Where to shop for a quirky summer formal dress in the UK?

[Bratopera]

Could anyone recommend a dress or a place to start shopping for a quirky dress for a formal setting in the summer?
I’m going somewhere where there is not a dress code as such but people like to have fun with what they wear.
I feel like I’m missing something with my Google searches and I’m just not looking in the right place.

https://uk.stinegoya.com/products/ruffling-voluminous-dress-dress-end-of-summer-garden?variant=53037439418711&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22681332452&gbraid=0AAAAAogLjefnG7gsJ_tWwSy9e2qpWBp5w

2 options

Ulla Johnson, Celia B, Essentiel Antwerp, La Double J, RIXO…

I love Metamorphoza. Less ruffles but more structure. Cotton, well made and good value Blue dress

• Rixo
• Reformation
• Rouje
• Realisation

Kevan Jon

https://www.kevanjon.com/collections/spring-2026/

Essentiel Antwerp
Stella Nova

https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoqELQfnnCqTHCPSPl_IN4LTM3KWqLJWwYQ78Kl-bocPNg_XAO_a

My first thought was Pretty Kitty for a retro look, but as I’ve read all the posts, maybe not the vibe you’re looking for.

Maybe Kemi Telford is more your look?

https://kemitelford.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqM9yz1njTlShMbO_VaSM_f53o5LSFWlO3eBtOxPiExycB3Mo1i

Wolf and Badger.

I was invited to a trendy wedding recently and wanted to wear something a bit cool. Found a great formal jumpsuit.

Ruffled & voluminous - but orange, which may not be your colour?

https://www.debenhams.com/product/cy-oversized-puff-sleeves-ruffle-hem-design-maxi-dress-in-orange_p-fbd8355a-894d-475e-a223-4ff3e98f4d40

If you love that, & dusky pink, I wonder if you'd like some of the more voluminous frocks by Bernadette? Still lots over budget though - but cheap compared to the Cecilie Bahnsen one!!! Bernadette dresses pop up on eBay/Vinted/Vestiaire quite a bit though, if you'd consider second-hand?

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/bernadette/clothing/mini-dresses/george-gathered-taffeta-mini-dress/46376663162917256

Don't know what size you are, but you could find unusual structured/voluminous options aplenty if you look at vintage dresses? Such as:

https://ebay.us/m/le0qWF

Or this?

https://ebay.us/m/20aTuH

They do tend to be on the small side though ...

https://ebay.us/m/12e3Di

https://ebay.us/m/4S1y3D

No one should still be recommending that place (not actually a shop in any real sense) beginning with Deb……

Have you not seen the number of scammed, disappointed and frustrated customers?

Thanks everyone I’m looking through all of these. Some great new places I didn’t know about.

https://tallulahandhope.com/products/dorothy-wrap-double-georgette-copal-print

https://tallulahandhope.com/products/tessa-jumpsuit-royal-satin-crepe-jet-embroidered

https://tallulahandhope.com/products/jodie-long-sleeve-bemberg-wrap-jumpsuit-bemberg-smoke-embroidered

For quirky, would a vintage dress found by searching for ‘ruffles’ and favourite colour options, best cover this brief? So being patient but very specific on Vinted, as you have plenty of time to trawl it through.

Must say, your event sounds fun, @Bratopera. And your username has piqued my curiosity.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/saloni/dresses/maxi-dresses/vida-ruffled-printed-silk-georgette-maxi-dress/1647597332003252

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/ulla-johnson/dresses/mini-dresses/gwen-printed-ruched-taffeta-mini-dress/1647597327172381

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/ahluwalia/dresses/mini-dresses/jade-two-tone-ruched-satin-jacquard-mini-dress/1647597321585523

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/rixo/dresses/mini-dresses/camile-ruffled-printed-cotton-and-linen-blend-voile-mini-dress/1647597327481659

Good picks!!