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Formal dress for a singing soloist

28 replies

sopdress · 16/11/2025 20:21

My DD has her first solo singing recital in a couple of weeks and she needs a dress. She is away at the moment so I've offered to help her find something. I'm struggling a bit so I thought I'd ask the wise women of S&B to make suggestions.

It's a formal classical concert, given in a church. The dress expectation is full length evening wear, with covered shoulders and not too much flesh generally. DD is 5'10, a size 12, with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. She'd need something in a block colour probably and preferably something bright. She suits red for example. Budget is tight because she's a poor music student. But even ebay seems pricey! I'd say around £50 but could stretch to £100. Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
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Octavia64 · 16/11/2025 20:22

Try vinted.

monsoon used to do a lot of the right sort of thing.

prom dresses but very covered up is the vibe.

sopdress · 16/11/2025 20:27

Vinted is great value but so hard to search on.

OP posts:
mamagogo1 · 16/11/2025 21:03

My dd has bought her from places like Ever Pretty - check delivery times, I’ve ordered through Amazon mostly

Cyclingmummy1 · 16/11/2025 21:11

Do you have Boundary Outlet nearby? They are great for cheap formal stagewear.

NotMeNoNo · 16/11/2025 21:17

Soloists normally have full length or very nearly full length dresses, quite structured. I've seen some wear a matching tie on bolero to cover up a more revealing dress.
https://ebay.us/m/FVSi2d
https://ebay.us/m/IDXY7K
https://ebay.us/m/eYJ7Sc

Ideally to fit well and securely as she will be on view for the whole time, stand up and sit down smoothly and will not be able to fidget or adjust it.

She could also try a dress agency or eveningwear hire where she can try on.

Seventy9 · 16/11/2025 21:29

https://ebay.us/m/NjNb9c

https://ebay.us/m/l0MLQp

Couple more possibilities?

UnaOfStormhold · 16/11/2025 21:32

As a singer I'd advise avoiding corseted/tight styles as she will need room to breathe - empire line is great from that point of view. Stickimg to flat shoes can help to avoid throwing off posture and breathing, as well as making it easier to move smoothly and quietly around the stage. If she wants to wear heels she should definitely practice singing in them.

sopdress · 16/11/2025 21:42

Thanks all for the kind suggestions.

Yes it needs to be full length.

I don’t think cotton would work as it needs to look eveningy. The Roman dress is lovely otherwise.

Agreed re the shoe height - she’s quite conscious of her height in any case.

She’s had something from Ever Pretty before and shape wear was essential otherwise every contour of the belly button and underwear was visible! And agreed with PP, corsets and singing don’t go.

Definitely agree re the shrug option. Annoyingly a shrug I spotted on Vinted has been snapped up within minutes.

OP posts:
sopdress · 16/11/2025 21:53

@Seventy9 DD likes the pink one. TYSM!

OP posts:
MadameDeveria · 17/11/2025 10:43

Would this one work / not sure if the split at the front makes it inappropriate for a soloist

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su868814/v11652

edited to add in another dress

www.next.co.uk/style/su598273/f04460

Serenster · 17/11/2025 15:13

A long sleeved black mesh bodysuit (like in the link) worn under a sleeveless/low cut dress can be a good way of making a dress music-performance appropriate. Obviously works best with black, but you can probably find coloured ones too.

www.boohoo.com/product/boohoo-basic-mesh-long-sleeve-bodysuit_hzz05637?colour=black&size=16&srsltid=AfmBOopxgpEtOyLWNllJsrvOSpYqIsJwQ94AraMl5CcqYZ0ULivDP1iEVYI

EleanorMc67 · 18/11/2025 03:44

There's also a fab dark red sequin Whistles one on eBay - but over budget ... the navy one isn't though.

https://ebay.us/m/il8UoX

Formal dress for a singing soloist
Formal dress for a singing soloist
EleanorMc67 · 18/11/2025 03:45

Or this in taffeta on Vinted is lovely? Also whistles.

https://ebay.us/m/il8UoX

Formal dress for a singing soloist
FannyCann · 18/11/2025 03:53

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?
https://www.johnlewis.com/maya-deluxe-halterneck-embellished-sequin-maxi-dress/p112715278?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

This from John Lewis Black Friday deals. Bare arms though and looks slightly wide cut around the armhole, I’m not sure a shrug would work with the sequin bodice.

Justputsomeyoghurtonit · 18/11/2025 09:02

Hi OP. My DD is also a singer and gets a large part of her performance wardrobe from charity shops.

Dresses that might look frumpy on a middle aged woman, look sensational on young music students who can jazz things up with amazing shoes, hair and youthful skin!

Maybe do a trawl, our local charity shops have evening dress rails in the run up to Xmas.