Please help me find a dress!

[ThatMorningCoffeeBrewedItForYa]

I have a wedding to attend this Month, it's a formal affair, dress code is black tie & summer formal.

I am 5'4 for reference and a size 8. I've attached a picture as my waist is quite 'square' and some dresses can make be look a bit blocky.
i would like to wear heels and was thinking of wearing a block heal.

budget £200, would like to buy something I'll wear again. I haven't managed to find anything I like yet, I like pastel colours over block dark colours, modest but something I feel confident in.
I have blonde hair if that makes any difference.
im 30, so dont want anything too frumpy.
if anyone has any suggestions please let me know, thank you!

Ah I think the image is under review

Hopeful bump!

SilkFred and Sosander have good summer forms dresses?
I don’t think you look blocky! To be honest I don’t think anything beats going and trying on - pick things off the rails you wouldn’t usually try and you might be surprised! I’ve also had great success asking assistants for advice and buying things I wouldn’t have and ending up feeling a million dollars. They can also advise on shoes and belts etc. good luck!

I’m a huge fan of the Love and Roses brand in Next. If the dress code is summer formal, they have some gorgeous maxi dresses. I’m only 5’3” and avoided maxi dresses for ages as I thought I was too short but love them now.

I second Love & Roses, beautiful quality for a really decent price, true to size too!

Wow with that figure everything will look nice!

I agree nothing beats trying it on but I'm quite for away from major town centres and am running out of time (I leave everything so late)

ill have a look at silk fred, thank you!

Thank you! Never heard of these so will have a look

Thank you, that's so nice of you to say ❤️

I’d look at sites that stock various brands. ASOS, and Wolf and Badger are two of my go-to sites. Agree with the sites already mentioned too. There’s also The Outnet for higher end - just put in a price limit and see what comes up. You’ll look great!

https://www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/bodycon-dresses/honor-gold/ezrah-royal-blue-off-shoulder-slash-one-shoulder-wrap-midi-dress

https://www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/maxi-dresses/giade-clothing/auriga-olive-green-maxi-dress

https://www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/day-dresses/monrelle-1/green-circular-callie-skater-dress

https://www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/long-sleeve-dresses/cy-boutique/floral-lace-long-blouseon-sleeves-design-dress-in-orange

ive nailed it down to these few, does anyone like any of these?

Not keen on the skater dress print, but the others are all lovely op. Order them all and see what works best when on.

I think I'm leaning towards this, I love the shape! With maybe chunky gold belt, some gold wedges and a small bag.

Ah, they have it in other colours / prints but they're all very loud to look at!

Just had a look - some great prints there op. Lovely shape.

I love the shape of these but think the louder flower prints are perfect for a summer wedding or any summery occasion. They’re polyester though so I’d worry if they’d be a bit sweaty if it’s a warm day.

Black tie is quite formal & Im not sure the skater dress fits the bill.

The black tie is for men, summer formal for women. None of the guests are wearing cocktail dresses so it's a bit muddled but I think it should be ok :)

I know women aren't meant to wear a tux! 😆

Do you think the satin green dress is a better option?

ive never been to a summer formal wedding so perhaps im a bit out of touch

I think the puffy sleeves might make it a bit twee and I think it’s more garden party or lunch out than wedding.

I like the simple blue bodycon dress though.

@ThatMorningCoffeeBrewedItForYa the olive green dress? I think the style is better but not sure of that shade with blonde

Is the wedding service in a church. Don't think backless dress would work for that without cover up.

I am also looking for a dress for a wedding and seem to be really struggling for some reason. I am about 5 foot 3 and loads of dresses are too long and look stupid on me. The wedding I am going to is a similar theme as well.

I’d go for the blue bodycon dress - looks stunning and perfect for a formal wedding. The green is okay but won’t show off your figure.

Definitely not 3 or 4 - too casual.