Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Another find me a dress thread!

9 replies

Ypsilanti · 21/04/2026 22:26

Hello stylish mumsnetters. A plea for help!

I need a dress to wear to a very formal garden party for work. I want to look like I’ve made an effort, but I absolutely do not suit florals or anything remotely fussy (frills, bold patterns etc). I suit plain colours and simple styles or asymmetric cuts, e.g COS. I can’t find anything that looks sufficiently ‘garden party’ - I feel it either looks like evening wear or stuff I might wear to a meeting.

I’m 5’4, size 10, athletic build. Small boobs, good arms and legs. No discernible waist. I’m good in heels but will be on grass so probably need flats/block heels. Got time to get the length altered if needed. Colouring is rapidly fading redhead with pasty skin to match. Bright blues and greens suit me. Oh and I’m 45.

Budget up to £200 for a dress, but prefer nearer £150.

Suggestions gratefully received!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
Woodfiresareamazing · 21/04/2026 22:58

I would look in Coast, and possibly Anthropologie.

msmillicentcat · 21/04/2026 23:06

What about something like these?

https://www.stories.com/en-gb/product/ruched-keyhole-neck-midi-dress-green-1329567002/

https://www.stories.com/en-gb/product/cotton-poplin-midi-dress-light-blue-1340051001/

Also Reiss has a few dresses that might fit your requirements.

Woodfiresareamazing · 21/04/2026 23:08

Had a quick look at Coast

Another find me a dress thread!
Another find me a dress thread!
Another find me a dress thread!
Woodfiresareamazing · 21/04/2026 23:21

Anthropologie...

Another find me a dress thread!
Another find me a dress thread!
Another find me a dress thread!
Another find me a dress thread!
Ypsilanti · 22/04/2026 07:32

Torchout · 21/04/2026 22:56

Ooh! This is lovely, but currently only available in an 8 and that’d be too small unless it runs large.

The Unfolded dress fits the brief perfectly, but it’s too long a lead time and just won’t suit me unfortunately. Reiss would normally be my go-to, but there are fewer options to suit my colouring and the one I like most (this) is out of stock.

I’m in the process of returning a couple of items from coast, but I’ll check out Anthropologie.

Thanks for your suggestions!

OP posts:
Ypsilanti · 22/04/2026 07:38

msmillicentcat · 21/04/2026 23:06

Also, I really love that second And Other Stories dress. I think it’s probably too casual for this event (even dressed up) but I might buy it as anyway.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread