I have a love/hate relationship with dresses. I love them because they are a “one stop shop” . They are so easy to just slip on in the morning. Jewellery, handbag, shoes, make-up hair and you are ready to go. Howver these days I find suitable flattering dresses hard to find. My criteria are that they need to cover my knees and most of my arms.
I went on the hunt and found that this year is “the year of the dress”. Many brands are offering longer line dresses with sleeves. I love some of the new style midis.
The ones I am modelling in this post are both by MarksandSpencer. They are offering a good selection this season. The best ones sell out fast so you need to be quick. The navy constallation print dress (US link) I am wearing was apparently an internet wonder and sold out overnight. I checked back a couple of weeks later and it was back in stock. I thought I would find out what all the fuss was about so I ordered one. I was agreeably surprised the pleats on the skirt hang well and the cut works for my small waist, larger hips. The only criticism I might make is that the fluted sleeves are a bit voluminous. You could just cut them off if they are not to your taste.
I thought I would show you the red knot front dress (US link)) as well. I like the soft red. It is mid-toned, not too cool or too warm so will flatter most skin tones. I would recommend it for travelling as it rolls up into a ball and does not crease.
I prefered the navy constellation dress so the red was returned.
All photos taken by my very talented photographer Laura HInes. Do check out her Instagram
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Both dresses look nice on you! You have found some really good reds for you this season.
Both dresses are fabulous on you! So nice to see more offerings with sleeves too.
I like the purple floral from M&S! Very useful post, thank you...
Iook so good with boots ravther than uncomfortable heels.
Hi Lynne
I am wearing ankle boots with the blue dress. I think sometimes it is good to wear heels with a dress and the ones I am wearing are very comfortable.
I wear dresses most of the time but I like them just over the knee (mine are fat and ugly!) but no longer, unless I'm wearing boots. If you are petite like me, midi-dresses with shoes make your legs seem even shorter. I like the style of the red one but not the 'snaffle' print and I like the sleeves of the blue one although I think they would look better on a shift style dress.
Would never pay 100s of pounds for a dress, I like variety too much!
Hi Lynda
I might pay more money if the dress was classic and would last many years but not for an "on trend dress" as these two were. They were both reasonably priced.
Thanks for highlighting these lovely dresses. I loved the red color on you but did prefer the shape of the blue one. You look great in the photos - perfect haircut, makeup and a beautiful smile!
Thank you Rebecca
Hi Josephine ! You do look lovely in dresses. You look especially pretty in the blue dress. Do you celebrate thanksgiving this week? I live in the USA and ours is this Thursday. So if you are then Happy Thanksgiving to you. Have a nice day my friend.
Hi Debbie
Thanks for your comment. No, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK. I shall be ordering my turkey soon for our Christmas holidays.
Hi Josephine
Read your article and have invested in the purple midi dress from Marks. Would you recommend wearing tights or leggings?
As ever thanks for all your interesting posts.
Kind regards
Lynda
Hi Lynda
I wore black opaque tights with my M&S dress plus black ankle boots. You could wear leggings but they might be a bit thick with the material of the dress. Hope you like the dress as much as I do.