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Style & Beauty

Evening/Cocktail dress ideas

22 replies

LittlePandaBear · 10/02/2013 18:17

I'm looking for a short evening dress/cocktail dress is there a difference? and I'm being really fussy - I've looked on every website I can think of, and I can think of a lot, but can't find 'the one'.

It's for a work do in March and I have around £100 to spend.

Wish list:

  • Not too long as I'm only 5ft 2 (but will wear high heels Smile)
  • Not too short so that it looks tarty! Just above knee ideal.
  • Not frumpy looking subjective
  • Sleeveless is fine, but not strapless as will need a decent bra underneath
  • Not too high a neck, I have boobs!
  • Some embellishment would be nice, but not a full on glitterball!
  • Not black (everyone else wears black!)
  • Not nude/pale colours - I suit blues, purples, reds but also like silvers/golds.
  • Something that is cool, trendy, not the same Coast/Monsoon dress that everyone else will be wearing!

    I'm a size 10/12 pear, aged 31, brown hair, pale skin.

    I've looked at so many websites and probably bypassed lots of lovely dresses, so if anyone is up to the challenge then I would be very appeciative of your suggestions!

    Thanks
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MrsLettuce · 10/02/2013 18:59

[[http://www.reiss.com/eu/womens/reiss-sale/dresses/etta/emerald/ this too glittery]?

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MrsLettuce · 10/02/2013 18:59
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MrsLettuce · 10/02/2013 19:09
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Sleepwhenidie · 10/02/2013 19:21

What do you think of these, give us some idea of direction to go in...

red - I love this, great for dressing up/down too.

lace print may be a little too long on you though?

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Sleepwhenidie · 10/02/2013 19:24
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Sleepwhenidie · 10/02/2013 19:27
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minibmw2010 · 10/02/2013 19:32

Bravissimo / Pepperberry have some lovely cocktail dresses

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Sleepwhenidie · 10/02/2013 19:37

pink lovely but sold out in medium, large probably too big but..

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Sleepwhenidie · 10/02/2013 19:45

More bodycon

elegant and super flattering

love this halter neck

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Fluffycloudland77 · 10/02/2013 19:47

Celeb boutique? I've seen them on irl and they look very sexy.

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MrsLettuce · 10/02/2013 20:04

Wonderbra Ultimo is a wonderful strapless bra by the way. Is more than up to the job in hand.


this may or may not fit the brief. There is likely to be a lot of lace about though
this is probably too dull

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MrsLettuce · 10/02/2013 20:08

But, then, my feeling is that there's going to be a distinct lack of black at parties this year. Probably to do with the recession. ATM most people looking for an occasion dress that's NOT black.

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LittlePandaBear · 10/02/2013 20:48

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions! Okay here's my feedback:

Mrs Lettuce
Reiss one - not keen on the green and black combination, and maybe not fitted enough although I like the sparkes
Anthropologie - pretty but not very me somehow
Lipsy - I had found this myself and liked it but am worried it could be a bit 'young' for me? Definitely on my shortlist, and I don't think it's dull!

I would usually agree with you about the black being less popular, however most of my colleagues are quite conservative dressers and I'm pretty sure it will be black black black. I was in black myself at the same event last year!

Sleepwhenidle
Red dress - okay, don't love it
Warehouse lace print - love this dress, although it has a high neck! However think it's a bit more weddingy than evening do [fussy]
TNFC one - very pretty but I would spill something on it Grin
Kookai - neck a bit high and a bit plain
Pink Michael Kors - love the shape of this, but the sizing not right, also may not be the best colour for me
Twenty8Twelve - too plain
Warehouse white - too white Grin but nice shape
Halter neck - not keen on print


Minibmw and fluffy - good suggestions, I will look there too.

Thanks for your patience, and keep them coming Smile

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Sleepwhenidie · 10/02/2013 21:01

Ok, how about this? If you like the MK shape, VW definitely the way forward for you. Would you consider investing more or maybe a VW top with a simple pencil skirt or trousers or are you dead set on a dress?

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MrsLettuce · 10/02/2013 21:18

No way is the Lipsy one too young! It's pretty conservative but I rather like it. Would be fine for a good wide age range, say, 25 - 50? It's the tarty perma-tan model that throws it...

raspberry or pewter. Both lovely.
teal
not fitted enough?
sleeves??
classic little red dress
and another

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MrsLettuce · 10/02/2013 21:19

x post. VW is, of course, queen.

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LittlePandaBear · 10/02/2013 21:24

I do like that red VW too but don't love it enough to spend that much, even at 50% off! Would prefer a dress.

I have looked on Celeb boutique, and although most of the dresses are too tight and sexy for me, I really like this blue one and maybe this purple one or this red one with spanx!

What do you think?

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LittlePandaBear · 10/02/2013 21:47

Thanks again for the links! I had looked at Nordstrom too earlier today but got overwhelmed with the choice! My fave from your links is the silver embellished one, not sure if it would suit me but I like it.

I'll have a ponder and prob order some this week to try in real life.

Thanks again!

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Ihatemytoes · 11/02/2013 10:21

Love that blue one from celeb boutique! Buy it now!

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NanetteCarter · 11/02/2013 11:23

What about a nigella style dress?

www.revival-retro.com/stop-staring-billion-dollar-baby-dress-red

Over budget but a beautiful dress!

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NanetteCarter · 11/02/2013 11:40

Ooops, sorry! didn't look at your red link and it is very similar - I like your red one!

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LittlePandaBear · 11/02/2013 13:42

Oooh another link. Yes that red one is gorgeous but can't justify blowing the budget for it. I don't get enough occasions to get glammed up!

I now think that the blue celeb boutique one isn't quite right, it's gorgeous but not very eveningy and I think the event I'm going to is black tie, so don't think it fits.

Also not convinced on the purple or red ones from celeb boutique, maybe they're too tight.

I will keep you posted if I actually find something! Smile

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