I want to buy one "nice" dress - suggestions?

[Curlyfrizzball]

I am the sort of person who usually buys my clothes (well actually everything really) as cheaply as I possibly can - lots of eBay and charity shop buys etc. This is great and I have had some brilliant bargains, but means I also have a load of stuff which isn't exactly what I wanted, or fits ok, but not as well as it could.

My DH and I have agreed that for my birthday present I will buy myself a dress. I don't think I'll be able to justify (to myself) spending over £50, but I would like a nice dress that really fits well and is well cut etc. I have fairly simple tastes style-wise - don't have the courage to wear large patterns and really bright colours, much as I think both can look stunning on other people.

Ideally I would like something that could be dressed up or down for different occasions (especially since I don't have many occasions to properly dress up and I want to wear it!)

The trouble is that I don't know where to look as I'm so used to not buying that sort of thing - any suggestions? Online would be good and then I can send it back if it doesn't fit.

I am 36, size 12, pear-shaped, narrow shoulders which means spaghetti straps don't often work as they just fall off, preferred length would be just above the knee.

Rather long, sorry! Would love suggestions though.

[MoreThanWords]

A few of us bought one from House of Fraser the other day on Stealths recommendation that might fit the bill. There's a whole thread about it - hold on and I'll try and do a link.

[CharlotteBronteSaurus]

how tall are you?
most dresses on the high street seem to be cut quite short, so if you are 5'8" plus it's hard to find something knee length

Boden can be good in the sale. I am a similar size and shape to you and wear a 10L in their dresses - would something like this appeal?

[MoreThanWords]

this

[Curlyfrizzball]

I'm 5'4" so not too tall. I usually have more problem with the top fitting than length.

I like the House of Fraser one - never looked there before. Great price too!

I like the Boden one too, but that sort of neckline often comes up far too low on me. I will check out the rest of the sale though - I usually discount Boden as being way out if my price range!

[Curlyfrizzball]

Rubbish! The House of Fraser one is sold out in anything below size 14.

[NorkilyChallenged]

have a look at sale dresses from Fever London, just got a couple of lovely things there for £35 each

[NorkilyChallenged]

just looked through, tons of stuff still there in sale, depends what style you like (flared skirt or fitted etc). One of mine was quite patterned so not what you want but look at the Paltrow (though it's slightly below/on the knee)

[KatieScarlett2833]

I got one yesterday on the Isabella Oliver sale

[NorkilyChallenged]

Link to navy Paltrow (I got jade) but lots of other styles there too. nicely made, lined

http://www.feverdesigns.co.uk/paltrow-dress-navy.html

[Mumzy]

John Lewis always has milllions of great dresses on its website

[NorkilyChallenged]

sorry link fail

[blueshoes]

Banana Republic, Zara, Cos (if you go for that slightly space cadet style), Coast, Jigsaw, LK Bennett.

I have got good buys from Boden but probably return twice as many.

For versatility, stay away from print. Go for block colours which you can dress up or down with bold or colourful accessories.

Give us an example of a dress style you like.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I'd choose a plain jersey dress, wither black, grey or navy. Normally I'd recommend the White Company in the sale, but they have virtually nothing at the moment.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

This looks nice.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

So does this It's out of stock online but you might be able to get one irl.

[noddyholder]

I love that tulip one remus

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

It's very you! I've never ordered from Me&Em - have you?

[WetGrass]

I had a good experience going to a big department store 'personal shopper' - they brought me loads to try on - much quicker & easier than browsing.

[Curlyfrizzball]

I love the Tulip one too. Plain but just enough about it to be interesting, if that makes sense?!

Interested by the personal shopper idea - don't you need to have loads of money to spend to do that?

[noddyholder]

I never have but am just about to!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

:) Do report back.

[LadyMilfordHaven]

Lol at mums net obsession with fricking me and em.

I keep thinking of that catalog shop m and co

[LadyMilfordHaven]

It's become the new Eton mess. And colour and cut. And (for old timers) baby pasta

[LadyMilfordHaven]

Someone will recommend those gopping Vivienne of holloway prison things in. Min

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Oh be quiet, you old moaner. I was just trying to help the OP. As you know, I only buy from shops where I can go irl and have a real life person to shout at, if it turns out I'm not happy with something.