Struggling to find something flattering for my shape.

[CitizenZ]

I need a dress for an Engagement party. Nothing too flash I don't think. I'm 50, and menopause has recently made my waistline disappear, so things I would have normally gone for no longer flatter me. I'm also only 5ft 2, so I feel a bit dumpy. Anyone have any ideas for me? I'm lost.

You don’t say what clothes size you wear? Or how much you want to spend?

And what’s the context - something grand at a hotel, or a more casual house party vibe?

Sorry... Size 12, and its at a venue, but not posh, so up to about £80 I would say.

This is kind of fabulous, and would be easy to have shortened if necessary:

Joanie Clothing dress The gold shoes are great - maybe you could find some with platforms?

Have a look at the rest of their dresses, too.

These two Cos pieces together would make a strong but relaxed outfit. A bargain, and each piece would earn its keep over the rest of the year.

Top

Skirt

You sound very similar to me in build, age and size OP. Unless something is styled as petite then I avoid it - it's not simply a case of shortening a dress or trousers, the whole thing needs altered, eg sleeve lengths, shoulder width, position of waistline, neckline etc etc. Far too much faff when there are some great alternatives. I like Phase Eight petite (they've come a long way in recent years) and Karen Millen petite. Nobody's Child also have some nice bits, although some of it is prairie dross, so I stay away from that. I like wide legged jumpsuits in a slouchy sort of fabric - they balance out my frame and cover my stomach. Depends what you like though.

www.karenmillen.com/petite-tailored-satin-bow-detail-full-skirted-midaxi-dress/BKK20750.html?color=184

Whereas I’m well over 50, 5’3 size 10/12 and have never worn any petite clothing. (I’d have said the OP’s main limitation is her budget, as £80 isn’t much to cover a body elegantly, but fortunately we’re in the middle of the sales.)

https://www.karenmillen.com/petite-ombre-floral-soft-pleated-one-shoulder-midaxi-dress/BKK20977.html?color=156

Nothing too flash

about £80

From the OP’s first and second posts …

The Cos skirt would be trailing on the floor on someone 5 foot 2 and the top would be mid thigh with sleeves down to their fingertips. £80 would buy better than that imo.

Obviously we don’t know your style, @CitizenZ. I think this is a fantastic dress for the price, and available in your size:

Sister Jane green

Did you read the OP’s height at all @Preciousssssss before rushing off to find something completely unsuitable on Cos? The skirt is touching the model’s foot. I doubt she’s less that 5’8” so imagine how that’ll work for OP. Because if the cut / design it would be nigh on impossible to alter too.

how about separates op that you can use again? Or are you set on a dress?

I am 5’3, @BitOutOfPractice - and have never found a Cos garment I couldn’t wear.

Fortunately Cos, as well as a million other stores, many of which I’m happy to recommend, have entire websites full of clothes which the OP is free to browse.

But that Cos outfit wouldn’t work on someone of the OP’s height for the practical reasons given.

This shape would suit you, skims over any bumps and bulges! Would look good with a black jacket or longline edge to edge cardigan. https://www.roman.co.uk/petite-zip-detail-abstract-dress-14610189

I love this
https://www.debenhams.com/product/coast-petite-velvet-long-sleeve-midi-wedding-guest-dress_bcc09506?colour=wine

I'm similar proportions to you and I'd really recommend a Missoni dress like this. The quality is fabulous, the slip underneath skims over any lumps and bumps and it's very flattering. I always get loads of compliments when I wear mine

Thanks for the input and advice. I've ordered a couple of things from Debenhams to try. Same shape/style that @LovelyDaaling had suggested.

This is surprisingly easy to dress up with silver belt etc. the fabric is really nice and you can search for a discount code. 15% off on the website www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/ruby-collarless-shirt-dress-navy/sty-d1200-nvy?cat=C1_S2_G4

Where do people get this idea that 5' 2" needs peitite and you have to be 5' 8" to wear Cos?

I'm 5' 2". I've never needed to look for petite and whilst I don't have much Cos now never had any problems with them.

Same here. I'm 5 ' 2" apparently. I used to think I was a bit taller but was measured recently at a hospital and was told I'm 5' 2". I think nurse might have got it wrong but I never thought I was taller than 5' 4".

For something interesting at £80 I'd look at Joannie or Sister Jane.

I'm a bit older, size 8/10 and only 5ft tall. I've given up on buying anything formal or fitted off the peg and expecting it to fit.

I accept that my first stop on the way home is the tailor based in the local dry cleaners. The woman is a genius. If she can't commit to altering it to perfection it goes straight back to the shop. it might add £10/£20 to the cost of the garment but it's worth it to look amazing.

I've got a few dresses/jumpsuits I bought in Asia where the alterations cost more than the clothes but on balance I got great value for money.

I don't think I believe the bumph about "model is 6'3"

I have this dress. I'm (apparently) 5 ' 2" . It doesn't look any different on me, yet model is supposed to be 5'8"

Sister Jane

I'm only 5'2 and finding many dresses look silly as they're out of proportion and too long. I find midi dresses are mid calf so not horrific.

Try something that shows up your waist like a wrap dress as you won't feel self conscious of your body change from the menopause.

Debenhams has lots of boutique type places selling through them so have a browse at what you fancy.

Great dress. It's been on other threads but the green, red and black damask are great too.