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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
TokyoSushi · 28/03/2025 10:26

Just get this one, it's glorious!

minipie · 28/03/2025 10:26

I would definitely go for something like the one @ppaaWWss posted.

this is similar for rather less

Lots of contenders here at Reformation

Personally if I were you I’d go backless and take advantage of the fact you don’t need a bra

Reiss Satin Cape Maxi Dress in Green - REISS

Shop for Reiss Satin Cape Maxi Dress in Green online at REISS

https://www.reiss.com/style/su623299/f61558

MulberryPeony · 28/03/2025 11:14

Comefromaway · 28/03/2025 10:13

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

How easy was it to shorten please?

theressomanytinafeysicouldbe · 28/03/2025 11:14

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/house-of-cbmilena-sleeveless-stretch-crepe-maxi-dress_R04057515/?previewSize=10/12&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkZm_BhDrARIsAAEbX1H26p9oNm3T_hsUBNPQsZA2hG1-OQcoTPyNQgP1NQ72TJP5cOhb6f0aAoZ8EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#colour=FOREST

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/alex-perry-scarf-detail-open-back-jersey-gown-blue-p00887882?dplink=true&utm_source=sea_pla&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=google_sea&chn=sea_shopping&src=google&cmp=22286789689&tarea=gb&tar=&ag=&ptyp=&feed_num=P00887882-5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkZm_BhDrARIsAAEbX1H1rMz9onEk2CgF7n12mG5iT3pk6J1bXZUuDWOZZwj3vltoa03LHnoaAsMEEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Pw-lnu6usnE7BrKb2sqVBQeqKB&gad_source=4

https://prettylavish.co.uk/products/nova-maxi-dress-lemon-and-beige-floral?variant=41507963437149&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOooETlXt5udNKw9PjgzT2XjiZRO9wX1mLEK1_7aDkUEiDdP6FqWduD0

Crystal Applique Woven Maxi Rosette Maxi Dress | Karen Millen

Embrace a romantic mood in this gleaming maxi dress. Floral applique details add a feminine touch, while crystal embellishments exude glamour. A rose corsage detail elevates these eveningwear piece to high-fashion status. Style this captivating dress w...

https://www.karenmillen.com/crystal-applique-woven-maxi-rosette-maxi-dress/BKK13094-152-20.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkZm_BhDrARIsAAEbX1Gt2YwIilH_WyNjhxPba3xWL81BpRZLAsduzBVmrMvnCoSkeLzHKBEaAn9XEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Comefromaway · 28/03/2025 11:28

MulberryPeony · 28/03/2025 11:14

How easy was it to shorten please?

I needed it done quickly so I took it to a local place and I do have to say they did very untidy stitching and the wrong colour cotton but I know that if I had taken it to my normal place at Cheshire Oaks it would have been a simple job.

minipie · 28/03/2025 11:33

Just remembered you said hot to very hot weather.

Be careful of satin - it shows sweat terribly.

greylamp · 28/03/2025 12:16

www.next.co.uk/style/su494811/au1942

feelinghopeless2025 · 28/03/2025 12:51

This is the nicest one on this thread by miles.

That Loretta Caponi one is... interesting

Sidebeforeself · 28/03/2025 12:58

They don’t cater for us fat birds do they?! (Meaning I’m fat not you!)

hookeywole · 28/03/2025 13:15

Just remembered you said hot to very hot weather.

Be careful of satin - it shows sweat terribly.

Yes, there are some gorgeous dresses like the Galvin one but satin in hot weather can be dodgy, I learned that the hard way!

zaxxon · 28/03/2025 13:17

You look fantastic in that dress @Comefromaway

Comefromaway · 28/03/2025 13:32

Thank you so much. I've lost a stone in weight over the last 2 years and I was so pleased that Ihad to size down to a Size 10. But it's also very flattering over the meno tummy area.

SonK · 28/03/2025 13:43

Hemlocked · 28/03/2025 08:55

I think this is stunning.

Yes, this is beautiful

Jimmyneutronsforehead · 28/03/2025 13:56

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/

Perky Pears boob tape! Go braless and get this one

JustBec · 28/03/2025 14:15

No dress suggestions but with regards to bras, have a look at Boomba stick on bras. They’re not like the usual ones and are very uplifting (if you want; here are various options). I’ve worn them and they stayed put through a night of dancing. Boomba inserts
They would open up a lot more dress options.

BOOMBA Inserts

These double-sided adhesive inserts instantly lift and add up to 2 cup sizes in seconds and are guaranteed to stay in place all day. No buckles, no straps! They are safe to use in water.

https://getboomba.uk/collections/boomba-inserts

GarlicStyle · 28/03/2025 15:06

Love this forum 😂
Request: Long/maxi, fitted all the way to the thigh.
Replies: Dresses with gathered bodices, gathered waistlines, and a micro-mini.

I like that blue one, @NeverTalksToStrangers2! Meets the brief and is unusual.

TheSquareMile · 28/03/2025 15:13

@Violettaaa

Could something like this work for you, OP?

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/roberto-cavalli-halterneck-rose-print-silk-maxi-dress_R04385465/#colour=ROSSO

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 28/03/2025 15:26

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)

I still think it’s stunning and would like to you buy it and wear it so I can live vicariously through you as I could never afford it and I don’t have anywhere to go that requires a long dress 😂.