/05/2024 21:10

So many spaghetti straps. Must be so many non-bra wearers about this season.

nothingsforgotten · 22/05/2024 21:57

slavetoloverhythm · 22/05/2024 17:50

I don’t know if it’s already been mentioned on here, is a big thread but two things I really can’t stand on top of lots of the other things mentioned here:
drop shoulders on everything, T-shirts, sweatshirts, cardies, jumpers etc, make me feel like a quarterback and really struggle to find nice casual tops with regular shoulder placement and I can’t stand cap sleeves or short sleeves which cut across (my) largest part of the arm.
super unflattering, especially when paired with a drop shoulder!

I actually prefer a drop shoulder. Regular shoulders are usually a bit too big for me in my size and they don't sit right.

What I don't like is the vast number of sleeveless dresses. Okay for the young, but I prefer to have the top of my arms covered. I don't like cap sleeves either. I also don't like shirt dresses, and as many have already mentioned waists are generally in the wrong place. Fortunately I wear a lot of skirts and tops, so don't need a big selection of dresses, and A-line linen dresses are my summer go to.

CharlotteBog · 25/05/2024 13:12

What I don't like is the vast number of sleeveless dresses. Okay for the young, but I prefer to have the top of my arms covered.

I am 53 and have lots of sleeveless dresses. I do think there are plenty of sleeved dresses.

venus7 · 05/06/2024 22:04

BigFrau · 14/05/2024 13:18

Ass roughing?? 🤔

Dies she mean ruching? Ruched arse?