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Help me find a dress - but there's a catch

59 replies

Batteredcodmushypeasandafalafal · 13/04/2025 13:11

Hello wonderful mumsnet. I'm looking for a dress for a dinner/dance coming up. I don't get the chance to get out very often, so don't have many decent dresses. This is a work meal and dance at a fancy hotel.

I would preferably like something with straps as I like my arms and shoulders, not high cut but not too low cut either. Size 10-12, but I'm in my 40s and have breastfed four kids so need to be able to wear a bra underneath to stop the sag! My legs are a nice shape, but I never tan and fake tan doesn't really work on me so the whiteness of my legs can be blinding but it also shows off all the crinkles and cellulite more. The joy! Mini or midi would be good for length.

I am neurodivergent and have quite a few sensory issues, so material can be an issues, I can't do velvet, satin, silk, chiffon, wool, anything scratchy, anything too heavy. I also can't manage glitter/sequins/beads etc. Soft lace is ok though.

I like black, red, purple, turquiose/teal, yellow. I have a goth/punk/alternative style normally, but it doesn't have to be for a fancy dress, but I wouldn't like floral or with lots of drapes (can't think of the right word), basically nothing too "busy."

If you've read this far it's a miracle. Now we get to the catch bit. I am very limited on funds, so am looking for something on vinted/ebay etc. I know this makes it more difficult. I have tried to look, but all the options and filters overwhelm me and I get disheartened. Hope someone can help. Thanks.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
27
IdLikeThingToSpiralIntoControl · 13/04/2025 13:23

Exactly how much is the budget? This is £25 new, and it’s soft jersey. It could be glammed up with jewellery.
https://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/p/yc976

Batteredcodmushypeasandafalafal · 13/04/2025 13:33

IdLikeThingToSpiralIntoControl · 13/04/2025 13:23

Exactly how much is the budget? This is £25 new, and it’s soft jersey. It could be glammed up with jewellery.
https://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/p/yc976

Thank you, I could stretch to £20 including postage I think. But the neckline on that is a bit high, I can't cope with things up near my throat unfortunately.

OP posts:
xmasdealhunter · 13/04/2025 13:38

Black V Neck Frill Sleeve Tiered Midi Dress | Women | George at ASDA - could easily be dressed up with a bag, jewellery and shoes- 100% cotton. The rust colour is nice too!

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 13/04/2025 15:17

IdLikeThingToSpiralIntoControl · 13/04/2025 13:23

Exactly how much is the budget? This is £25 new, and it’s soft jersey. It could be glammed up with jewellery.
https://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/p/yc976

Well done you.That's a nice dress. I gave up.

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 13/04/2025 15:18

xmasdealhunter · 13/04/2025 13:38

Black V Neck Frill Sleeve Tiered Midi Dress | Women | George at ASDA - could easily be dressed up with a bag, jewellery and shoes- 100% cotton. The rust colour is nice too!

Well done you too.

Twinstudy · 13/04/2025 17:22

Pinkywoo · 13/04/2025 15:35

This is lovely (off to search for one in my size!)

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/6139530648-disturbia-wrap-dress

I was going to suggest looking for a disturbia dress on vinted and this is lovely!

MissyPants · 13/04/2025 17:23

Defo try vinted

Gundogday · 13/04/2025 17:28

Have you looked at the Next clearance site online (link - top right hand side). If you get it delivered to store, you don’t have to pay postage.

A few ideas below (I just pressed on ‘dress’, selected size 12, and did a search low-high on price).

Help me find a dress - but there's a catch
Help me find a dress - but there's a catch
Help me find a dress - but there's a catch
Help me find a dress - but there's a catch
Help me find a dress - but there's a catch
Gundogday · 13/04/2025 17:30

That’s lovely!

Motheroffive999 · 13/04/2025 18:32

On vinted look up phase eight, next and Wallis , I found several beautiful outfits for around £30 each

beetr00 · 13/04/2025 18:56

This is pretty @Batteredcodmushypeasandafalafal

or this?

anon2022anon · 13/04/2025 19:02

Can you show us a dress that you do like (whatever price it is) so we can have an idea of your style?

GarlicSmile · 13/04/2025 19:10

FFS, it keeps losing my link!

GarlicSmile · 13/04/2025 19:12

While looking at the red dress @lifemakeover found, I saw this red lace dress.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/5816222366-red-lace-dress

The black lace one she found is great, though! Very sophisticated, cheap as chips and the bra's built-in.

Red Lace Dress

New with tags, Marks & Spencer, size 12

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/5816222366-red-lace-dress

Rightbackinit · 13/04/2025 19:16

Ignore me, I didn't read through closely enough!

Ineffable23 · 13/04/2025 19:17

What about:

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/4845309859-lovely-tulip-dress

Or similar?

The brand has a very varied selection including some e.g. with sugar skulls/dark checks/comic book prints, as well as lots of ditsy prints.

Lovely tulip dress

Lovely tulip dress. Worn a couple of times, with a net petticoat. In very good condition.back zip.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/4845309859-lovely-tulip-dress

Rightbackinit · 13/04/2025 19:26

This fits your requirements. More green than turquoise. A good bargain given the prices of the dresses on the Ro&Zo website.

New with tags Ro&Zo

Green cinched Ro&Zo dress

Asymmetrical neckline with cinching at the waist, new with tags

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/6141755926-green-cinched-rozo-dress?referrer=catalog

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