Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Impossible dress?

142 replies

HighFiveMummy · 28/06/2024 14:54

I am very short (5.1"), fairly petite (size 8 top, size 10 bottoms), with a short torso. I am 53 years old. I probably look younger.

I find that most dresses drown me and I am struggling to find a suitable dress for the summer. I am looking for something that's fitted but not figure hugging, definitely not floaty though, and that it has sleeves (short sleeves okay, but not cap) that are not wide, floaty, or puffy.

The material should be cotton or a linen blend, might consider good quality viscose.

I have really unbelievably white legs so lenghtwise I am thinking probably midi?

It should not be patterned, definitely not flowers, and the colour should be black, navy or a dark green. Budget £100 or less.

I feel I am looking for an impossible but perhaps someone out there has some suggestions I haven't considered. Thanks!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
19
KnickerlessParsons · 28/06/2024 19:08

Sea Salt.

Bignanna · 28/06/2024 19:14

QuestionableMouse · 28/06/2024 18:50

Overpriced at £99!

friskybivalves · 28/06/2024 19:24

I am v similar size and measurements as you. Have you looked at Nobody's Child? I find their button-through styles in midi length very wearable. Lots of different fabrics. Decent sleeves. V- necks which suit me well.

Bignanna · 28/06/2024 19:26

I love that! It’s so elegant, timeless and flattering

Butterflyfern · 28/06/2024 19:27

Have you looked at Reiss? Their style sounds like it could suit

friskybivalves · 28/06/2024 19:31

friskybivalves · 28/06/2024 19:24

I am v similar size and measurements as you. Have you looked at Nobody's Child? I find their button-through styles in midi length very wearable. Lots of different fabrics. Decent sleeves. V- necks which suit me well.

Actually, I have previously bought their Alexa and Lily styles and don't like any of the current fabrics much. But worth keeping an eye on for the future! I have a brilliant black broderie anglaise Alexa which I can wear literally anywhere.. dress up and down as required.

QuestionableMouse · 28/06/2024 20:46

Bignanna · 28/06/2024 19:14

Overpriced at £99!

Certainly is!

RosesAndHellebores · 28/06/2024 21:15

Bloody hell @HighFiveMummy some really cracking dresses have been posted.

May I gently suggest you find a dressmaker because I don't think it's possible to satisfy you.

Littleguggi · 28/06/2024 21:37

I'm a similar size to you, 5ft1 and size 8/6 and totally understand your dilemma! Searching for dresses has become a full time hobby for me! Everything I have brought has ended up being so oversized!

LetsTalkTwaddle · 28/06/2024 21:42

This was the one I had in mind: worn by a colleague at work and I've admired the clean line and lack of frills and puffed sleeves. Easy to dress up or down.

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/black-linen-blend-alexa-midi-dress

Black Linen-blend Alexa Midi Dress

Black Linen-blend Alexa Midi Dress

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/black-linen-blend-alexa-midi-dress

Littleguggi · 28/06/2024 22:10

Like a PP said, I would recommend only going for petite dresses. Many of the links posted on this thread are not specifically for petite. The dimensions are all off on regular fit dresses, the bust, the waist, everything!

butteredbarmbrack · 28/06/2024 22:23

No specific suggestions, but I have similar issues trying to find dresses that fit (short torso, like to have arms covered, too a size smaller than the bottom). I do sometimes find a skirt and blouse/top can be a better solution, including for wedding outfits. Might be worth a try?

chalkyc2 · 28/06/2024 22:27

I'm a bit taller at 5.4 but I've had recent success with Uniqlo dresses. The stock changes pretty rapidly but I take a S - I think you could be an XS? Eg

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/linen-blend-short-sleeved-shirt-dress-470805.html?dwvar4708055color=COL09&dwvar4708055size=SMA002

chalkyc2 · 28/06/2024 22:28

I love the Reiss dress though OP - go for it!

GreenShady · 29/06/2024 00:35

I'm 5' and I have this dress and it is gorgeous. I reckon the XS would fit you. Green or black options .

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/linen-blend-square-neck-short-sleeved-dress-464771.html

frequentlyfrazzled · 29/06/2024 11:34

what about this one
https://www.very.co.uk/new-look-black-short-sleeve-midi-shirt-dress/1600975494.prd