Impossible dress?

[HighFiveMummy]

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!

Must be one here

www.shopstyle.co.uk/browse/dresses?fts=petite+linen+dresses

You could go to a dressmaker and get them to make you something similar to the Reiss dress, then it could be fitted to your size/shape. Will post a couple of patterns that might fit the bill

https://thefoldline.com/product/butterick-dress-b6758/

https://www.minerva.com/mp/1011688/simplicity-paper-sewing-pattern-8888

I have this one and it feels amazing on, pictures don't do it justice. Comes in green too www.coggles.com/p/clothing/marques-almeida-cotton-jersey-t-shirt-dress/15053426/

I'm not petite, but have you seen this site https://www.petite.co.uk/dresses?gad_source=1

And should add I am also petite, similar size and have the Reiss dress in green...

https://www.apricotonline.co.uk/outlet/all-outlet/outlet-dresses/?prefn1=size&prefv1=Size%208&start=0&sz=120

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/navy-blue-starlight-midaxi-dress?queryID=f946ebfce74fc58c109c2664f74627ac

similar figure. Very flattering.

Don't think the OP, is bothered or really wants a new frock

Ah I was just like you I knew exactly what I wanted but could never find it in the shops.

I took up dressmaking and now just make exactly what I want

Right. I have bought the Reiss dress in the end in both colours, one in size 8 and the other size 10. Wish me luck!

Good luck!

Saw this one and was reminded of this thread so came back to find youve already ordered. But if for any reason it doesn't work out here's another dress in a similar style
https://www.albaray.co.uk/products/elastic-waist-v-neck-dress-ss24?_pos=1&_sid=c52038d45&_ss=r

Good luck OP! Keep us posted!

https://www.whistles.com/product/linen-belted-midi-dress-37110.html#suggestion=true

I've tried the blue one. It was huge on me. I'm 5'3''. It would definitely be too big for someone who is 5'1''.

www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.twill-utility-dress-blue.1221715001.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwyo60BhBiEiwAHmVLJbHp6rp-rMJPekgfT4iQWWY2igj8txi_IQ89zBJrVmDXZ1Gm-MHpNxoClKIQAvD_BwE

I have this as a 5ft 1 size 10, and love it with a belt or without. Feels great quality: www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/airism-cotton-short-sleeved-t-shirt-dress-464784.html?dwvar_464784_color=COL09&dwvar_464784_size=SMA005

I know this is out of budget but I really prefer a good quality item over 10 cheap pieces. I’d rather just buy one thing a year that fits well (or set up a search on eBay/vinted). I love Reformation, this dress is great (also comes in block colour), but there are loads of linen dresses if you can treat yourself.

https://www.thereformation.com/products/adair-dress/1314669ISX.html?dwvar_1314669ISX_color=ISX&native-search-page=true

Feedback time

I got the Reiss dresses in both colours, size 8 and 10 both petite. The size 8 fits well. However, the tone of green is not flattering on me, even though I usually suit green. It's a mushy pea green that I think would look amazing on a darker skin tone. The white is nice but not £150 nice. I think for me the most unflattering part is the rigid cotton of the skirt, it just hangs stiff without pizazz. Might reconsider if it goes on sale.

I also got the Uniqlo Comptoir des Cotoniers in XS, in blue and white.

This dress is nice but on me it looks like I am wearing a cleaner dress. Even though it's XS, it's still large and voluminous, and looks weird when gathered with the belt. This is a real shame as the blue is gorgeous. The white is nice too but comes with a slip, otherwise it's transparent.

So all 4 dresses are going back unfortunately.

https://www.whistles.com/product/avery-smocked-dress-38610.html#cgid=Petite_Dresses_Jumpsuits_WW&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=avery-smocked-dress-38610&pos=25

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/eve-linen-short-dress-navy/sty-d0893-nav?cat=C1_S2_G4

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/eve-linen-midi-dress-green-tambourine/sty-d0849-grn?cat=C1_S2_G4

Aww thats a shame OP, I was hoping Reiss would work. I find them good for occassion dressing in petite, also Karen Millen petite range. I'm 6/8 and find there is no point whatsoever trying on normal size ranges, I am swamped in every area, arm length, torso, width, and length. The petite ranges are tailored to overcome that and while a good tailor can do a lot with a normal sized garment, it means nearly remaking the dress sometimes to get it to fit which isnt worth it usually. The struggle is very real not to look like I am playing dress up.