Where to buy occasion wear/ black tie for a cruise

[BG2015]

Going on my first cruise in August and want a nice evening type dress but now that Wallis, Coast, Debenhams etc are all online it means I have to order multiple styles and sizes instead of trying on in store.

I want something under £100 ideally but would stretch for the perfect dress and I'd like to be able to wear it again.

We live close to Manchester so could travel in to try on. Anyone suggest anywhere please. I've attached the sort of thing I'm after.

Do Phase Eight have anything suitable? They have a store in Manchester.

https://www.phase-eight.com/clothing/dresses/maxi/?imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=60&isSecondPage=false

I found something from there but it was too expensive. I could look a bit more.

I've seen some posters mention Roman Originals.

They seem to be well priced and I think that there are stores in or near Manchester.

https://www.roman.co.uk/dresses/occasion-dresses?filter=true&sortby=pricehigh

We have a Roman store near to us but I've always found them a bit mumsy. I'll take a look on the website.

Charity shops, especially in posh areas
John Lewis
Vinted

John Lewis stocks the Adrianna Papell range;some of those would probably be suitable.

https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/women/womens-dresses/adrianna-papell/_/N-flwZ1z13u5h?chunk=8&sortBy=priceHigh

Roman is very hit and miss.however they have some gems.
If i were you id order everything at the same time so you can try it all on and do your returns in store at once.

look at Vinted. There are so many occasion dresses that go for pennies. I sold all of my expensive wedding outfits for £10-50 each. If you’re looking for things you’ll only wear once or twice, it’s the cheapest and most sustainable way of doing it. If they don’t fit, sell it back. You can ask for measurements.

Ive looked on Vinted and although I do buy and sell on there a lot I just feel like I won't find what I want and end up re-selling it all.

Chesire Oaks is a bit further up the motorway so I think I may venture up there.

We are also going on a cruise in Aug! I have got two dresses from Oasis (although bought via Debenhams) which are decent quality, one from Double Second which I have never bought from before but its not too bad quality although needs taking in a bit and surprisingly one from New look. I have sucked up buying online to be honest though.
For instore you could try John Lewis or Next usually have occasion type dresses to try on at this time of year.

Klass.co.uk

Roman often have some gems
John Lewis for various price brackets
Phase Eight - worth seeing if they have an outlet store nearby

Having said that, some of my favourite cruise black tie dresses were picked up in H&M. I got one there as a last resort after a fruitless day in Bluewater but which has turned out to be the first one that goes in the case.