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!

I really like the Whistles dress and will keep an eye on it in the hope that they reduce it.

Jersey though

https://www.pixiegirl.com/blk-ss-smock-midi-dress-p?currency=GBP&utmid=20139078237&gaddsource=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxa7q8buNhwMVyJFQBh3ucAvsEAQYAiABEgLSsPDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

This looks so dumpy and ageing.

I find dresses now just so old fashioned and unflattering. What's with balloon sleeves when most women feel self conscious about their arms ? And oversized everything. Also the Nobody's child dresses type that sculpts your breasts out... urgh why so unflattering.

OP, I have a similar figure, 5ft 2, size 6, short torso. I am small boobed but have curves. It's a nightmare finding something that doesn't drown me. My best fitting dresses have a defined waist, a v-neck (as I'm an inverted triangle with broad shoulders), and are probably knee length. Wrap dresses are good. Anything voluminous or shift (straight up and down) doesn't flatter me.

I recently got some M&S dresses in linen which look okay, but are thin strappy ones. Anyway good luck, let us know what you decide on!

Just been on BrandAlley and seen a couple of Le Monde Du Lin stuff that might fit your criteria, the size guide says a S/M is 8/10 UK, so maybe you'll find something?

https://www.brandalley.co.uk/16965581.html
https://www.brandalley.co.uk/17541575.html?queryID=b0b8d934e3811a030afa6cad2d85dbca&objectID=3186352&indexName=BrandAlleydefault_products
https://www.brandalley.co.uk/17486872.html?queryID=0c551b7383a4241d0df525f44282362d&objectID=3131650&indexName=BrandAlleydefault_products

You’re looking for a Summer dress and you want black, navy or dark green?? What are you thinking? They are definitely winter colours!

@Ilikeadrink14 I disagree. It's got more to do with the material and the style than the colour.

@LittleMissChubby thanks but that would make me look like a sack of potatoes

Temu. This dress in black ,navy or grey

Around £7

Cotton

I've got two

OP I feel your pain! I’m same as you. 5ft 2in short in the body.. need an evening dress, black, but sleeveless/strappy, covers a mum Tum and my scoliosis at the back, plus I have very slim legs, and can’t wear high freaking heels! I’m on a hiding to nothing.. I could cry..

Haven’t read full thread so may already have had this suggestion but white company is fab quality and this is in the sale. Size 10 left www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Linen-Maxi-Shirt-Dress-/p/A09776?swatch=Indigo

I do usually like the White Company but even a size 8 or XS can be big, depending on the style. The dress you've linked to definitely would swamp me in size 10, plus for me it's showing full price and it's really expensive!!

I'm a similar size - 8/10 and 5ft tall. It's just so difficult and I hate buying clothes online. Roman do a petite section but only online - I'd love to try things on in their shop. Why isn't there more choice for those of us who are not so tall? And I'm also in my 60s but don't want frumpy clothes!

https://www.riverisland.com/p/black-elasticated-waist-t-shirt-midi-dress-914155?ranMID=38432&ranEAID=DZ7vwfNCJc&ranSiteID=DZ7vwfNC.Jc-p9tspvvlYu0Boj5V.cVoZA&mid=38432&cur=GBP&cmpid=afafLinkshareeUKUKPBBDZ7vwfNCNCJcc10&siteID=DZ7vwfNC.Jc-p9tspvlYu0Boj5V.cVoZA&ranMID=38432&ranEAID=DZ7vwfNCCJc&ranSiteID=DZ7vwfNC.Jc-SoyoyQQZKeYEoUZDNKGQilg&mid=38432&cur=GBP&cmpid=afafLinkshareeUKUKPBBDZ7vwfNCNC*Jcc10&utmsource=Metapic+UK&utmmmedium=affiliates&utmcampaign=affiliatessUKLinkshare&siteID=DZ7vwfNC.Jc-SoyyQZKeYEoUZDNKGQilg

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/great-plains-crinkle-cotton-v-neck-midi-dress-tropical-green/p111487996?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappios&size=8&&_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Op, I get you want a midi dress and worry that your legs are white
I'm short snd never wear a midi as I feel swapped in the dress.
So were short dresses and slap this

www.boots.com/dove-visible-glow-gradual-self-tan-fair-10245774

on my lily white legs

I really think you need to find a local seamstress who can alter stuff for you. Can you ask around or search local Facebook groups?