Active discussions

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

Talk
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.

Original poster

Help me find my perfect red summer dress

26 replies

potplantsinparadise · 28/07/2024 17:12

I have a dress in mind and am desperately hoping it's out there somewhere, in some form if anyone would like to do some hunting for me. Details are:

RED (proper red, not coral)
Fitted around the bust (shirring fine)
Sleeveless
Thick shoulder straps
Square neckline (if not, then generally low cut for a large bust)
Slightly loose/flowy skirt
Midi / midaxi / mid-calf length
Preferably cotton and/or linen

Basically something like this, but red: https://www.whistles.com/product/ruffle-strap-poplin-midi-dress-38688.html but I'm also keen to see other possibilities.

No budget for now, happy to see what's out there. I'm a 16-18, very curvy, very busty. Thank-you so much!

Black Ruffle Strap Poplin Midi Dress | WHISTLES | Whistles UK |

Buy Black Ruffle Strap Poplin Midi Dress | WHISTLES whistles.com. A summer dress to make an elegant statement in.

https://www.whistles.com/product/ruffle-strap-poplin-midi-dress-38688.html

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
Winter41 · 28/07/2024 19:04

I've seen something like this in Tesco. Can't see it online as I don't think their clothes are online anymore.

Also this from Very

Help me find my perfect red summer dress
Loubelou71 · 28/07/2024 21:44

I have the New look one shared and it's gorgeous.

DancingNotDrowning · 29/07/2024 05:29

i bought this recently and whilst it is not fitted on bust it meets your other requirements and it has pockets!

It’s a lovely heavy linen and I’ve had lots of compliments on it.

Help me find my perfect red summer dress
Justleaveitblankthen · 29/07/2024 07:01

Yes as a PP said, Tesco have lots of those in at the moment. Bright red too.

Original poster
potplantsinparadise · 29/07/2024 09:21

Lovely! Thank-you everyone (and happy to see more if folks find them). That Molly Goddard one is gorgeous but well out of my price range and thankfully also out of my size. Really like the Other Stories one too - now wondering about how to attach new shoulder straps...

OP posts:
MrsWhattery · 29/07/2024 11:43

Re straps, the other stories dress has long tie straps so it looks like you could remove the straps, sew them together side by side to make a thicker band, cut to the right length and reattach. It would be a visible “double” strap but would look like a feature not a bug!

Alternatively, if the dress has spare length and you’re ok to lose a couple of inches, you can shorten it and use the spare to make thicker straps which you sew on in the same places and length as existing skinny straps - try on while pinned and adjust to make sure it hangs right, and sew by hand as it’s easier to redo if needed.

otherwise, look for a matching red fabric to make the straps. Most fabric shops will let you buy a small strip of fabric like 10cm. Sometimes minimum 20 or 25 cm but should still only be a few quid.

if you’re not a sewer, if you know anyone who is this is quite straightforward, if the fabric is woven linen or cotton and not bias cut (which these dresses aren’t). Or it’s a small job for an alterations person.

i’m alway altering things as I’m very long-bodied and usually have to make straps longer, so I’ve done this lots of times.

stardust777 · 29/07/2024 12:29

Could this one work?

Abercrombie red dress

The reviews aren't great though...

Original poster
potplantsinparadise · 29/07/2024 13:25

@stardust777 Ooh that is nice (and bizarrely, looks like all of the low reviews have been left by one person / bot?)

OP posts:
stardust777 · 29/07/2024 13:55

@potplantsinparadise the reviews do look odd! The dress might be worth a try in that case. I have a similar one in black and love it. V easy to dress up or down.

Ilovelemonandsugarpancakes · 29/07/2024 14:30

I've got my eye on this one

Help me find my perfect red summer dress
minipie · 29/07/2024 15:31

stardust777 · 29/07/2024 12:29

Could this one work?

Abercrombie red dress

The reviews aren't great though...

I’ve just tried this on. It’s really nice - I don’t agree with the reviews. Perfect for showing off (or creating?) a waist. I’m not sure how well it would fit massive boobs - there’s definitely boob space but not enough for Dolly Parton iyswim. Also due to the very wide square neckline, some bras may show but there’s quite a bit of support from the dress itself.

The torso is very fitted but the material is robust, so will cover some lumps and bumps and it flares out from tummy button so nicely hides my mum pouch.

You do need to size down quite a bit - I’m between 2 sizes usually and I got one size lower than the smaller size. So eg if you are usually a 12-14, get a 10 or whatever the Abercrombie equivalent is.

I may not keep it but only because I’m after something lighter and floatier.

Original poster
potplantsinparadise · 29/07/2024 18:13

@leadingbydesign love that dress but it doesn't go up to my size 😓

OP posts:
Original poster
potplantsinparadise · 29/07/2024 23:38

@Oceangreyscale oh that is lovely - pleased they show how it looks on a curvier lady too.

OP posts: