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Another dress one, but not too dressy

9 replies

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 05/04/2025 12:16

We are having our 25th wedding anniversary party in a local Mediterranean restaurant at the end of the month. "Local" is rural and not especially fancy or affluent. The dress I'd normally wear for such an evening out is looking a bit tired and I would like a new outfit.

I generally dress casually, work on construction sites, do outdoor sports... so my style is informal at best.

Size 16, big boobs
54
Blonde hair/blue eyes
5'8"
Long back, short legs - crop tops, low waists, empire lines, tailored waists always sit in the wrong place.
Hefty thighs and calves - skinny trousers look ridiculous.
Post menopausal sweaty women prone to psoriasis, so I prefer natural fibres!
Hate florals, love a good geometric pattern.

Not sure if I'd rather wear a dress or top and trousers. I would almost undoubtedly wear with Adidas Gazelle or similar trainers.

Thank you x

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 05/04/2025 12:25

Actually, that's not bad. I think that tailored bit in the middle might desire a bit too high on me though. I like all the colour options.

OP posts:
BlossomBlossomBlossom · 06/04/2025 06:46

I can’t choose for you but I wonder if you might like something from here:

https://www.justinetabak.co.uk/

You don’t give a budget so no idea if this is outside your price range - but everything is beautifully made and would last for years. Blouse and trousers? Or a dress?

Justine Tabak | Luxury Womenswear | Made in England

A vintage inspired collection of dresses. Made with Liberty Fabric, warm, cosy corduroy, bespoke Irish Linen and fresh cotton. Modern, practical, joyful clothes for everyday. Justine Tabak, Unit 108 Mare Street Studios, 203-213 Mare Street, London, E8...

https://www.justinetabak.co.uk/

BlossomBlossomBlossom · 06/04/2025 06:55

Alternatively, and slightly cheaper, you could take a look at:

https://kemitelford.com/

Again, natural fabrics, easy clothes that can be incorporated into one’s wardrobe and worn again and again.

Kemi Telford

Kemi Telford creates bold, thoughtfully crafted fashion clothing that makes women feel seen. Designed in limited numbers, our pieces celebrate individuality and confidence. Discover distinctive fashion rooted in heritage, quality, and joy. Shop thought...

https://kemitelford.com/

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 06/04/2025 09:43

Hello, sorry, I'm fighting a bug and I went to be very early yesterday.

The dress from Yours, I don't like at all. It strikes me as a bit dull and worky.

I do like Justiin Tabak though!! Far more up my street! I've also been looking at Kate Barton whose clothes are similar.

I had looked at Kemi Telford...but I'm not sure that it like the prints. They don't grab me.

Budget - probably £100, but happy to stretch for the right thing.

I'm still undecided on top/bottom or dress. If only we still had a local (ish) John Lewis!

OP posts:
BlossomBlossomBlossom · 06/04/2025 09:52

Glad you’ve see something you like. Not sure if you shop often, (you did say you had one dress you’d usually wear) but if you want something both well designed and in a decent natural fabric, £100 really isn’t going to do it these days. Not saying you can’t find an attractive dress for that - but the quality will not be the best. So if you can double your budget (or more) you’re more likely to find something satisfyingly long lasting with a generous amount of fabric.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 06/04/2025 10:15

I don't shop for dresses often. My hard-working dress came from Whistles' sake about 3 years ago and has been to a couple of weddings, a few restaurants, theatre trips, flower shows... My lifestyle isn't very dressy. I have some excellent walking and outdoor kit though 😀

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 06/04/2025 10:20

I do like this though Sugarhill Brighton.

OP posts:
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