Help me find a trendy party dress when I don’t like the current trends and am old enough to use the word trendy 😁

[Brens13]

I have a sports awards night coming up and need a new dress. I normally wear shorter skater style dresses but I think they’re trying to edge people more towards midi length in vain hopes of poshing it up! But to me it’s a bit of dinner before a party and so I don’t really want floor length gown or weddingy chintz.
I would like to be more current as I’ve fairly recently lost a lot of weight so would like to look good but I really don’t like all the high necks or sack shapes that get shared on here so often as they are more current apparently. Any length is fine as long as I can dance badly in it. I don’t like neutrals or white. I’m open to most other patterns, colours, sparkles. Bonus points for proper sunshine yellow, but that seems to be like finding a unicorn. Max budget £150.
I’ve just turned 40 (feel younger haha), am probably a size 12, size 10 in some places. Small boobs, bigger arse and thighs and a squishy tummy having lost the big weight quickly! I love trawling through all the S&B dress threads so I’m hoping all your clever more stylish people can help me too. Thank you!

To me those Silk Fred dresses are hopeless. The printed ones look like dishcloths, the plain is just droopy and kind of pointless. There are millions of better things available!

Share them then! I’m very open to new suggestions and am struggling to find the right thing.

Awflul link but lovely colour! https://www.karenmillen.com/jersey-crepe-asymmetric-neckline-maxi-dress/BKK13023-262-56.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAACo7BYeyGo7m9Pdd1QFvFcs4wDn&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0paDn-3HjAMVAZZQBh1xpg3zEA0YBCABEgLNLDBwE

That is gorgeous, thank you for sharing. I don’t know if I’d be a bit self conscious in something that tight around my tum and bum, probably just a hang up from being much fatter.

Good shapewear is my go to at all weights for dressing up. I feel too wobbly otherwise 🙈.

Yes I definitely might need to invest in some good massive pants!

Alternatively this silhouette? Not sure how tall you are, it would be almost knee length on me - models 5’9.

This would be incredibly easy to wear, dance in, and not worry about stains! I love the back and think it could be glammed up with accessories too

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-bubble-hem-midaxi-dress/p/clp60733128?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

This dress I love and it would look so classy. I’d wear with yellow heels

https://mintvelvet.com/products/camel-pleated-maxi-shirt-dress

Ooo yes that is lovely. I’m 5’5” so would be a little longer on me too. I’ll have a look on the app and see if they have it in stock at my local JL. Thank you

This would look amazing if you have great legs!

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/short-halter-godet-dress-p02858777.html?v1=437852658&v2=2420896

Yes i do like the back. Not sure if both of these have a bit too much volume for my tastes but you have reminded me to look at m&s thank you.

Haha I have ok legs from playing sport but I think I’d need to have the tan as well for my back to look that good! I do love the shape though.

This is a similar shape but longer. You’d still need the spray tan though 😂

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/lucia-dress/ecru#size-xs

Ooo I do love that! Thank you.

I also second renting. Girl Meet Dress or similar. Definitely within budget and no need to worry about having to wear it again to get your money's worth.

Are you happy to get your arms out? I buy everything second hand and love searching for them. This Maxmara dress in a 12 on eBay is lovely. It’s silk and has lovely embroidery on it.

And this one is gorgeous bright yellow and I love the design

And this warehouse one for £52

https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/products/copy-of-yellow-floral-print-cap-sleeve-crossover-top-50s-swing-bardot-dress?variant=15484301475889&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwktO_BhBrEiwAV70jXi0I3hGSXfUmaBXCRsHQDfkn3tkKpjZ7jVJ2MpmAq7hPNdJZi9nZeBoC6hQQAvD_BwE

@Brens13 Vinted is your friend here. I have about 4 of these in various patterns & colours that I wear to awards dinners & Events.
www.vinted.co.uk/items/6103031812-beautiful-per-una-summer-party-evening-dress

Love vinted, bought my last year’s dress on there but haven’t seen anything I love this year. Thank you for sharing but these aren’t really my style.

I'd go for the black lace dress or the red strappy one.

I love this

As an update I have ordered the yellow coast one that should hopefully come today, maybe tomorrow. Then if it’s not quite right I’ve still got 3 weeks to trawl through some more and maybe actually go to a shop! Thank you so much for all the suggestions so far, keep them coming. Apart from yellow, I think I’ve narrowed my more favourite colours down to red, royal blue, black and pink.