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Help for dd DofE celebration award

30 replies

Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 20:40

Hello MN,

In a couple of weeks we are going to the palace for her award, been looking for dresses for 18yr old dd. Having had my feet walked off today we’re now looking on line.

She is looking for something summery, so perhaps some pattern, fitted, smart enough for the palace but can also be worn again too. She is very petite. Doesn’t seem keen on pastel colours.

Looking for an opinion on a dress she likes (I think it’s very pretty//suitable) she likes the white one but also to give an idea of style.

https://www.promgirl.com/products/velvi-vel-cali-dress

As well as opinions, also looking for a few more options. She suits quite strong colours too, greens, blues & reds. She has a lot of white dresses……

I don’t have a huge budget I’m afraid (up to about £100), have prom soon too which will set me back quite a bit more 🙂

Social media image

Cali Floral-Print Maxi Summer Party Dress

Shop floral-print maxi summer party dresses at PromGirl. See long print party dresses for semi formals and Cali tight maxi cruise dresses with floral prints.

https://www.promgirl.com/products/velvi-vel-cali-dress

OP posts:
mewkins · 26/04/2025 20:54

Hi OP, what a great achievement! I have no idea what sort of event the palace celebration is but the dress you've linked to is quite leggy! As well as being skimpy on top. Did you receive any guidance about dress code at all?

CarpetKnees · 26/04/2025 20:56

As it describes itself in the link - that is a 'party dress'.

I would suggest a dress slit up to the top of her thigh is not appropriate wear for a DofE presentation at the palace. Nor really are string straps without a jacket or cardigan.

Gundogday · 26/04/2025 21:06

I agree that the split leg dress is a little bit party-ish fir the palace.

Octavia64 · 26/04/2025 21:09

Not suitable.

i went to the palace for the presentation of my gold d of e.

it’s not the kind of event where slit legs and boobs hanging out is ok. Pick something more traditional and that covers more up.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 26/04/2025 21:26

Sorry but it’s awful.

Where does she usually shop?

hopeishere · 26/04/2025 21:33

Good DOE at Buckingham Palace and you can see photos of what is generally worn. Knee length dresses with sleeves and / or a jacket. No boobs or thigh splits. What about a jumpsuit?

Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 21:48

It was going to be teamed with a blazer. I wasn’t too sure whether the split had been posed.

Dress code says day dress. There seems to be a lot attending in mini dresses we were going midi/maxi. She is tiny no boobs hanging out 😂

Thank you @Gundogday I will look at these.

Any other suggestions, as opposed to criticism welcome x

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 26/04/2025 21:59

That’s why I asked where she shops, so we could try to make some suggestions.

Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 22:01

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie sorry I missed that.

Usually Berkshire, urban outfitters, H&M sometimes.

thank you

OP posts:
Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 22:04

Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 22:01

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie sorry I missed that.

Usually Berkshire, urban outfitters, H&M sometimes.

thank you

Bershka sorry auto correct 😂

OP posts:
Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 22:12

Just a couple of photos I’ve searched for examples. 🙂

Help for dd DofE celebration award
Help for dd DofE celebration award
OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 26/04/2025 22:12

Too muted? www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1263388001.html

Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 22:21

@Octavia64 I appreciate what your saying having attended.

I can’t afford another one off dress, boobs are not an issue & would be accessorised.

Do you have any suggestions? I am on a budget what did you wear?

I am short on shopping time looking for inspiration as opposed to rating the dress. It was to give an idea of style!

OP posts:
HonoriaBulstrode · 26/04/2025 22:24

Dress code says day dress. There seems to be a lot attending in mini dresses we were going midi/maxi.

Day dress usually means knee length, or just above or just below the knee. And not low cut at back or front.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 26/04/2025 22:26

Or look at All Saints for slip dresses, but would need something over it.

ScrummyDiva2 · 26/04/2025 22:37

https://www.bershka.com/gb/textured-printed-midi-dress-c0p183180461.html. This would be less revealing and not too expensive. Bear in mind there is no shelter and you will be in the garden all day- so be prepared for the weather!

Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 22:44

@hopeishere I/we also love the idea of a jumpsuit.

It was something I also suggested before shopping today which she also liked.

Would love any ideas .for these too x

OP posts:
Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 22:47

@HonoriaBulstrode.
Thank you, to be honest I’ve not been clear on what exactly this meant.

OP posts:
CarpetKnees · 26/04/2025 22:50

Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 21:48

It was going to be teamed with a blazer. I wasn’t too sure whether the split had been posed.

Dress code says day dress. There seems to be a lot attending in mini dresses we were going midi/maxi. She is tiny no boobs hanging out 😂

Thank you @Gundogday I will look at these.

Any other suggestions, as opposed to criticism welcome x

Any other suggestions, as opposed to criticism welcome

In fairness, in your OP, you said you were looking for opinions.
Looking for an opinion on a dress she likes (I think it’s very pretty//suitable) she likes the white one but also to give an idea of style

So people have done that. Shared their opinions that the dress you linked to really isn't suitable.
People who have been to these presentations.

So I don't think you can get shirty with people with experience of being there, then helping you and your daughter .

Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 23:00

CarpetKnees · 26/04/2025 22:50

Any other suggestions, as opposed to criticism welcome

In fairness, in your OP, you said you were looking for opinions.
Looking for an opinion on a dress she likes (I think it’s very pretty//suitable) she likes the white one but also to give an idea of style

So people have done that. Shared their opinions that the dress you linked to really isn't suitable.
People who have been to these presentations.

So I don't think you can get shirty with people with experience of being there, then helping you and your daughter .

I also said this “As well as opinions, also looking for a few more options.”

OP posts:
Userno1234567890 · 26/04/2025 23:17

@Userno1234567890
Im really not trying to be shirty. I thought that the picture would help.

On reflection I wanted suitable ideas, the dress was supposed to help give an idea of style & what dd liked.

I probably shouldn’t have asked for advice regarding the dress itself instead I should have asked for ideas based on style & no comment on dress.

I thought I had covered it in OP that we have 2 weeks to find something & our trip today was unsuccessful.

OP posts: