Too old for frills?

The John Lewis website has a great filtering system.
Colour, sleeve length, shape , neckline , price etc etc from £ to ££££

Seasalt?

Have a look at QVC (online/TV)

Bonmarche are online Diggingdoris.

I’m a fan of Roman, not too pricy and they do petite sizes.

www.roman.co.uk/petite/petite-dresses

It never held back the late Queen Mother, fur, frills and feathers and sometimes all together, right to the end.

Wallis has some lovely unfrilly dresses on sale but their delivery charge isn't low AND there's a returns charge. No thanks.

M0nica

It never held back the late Queen Mother, fur, frills and feathers and sometimes all together, right to the end.

Not sure that the Queen Mother is the style icon that GNers are mostly aspiring to emulate……

Maybe I should have said the late great Dame Edna!

Have a look at the finery website.

Many thanks for your comments. I will investigate.

Looking at the most attractive outfits at the coronation (discounting the bishops and Princess Anne) they were nearly all in flattering bright colours , plainly styled with toning hats, bags and shoes.
So why are the shops selling 'occasion wear' still full of droopy florals, frills and furbelows, passable on the young but doing nothing for the ageing?

eazybee

Looking at the most attractive outfits at the coronation (discounting the bishops and Princess Anne) they were nearly all in flattering bright colours , plainly styled with toning hats, bags and shoes.
So why are the shops selling 'occasion wear' still full of droopy florals, frills and furbelows, passable on the young but doing nothing for the ageing?

Exactly. I've been thinking this for months. They're way behind fashion of the moment.

I second Seasalt, their petite range should be just right for your height. My mum (aged 86) is a recent convert.

I’m 5’8” so can wear the longer frocks in the shops, except I really dislike the droopy frilly over complicated patterns everywhere. For a special occasion recently, I bought slim black trousers and a lovely shirt with a Sanderson type pattern, more white and not too many colours .
I like seasalt. John Lewis does have a decent range but far too many Laura Ashley type frocks.

I think it’s a chicken and egg situation, less older women wear everyday dresses now, so less are available. There is lots of choice for formal occasions, but unless it’s really hot weather, most people wear jeans or trousers with a top rather than dresses for everyday. Whitestuff is another possible option for simple dresses.

You are right not to want anything too long. I'm not particularly tall, but I find that wearing midi or maxi length makes me look shorter. It seems to drag the onlooker's eyes downwards. If you can find a way to do it, a waist length top is more flattering. (Note to self: standing straight with your head up also gives a much better impression.)

I am about the same size and have a tummy, so I find that with a shift dress on I look like a huge pillar.

I have never liked frills or patterns at any age, although some do look nice on some people.

What shoes will you be wearing with the dresses?

I like Seasalt. Their dresses are a good length for us shorter women and the cotton jersey dresses are so comfortable. white Stuff dresses are similar in style but probably more generously cut.
M&S and Sainsbury's Tu sometimes also have suitable dresses.

crew clothing?