Dress needed for a summer party - it needs to say 'This is a woman in the prime of her life!' Please hit me with your ideas!

[BadSkiingMum]

I have a special summer event coming up (evening party) and would love something new to wear. I am tall, size 14, late forties, a bit overweight but working hard to tone up a bit! Eyes will be on me, so it needs to project a certain something!

I often go for something with a full skirt and this shape suits me - Hobbs, Pretty Dress Company etc - but I am quite open to something a bit different. Perhaps a bit like Farm Rio but toned down. I would be happy to spend £200 plus. More for something special. I am also happy to shop on Ebay.

I like bright, light colour, so really anything except black or lime green etc. Happy to wear either a dress or perhaps a really special skirt, as I have an ivory lace top that could work with something.

I am unlikely to have time to go for personal shopping between now and then, so any ideas are welcome. Thank you! :)

Get onto Vinted and look for designer stuff

What shape are you - do you have a good waist or are you busty? Have a look at Anthropologie as they are good for impactful summer stuff

A couple of suggestions:
Light Mint Green Floral Print Sleeveless 50s Summer Swing Dress – Pretty Kitty Fashion
Pink Floral Brea Midi Dress
Silver Cream Black 3D Floral Print Rockabilly 50s Swing Dress – Pretty Kitty Fashion

Bombshell frocks make a statement. I really liked them, sadly they went bust a while back but Katya has started again at https://katyawildman.com

They always stand out and were beautifully made.

Poetry has beautiful clothes

https://www.poetryfashion.co.uk/product-RK34-POEDS/colour-a-coral-petrol/dresses-skirts/printed-silk-sleeveless-dress.htm

Queens of Archive make dresses that look wonderful on a tall person. https://queensofarchive.com
i like Essentiel Antwerp too
https://www.essentiel-antwerp.com/uk/c/women/clothing/dresses

Not a dress, but a tailored waistcoat with matching trousers or skirt is a very current, and I think very chic, look. Lots of high street options.

Take your pick:

https://uk.realisationpar.com/shop/dresses/

Have you looked at Me+Em?
I’m tall and the cut suits me.

This is very pretty IRL and has pockets
https://www.meandem.com/cheesecloth-frill-full-length-dress-sherbet-lilac

Or this?
https://www.meandem.com/textured-stripe-halterneck-knit-maxi-dress-electric-lilac-multi

I would consider a glamorous kaftan with a headscarf

My bust is a D cup and quite well-defined. I have always had a nice slim ribcage, which is why a flared skirt suits me quite well.

Ah, my hair is a key feature. But I do quite like the idea of a kaftan.

Thank you, I like the style with the small sleeve. What is the quality like?

Those are gorgeous

I've always been really pleased with the quality, the ones I have look much more expensive than what I paid for them! They're British based and have free returns which is useful too.

Ro and Zo have some lovely dresses. I too am tall and find them unfailingly flattering.

I like monsoon for dresses. This one's especially beautiful I think
www.monsoon.co.uk/kara-floral-maxi-dress-ivory-10009090016.html

I have the pink tea dress from baukjen (courtesy of the John Lewis personal shopper) but this would look awesome on a tall woman with some good shoes www.baukjen.com/collections/shop/products/amelie-organic-cotton-tie-midi-dress-crimson-dahlia

I think this from Disturbia is really striking, and thinking about getting this in the dark red (also in sage green and black)
https://www.disturbia.co.uk/products/blythe-cotton-handkerchief-hem-midaxi-dress-burgundy

Zandra Rhodes did a great collection due Wallis if you can find them on Vinted or eBay if you fancy a kaftan type affair

If you like full skirts, check out Vivien of Holloway - 1950s style clothes, all made in the UK.

You’ll need to measure yourself as she uses vintage sizes (so ignore the sizes, go with measurements) but they are amazing quality and have a really good resale value too. The website is vivienofholloway.co.uk but there’s also a group on FB that has resale items - Official Vivien of Holloway Buy & Sell.

Good luck.

Zimmerman

Tove have a lovely dress called Ceres which has a gorgeous shape with that style of flared skirt. It’s pricy but absolutely gorgeous and the fabric is beautiful. It’s available in a few different colours.
https://tove-studio.com/products/ceres-organic-cotton-midi-dress-khaki

Haven’t bothered to read the full thread but it’s sounds like Me&Em would be a good please to start as a tall person.

A little above your price range but you may like to consider Kate Spade. I wear the makes you mentioned. I have had a couple of Kate Spade fitted shift style v neck top with a slightly flared ( with pleats not gathers) skirt. Extremely flattering and very comfortable to wear.

https://www.carraigdonn.com/products/long-sleeve-coral-print-alina-midi-dress. They deliver to UK