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

[Batteredcodmushypeasandafalafal]

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.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/6140900529-desigual-dress-m

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/6053290583-ladies-desigual-dress-medium

How about Desigual? They're a bit quirky/ funky and usually very soft fabric. May be too casual depending on the venue and how much you can dress it up!

Love the second Desigual one! Thank you.

I hope it's you that has bought it @Batteredcodmushypeasandafalafal 🤞 That's the problem sharing great Vinted finds on here, anyone else can snap them up too!

Have you tried Fever London or Collectif? Lots of mostly cotton swing dresses in a mix of fabrics and necklines for around the £10 mark. Here's an example of one of the jazzier ones.
www.vinted.co.uk/items/5954169463-black-and-gold-cocktail-dress-in-a-size-10-by-fever-london?referrer=catalog

Have you tried https://www.disturbia.co.uk/collections/womens-sale

some of the patterns and materials won’t suit but you may find something in the sale that suits whilst still being a little alternative

It was!! Sorry I haven't updated, it's been a difficult couple of days. I got the second one you suggested and also this red dress too.

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions.

That Desigual dress is lovely! Well done @AltitudeCheck. Have a wonderful time, @Batteredcodmushypeasandafalafal. This was a great thread.

Thank you xx