Dresses/ideas for dress shapes

[RedRosie]

Dress gurus of Mumsnet, can you help with dresses?

I'm 60 and a size 12, sometimes a 10. 5'5". I have a small chest, a smallish waist, but wider hips and a tum that's sticky outier than I'd like.

I like dresses that are longer than "midi", so hitting just above the ankle. I also like long (or at least three-quarter length) sleeves and plain colours (nothing floral). Nothing tent like, so some element of fitting.

For price, I'm happy to pay for something nice but can't find anything nice currently. I like Brora, Aspigia (occasionally), Ralph Lauren, and have a couple of plain Seasalt frocks from a couple of years ago but there's nothing currently.

Any ideas? It seems to be length that's the main issue. Maybe I should just buy from "tall" ranges?

Well, I can tell you (with some bitterness) that Gabriela Hearst dresses are apparently cut for giants. (I was sad because it was the last one in the sale, massively reduced and completely my style - but knitted, so not practical to have altered.)

And I’ve recently had to have about five inches taken off the hem of a Studio Nicholson dress.

It sounds as if we’re similar shapes, (and age) though I only reach 5’3 on a good day. I feel most myself in column dresses that skim the body, with long, very narrow sleeves, or none. Low calf to floor lengths are good. Rib knit or very cunningly shaped plain wool dresses work, but most are far too lumpen and saggy. I have some by Loulou de Saison, Co Collections and Zimmermann (the last in linen) that are perfect.

I’m often drawn to sort-of shirt dresses but they don’t look great on me. (Shoulders too broad.)

I still shudder at various Big Puffy Dress mistakes. Never again.

I wouldn’t be seen dead in a wrap dress.

But I’m much more likely to be found in a skirt and jumper and huge tweed coat, with knee high boots. Or a skirt and shirt with socks and loafers.

Thanks @ScoutOfTheSoftHeartsClub. I know exactly what you mean re shirt dresses! I have a black Ralph Lauren one (many panels, fitted, swishy) which looks beautiful on a model. It cost a bomb. I must gift it to someone because I can't wear it. I'll look at some of your brands, thank you. Do you have an example of the column shape you mean, preferably with sleeves?

It's a shame ... I'm at an age and stage in life where I have money to spend, but can't find anything!