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Help me find a stunning, head turning dress!

178 replies

Violettaaa · 27/03/2025 23:09

This is the brief:

  • Long/maxi dress (black/white tie dress code)
  • Summer (weather should be hot/very hot)
  • Body type: the plus: tall/very slim, the minus: no boobs
  • Age: mid 40s
  • as an absolute must the dress should be 1) very fitted at least around the upper body and waist all the way down to the thighs (not ruling out see through parts), then bottom part can be a bit looser. (no loose dress) and 2) allow me to wear a push up bra. 3) neckline - slightly plunging or not at all, both can work but an overall balance should be achieved
  • colours: fairly open but no sequins/glitters. Ideally no black but navy ok. Summer colours welcome
  • not too fussy, not too much unnecessary fabric
  • context: this is not a wedding, more like a summer party for a special occasion with friends (I won’t know everyone, far from that). My husband will wear a tuxedo.
  • need to be high quality/classy. Price not really an issue but unlikely to spend >£2k

thank you!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
44
CharlotteCChapel · 28/03/2025 00:20

This is stunning if you can fins a racer back bra you could wear it with that

www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/embroidery-dress-casadei/

kdramaqueen · 28/03/2025 07:08

This is very elegant in Moody Blue and only £50 over budget. 😉

www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/elie-saab-halterneck-cady-gown-blue-p00993357

RosesAndHellebores · 28/03/2025 07:11

Why don't you take yourself to Harvey Nicks and do some trying on?

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 28/03/2025 07:17

CharlotteCChapel · 28/03/2025 00:20

This is stunning if you can fins a racer back bra you could wear it with that

www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/embroidery-dress-casadei/

I think the first reply has nailed it! That dress is perfect 🥰.

JulietSierra · 28/03/2025 07:21

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 28/03/2025 07:17

I think the first reply has nailed it! That dress is perfect 🥰.

Unfortunately the op specified no glitter or sequins which rules that dress out!

myladyjane · 28/03/2025 08:03

@ppaaWWss that is properly lovely.

Violettaaa · 28/03/2025 08:48

@CharlotteCChapel thank you!! Very interesting, this is exactly the shape I like, will definitely investigate!

OP posts:
Violettaaa · 28/03/2025 08:51

@JulietSierra true, this one is glittery but given it’s colourful, it would work (when I meant no sequins I meant no gold/silver/black sequins as too wintery)

OP posts:
Violettaaa · 28/03/2025 08:53

@NeverTalksToStrangers2 thanks for the suggestion, I like it, it’s a very pretty dress and can’t go wrong with it but a little too plain for this occasion. I still keep it in file as a good basic to have and good price too!

OP posts:
Hemlocked · 28/03/2025 08:55

I think this is stunning.

Violettaaa · 28/03/2025 08:58

@ppaaWWss thanks, this is potentially stunning, would need to try it to make sure it’s close enough to the body. Been a while I haven’t ordered with outnet, I assume they’re still pretty good with returns?

OP posts:
Mosaic123 · 28/03/2025 09:17

Liberty's near Oxford Circus station has some stunning beautifully cut dresses. Also Selfridge's a short walk away.

Then there is Nigel Rayment in Marble Arch - appointment needed there.

Aibusadandhormonal · 28/03/2025 09:36

I was looking at this back when it was in Red which annoyingly it doesn't seem to be anymore. I tried it on and its very fitted. A real stop and look dress.
https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/jersey-off-the-shoulder-gown-3616533860997.html?utm_medium=paidshopping

But generally there are some showstoppers from Ralph Lauren like

www.johnlewis.com/lauren-ralph-lauren-belina-one-shoulder-maxi-dress-orange/p112811514?s_share=jlappdroid

Helterskelterthroughtheday · 28/03/2025 09:41

Violettaaa · 28/03/2025 08:51

@JulietSierra true, this one is glittery but given it’s colourful, it would work (when I meant no sequins I meant no gold/silver/black sequins as too wintery)

The review said there's lots of gold glitter/sequins on it.

Comefromaway · 28/03/2025 09:49

Aibusadandhormonal · 28/03/2025 09:36

I was looking at this back when it was in Red which annoyingly it doesn't seem to be anymore. I tried it on and its very fitted. A real stop and look dress.
https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/jersey-off-the-shoulder-gown-3616533860997.html?utm_medium=paidshopping

But generally there are some showstoppers from Ralph Lauren like

www.johnlewis.com/lauren-ralph-lauren-belina-one-shoulder-maxi-dress-orange/p112811514?s_share=jlappdroid

Flannels have got it in dark red or teal. I bought it last weekend for a black tie ball. It's lovely.

https://www.flannels.com/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-jersey-off-the-shoulder-gown-332748#colcode=33274808

Comefromaway · 28/03/2025 10:13

And on a real person. I had to have it shortened

Help me find a stunning, head turning dress!