Dress for a birthday meal

[24kPalamino]

I have a summer birthday. I’ll be in The Keys and going to a lovey beachside restaurant.
I’ve seen this dress and I really like it, but my friend has put me off a bit saying it looks a bit cheap.
This is an AI picture, because I wanted to see how the dress would look against my colouring. The original model was blonde. The dress however looks like this.
Thoughts welcome and appreciated.

I don't think it necessarily looks cheap, but what fabric it is and how well it is made will affect that.

It’s 35% cotton and 65% polyester. It is not cheap to buy. It’s not stupid expensive either. A little over $100 so about £80.

Just to add, my friend hasn’t seen it in person, so she’s judging from the picture too.

So it's this one?

https://www.shopamericanthreads.com/products/ayah-open-back-maxi-dress?variant=52715059315051

Before I knew that, I did think the print was really dated, in combination with the shape. It's mostly polyester, & I think the back details are also not great & add to the dated feel.

But it's just not my thing, & I'm guessing your taste is fairly conventional - so if you like it, why not order it & try it on?

If you want something light & strappy, this sort of thing looks a lot more modern IMO & would be good with your colouring. It may be too ordinary (not seen this in person either!), but something of a similar vibe?

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-strappy-v-neck-maxi-beach-dress/p/clp60774592

There's a lovely dress in the Me and Em sale with similar colours but better fabric (silk) and style.

https://www.meandem.com/shadow-paradise-print-halterneck-midi-dress-buttercream-lilac-multi?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP

Yes that’s it. From American Threads.
It’s the colour that attracted me. I felt it was very sunset in Key West type of vibes. The back is actually very pretty. I tried it on and it fits nicely. I am darker than the model in the AT advert and it looks different against more olive skin. I sent friend a pic and she said cheap. She thinks I should go with a gold dress from Phase eight, but whilst I like the gold on, I look like I’m going to the Oscars, not a sunset meal by the ocean.

I actually do like that a lot. I might go and try it on if I can find it in store.

It’s very very pretty! but pale pink looks dreadful on me. 😔

Not sure I like the sound of a gold Phase 8 dress either, tbh ...!!! And I'm guessing you want to feel glam but relaxed ... If you feel good in it then go for it? Can you ask another friend or two to come with you while you try it on again? As we can only judge by the photo too ...

I like the colours of this actually, which I think would be good on you. But appreciate that it's dearer (I always wait for the sales in Anthropologie as they're overpriced for the quality).

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/by-anthropologie-olive-lace-trim-satin-slip-dress

That’s a shame. The red dress is not in stock online or in stores near me.

I don’t mind spending a bit more. I’d possibly go up to £250. I’m a bit cautious of anything satiny and block coloured as Florida evenings can be hot and sweaty in August 😳 I’d worry about sweat marks.

Definitely would prefer light weight and you’re right, the Phase Eight dress is heavy.

Sadly can’t try the AT dress on again as it’s in American and I’m back home. I’d have to order and I don’t fancy sending back to the US.

This Never Fully Dressed one perhaps? I like the little cut-out lace details - lovely with tanned skin ...!!

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su892361/g07663

@EleanorMc67 have literally found 1 of those M&S red dresses in stock about 40 miles from me. I’m going to see if husband will take me now to try it! Store shuts at 9pm so I have a bit of time! Wish me luck and thanks for the link.

Mitchum Ultimate ...!!!

Good luck!! And I'm glad you have an amenable husband!!

It is probably quite plain tbh as it's listed as a beach dress. But if it's light but not seethrough, & a good colour & shape on you, it can be bling-ed up with gold jewellery & sandals, even clashing with hot pink lipstick/accessories.

I think THIS Phase 8 dress might be more suitable than the gold one?

I know lots of people on MN slag off Phase 8 as frumpy/dated - which it can be. But it also sometimes throws up some really lovely things, like this dress. It's quite a mixed bag (ditto Karen Millen, LK Bennett, Hobbs - sometimes they have some really nice pieces). This looks more like Me & Em IMO.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/zelah-floral-dress-100085065016.html

Exactly my thoughts! And cool.

I actually wear a lot of Phase Eight. I’m quite long limbed and narrow, so I’m fortunate that their clothes don’t look frumpy. I actually like their dresses a lot. But with the quality fabrics comes quite a lot of weight, so I just can’t imagine myself being comfortable.

DH is just changing out of his work clothes and we’re leaving in 5.

Some of those dresses look like the model is ready for bed.

So you're dark-haired, olive-skinned, slim & long-limbed (lucky you - I still have the long limbs but menopause & ice cream have put paid to the slimness!!).

What height/size are you OP? Apologies if I've missed that info somewhere above! Don't want to post sale bargains that are only in a 4 or an 18 if you're neither.

Exactly ... 😁!!!

Silk/satin slip dresses, a la Kate Moss in the 90s, are very in. But I don't think they were ever really out. My version used to be an actual nightdress - albeit a cream bias-cut silk satin one from the 1930s, with beautiful embroidery all around the neckline & hem. I was very slim then & that style looked & felt great.

I like the original dress you posted, it looks nice.

Back from M&S…all the way there and not in stock 😢 the website is incorrect. We did some food shopping though, so at least got some yummy bits for dinner. (And some delicious chocolate muffins).

I should have said earlier, I’m a size 6-8 UK.
Thanks for looking for nice dresses. That red one was lovely. I might see if anyone is selling on vinted or something.

Oh how annoying!!! I should have said to you to phone first, as that's happened to me a few times ... At least the muffins mean it wasn't a totally wasted journey ... Can you save a notification for the M&S dress in case it comes back in?