Suggestions for attractive clothes wanted

I am an impulsive shopper Jonezone so I put in several bids up to a top limit on several things I quite liked on Ebay. It wasn't relevant to email the seller of each item.
There are as many different tastes, sizes and personalities as there are people.
I have had success in the past but maybe not for dresses. I have bought coats and jackets which don't need to fit so precisely.

A small addition to previous post re buying off eBay:

I always email the seller (ask seller a question) and ask whether the photos are true to colour, what is the chest width armpit to armpit and the length of the dress - in inches as I can’t be doing with metric. This is helpful in making the decision whether it is likely to fit or not.

I didn’t wear dresses for years as I had never found any that suited me. I am 5ft 6ins tall, weigh 10.7 stone and wear a size 14. I have big boobs and hips. Basically I look like a sack of spuds tied up in the middle wearing the majority of dresses.

That all changed when I started cruising and decided that I needed to buy dresses. I basically spent a whole day with a friend going around shops and trying on different styles until - joy of joys - I found ‘my’ style. I can look slim, smart and elegant in my style - a knee length, shift or tunic dress - straight up and down, scoop neck, no v-necks as they make the boobs look like they’re round my waist (a decent, well fitting bra is essential). Preferably a bit loose fitting or stretchy as tight is uncomfortable.

This has made such a difference and I now own lots of dresses, both casual and formal. I buy most of them off eBay - as I know what to go for - and pay silly amounts, such as £10 for gorgeous things from Wallis, Monsoon, Per Una, Debenhams Collection etc.

If you buy something inexpensive off eBay and it doesn’t fit or suit you it is easy to resell. I’ve often done this and even made a small profit!

Just persevere and you will find a style that suits you

Just bumping this as I just came back to look at many of the suggestion and thought others might find another look useful too.

Oh what a disappointment Grammaretto. ?

Also remembered “Mistral” online. They have shops too so are reliable and everything.
If you like Seasalt you will like Mistral as they are similar.

Alexa fake photo, I'm afraid. That was the seller's photo for her advert. It didn't look so orange there did it.
DH thinks I should wear it. (even though I looked like I'm stuffed into it) I suggested he wear it himself if he likes it so much.

When I shop for clothes, I take a bundle into the fitting room and sometimes get nothing. On-line is much harder . Surely everyone finds that?

Grammaretto, I like your white Dutch dresser.

I too have bought ebay clothes and most go straight to charity shop. They are not such good buys as my charity shop finds.

Well done, Dillyduck, I would also like to see a photo of the dress you made out of a duvet cover. I made skirts and dresses when I was a teenager using my Mum’s sewing machine and she used to help me when I first started. I wish I had bought my own sewing machine and carried on sewing.

I like Boden, WhiteStuff, Seasalt, Fat Face and Kettlewell. All use natural fabrics in great colours.

@dillyduck
Please post a photo of your duvet cover dress

My parcel arrived from Ebay. The red dress. It is orange and doesn't fit me.
Well at least it wasn't too expensive but I must remind myself NOT to buy unseen.
As soon as Oxfam opens, I will donate it.

I have enjoyed reading all the suggestions on here so thanks everyone.

I like Wallis and their sizes are very generous. I also like Principles, both have concessions in Debenhams and Wallis has a concession in Outfit but both are available online. Neither are too expensive and often have Special offers or discounts.

Cotton traders are brilliant for casual stuff, Roman's Originals is great for nicer, dressier clothes and Cornish Seasalt (I think that is right) looks lovely, but is a bit too pricey for me.

Thank you Thornsdale - very interesting.

I do hope the OP has got as much as I have out of this thread. It is like being back at work again and listening to varied opinions about companies I have never previously heard about. It does help you keep your eye in.

There was a thread about 'larger sizes' which suggested Box2 ... I'd never heard of them, so had a mooch on their site. I found the perfect 'fat cover up' and ordered it immediately! I hope I like it!

This time last year I bought 4 full length Kaftans from Tutenbankam. They are very good quality cotton. They arrive beautifully packaged.
Today, hottest day of the year I am wearing one and so glad to have it. They are smart enough to go out to eat in yet casual enough to wear lounging in the garden. They make you feel good and they don't cling. When they have a sale some are half price or thereabouts. They do lovely velvet ones for the winter too.

If you like clothes from ‘Poetry’ have a look at ‘Wrap’ their sister company.

With you there chrissyh. M &Co do clothes that are smart and well made. Their online store is very good and I think their stores have re-opened.
Casual wear or occasion wear are all catered for and lots of sizes.

M & Co. I cannot look at their website without buying something.

I have completely lost my waist, and taken on a barrel shape, so cannot buy anything fitted. To add to the problem I had a stroke at 49 and have little use of left hand and arm, meaning that I can't cope with zips and need someting that slips on. When I need something nice, for an occasion I buy dresses by Jaques Vert - they are very flattering. They can be expensive to buy full price, but outlet shops or outlet sellers on ebay are OK,. Also people buy them, wear them once for a wedding and sell them second-hand on ebay - a bargan!

Yes Gajahgran I've just found Thought in my favourite local boutique. I bought a gorgeous dress with printed scenes of Venice on - very 50s. I've bought a few pieces in Boden' s fantastic sale which seems to have run & run throughout lockdown. Whilst I quite like Joules & Crew, just about every woman I know wears them, in particular the Harbour tops so I don't want to look like I'm wearing a uniform! I bought a really pretty, longish floaty dress in white with pale blue flowers on. It cost me the princely sum of £17 from Primark just before lockdown & I've worn it so much. I saw a lovely picture if a friend in a stunning dress whuch she had also found in Primark so definitely worth a look if you feel ready for it. Mawbrun my daughter is a huge Shein fan &, like the earlier GN poster, has had some super clothes from them with no problems whatsoever.

Some lovely clothes on Roman Originals website not too expensive either some nice wraparound easy wear summer dresses When I put a bit of weight on I buy a size bigger & cut the labels off ! ?? Enjoy shopping !

For many years I have used. Ambrose Wilson (J.D. Williams). Also Damart, Bon Marche. Easy returns. Had some nice tops from Tu at Sainsburys lately.

Have you got an outlet centre near you? These are a very good source for some of the better makes of clothes, handbags. shoes and even cosmetics. My wardrobe is 90% Jaeger which I have worn for years but could never now afford their real prices. For anything I cannot find there I have a sewing machine.

Hush.UK has a 50% sale at the moment.