I need a stunning party dress

[wondabar]

I'm having a 50th birthday in a few weeks and want a gorgeous dress to wear for it. I'm 5ft7, Size 16 and have a budget of up to £250. I love Farm Rio and La Double J style but they are out of my budget. I want something to cover my upper arms and nothing skin tight. Maybe a swing dress or something that flows nicely. Something special!

Some of these are around your budget, some a bit more. Not everyone's taste but they're very dramatic .

Hello,

What fun, hope you have a wonderful party.

Here are some ideas within budget. Last three are sold out in size 16 but try physically going into a few stores if you like them? There's usually one knocking around.

Blue kaftan style dress

Black puff sleeve linen dress

Linen wrap dress with puff sleeves

Print, belted dress

Sold out but worth a try

Puff sleeve dress

Pretty long sleeved dress

Low v, long sleeved wrap dress

Let me know what you think

X

I've got great news for you, OP!

https://farmrio.eu/collections/sale-dresses

Any of these?
https://selkiecollection.com/collections/dresses?filter.v.option.size=L&filter.v.option.size=XL&filter.v.availability=1&sort_by=price-ascending

That’s the ugliest thing

https://farmrio.uk/products/floral-yard-yellow-maxi-dress?variant=47527467123002&cm_mmc=AWIN--104504--Deeplink-_-Generic&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=104504&country=GBP&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=104504&awc=67184_1724112389_e324dae8df4bd48bbfc0203610e0f2fd

lhttps://www.destinylabel.com/products/vera-peroni-italian-maxi-dress?currency=GBP&variant=48306002460996&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=7317aa5a2fbe&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=21093482342&gad_source=5

Sequins!
https://www.johnlewis.com/yumi-sequin-ombre-long-sleeve-midi-dress-multi/p111047764

https://www.karenmillen.com/printed-viscose-floral-border-print-maxi-dress/BKK19122-165-18.html?gad_source=5&gclsrc=ds

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su416527/aa4412#aa4412

I like this one but probably not stunning enough for the occasion

https://www.east.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/lesia-green-dress?_pos=4&_fid=31bae954c&_ss=c&variant=41710949662813

Look at Hobbs, have dresses in similar styles. Also cheaper, much cheaper look at silk Fred who have some amazing dresses at size 16 (I'm a 16) the only thing is they tend to be thinner so I bought a full length slip / chemise for underneath

Why not rent - then you could get what you want?

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g29187954/rent-dress/

(Article updated to 2024)

https://www.warehousefashion.com/product/warehouse-satin-jacquard-kimono-sleeve-fringe-hem-wrap-dress_bww06767?colour=bright+pink

This is giving me vibes

This whistles dress is gorgeous and classy. I think they had the navy too and it’s reduced to £ 99. It might suit your needs.

https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-arie-hammered-satin-midi-dress/green/p111718137

Sorry I couldn’t figure out how to post the picture. This is the whistles dress from John Lewis. They have it in size 16.

www.johnlewis.com/whistles-arie-hammered-satin-midi-dress/green/p111718137

They have the whistles dress in cobalt blue too, but not a size 16. Might find it elsewhere though.

Thanks for all these suggestions. @IWantedThereThereButItsGone I have thought about renting but am worried what to do if the dress does not fit. Do you have to pay for the rental regardless? And then do you dry clean after wearing it?
@sunshinewook I love the Whistles dresses but don't like the tops of my arms on show.
I want something fun and special but the Farm Rio dresses in the sale seem either too short or don't cover my arms.
Silk Fred and Destiny Label have overseas returns which usually cost a fortune, so would be reluctant to order from them should the dress be unsuitable.
Companies I loved like Bombshell and Ted Baker sadly don't exist anymore but there seems to be little out there in their style .

@wondabar what about?

deadlyisthefemale.com/

You really need to look at the terms and conditions of individual rental companies, @wondabar. But as far as I’ve seen they try to make the process as user friendly as possible - some definitely don’t want you to do the dry cleaning.

At least have a look - it can’t hurt!

@wondabar Farm Rio, sale, long sleeves and not short! There are more than just these. Didn't check sizes available.

Teal Seashell Tapestry Lenzing™ Ecovero™ Viscose Maxi Dress – FARM Rio

Black Macaws Garden High Neck Midi Dress – FARM Rio

Foliage Sketch Green V Neck Maxi Dress – FARM Rio

Yellow Floral Yard Lenzing™ Ecovero™ Euroflax™ Maxi Dress – FARM Rio

Pink Banana Leaves Maxi Dress – FARM Rio

Green Macaw Scarf Lenzing™ Ecovero™ Viscose Chemise Dress – FARM Rio

Do you prefer plain or patterned? Sparkles? Any particular colours you love or hate ?

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/clothing/dresses/blue-ruffle-detail-midi-dress/p/30783636 ( I don’t work for whistles 😂)

Is this too plain ? Could you share a photo of something you liked but wasn’t long enough or sleeves weren’t right? It might help us suggest something more to your liking.

Sleeves are too short, dress too plain imo, and the material unforgiving to lumps and rolls!

I have this dress in cobalt blue. It's beautiful.

The John Lewis Yuma ombré sequin dress’s is nice and could be worn for Christmas or New Year . I’m late 50 s and size 16 and I would definitely wear that
Added bonus it is hand washable .

the Selki ready to wear “fanciful” are as creepy AF . Little girl frocks for adult women.

Yes it’s gorgeous, I don’t need a dress but I’m tempted by that one.

I’d get it. It’s timeless.

You enabler ,😄

I might have to order the sequinned one …ll

What about this? Net-a-porter - Self Portrait. It’s in a size 14 and is £270. Not sure if it might fit as very flowy?