NO SACKS klaxon

No not a sack in sight.  Which, when doing a dress blog, I think is unheard of from me.  According to one of my very good friends anyway.  "I need dresses.  Not ones that you look great in, the ones you always pick - those sack dresses. I need ones with shape.  It's all about the waist."

Which is funny, as the day before I'd gone and bought a dress with a waist.  Ok so it was a dropped waist but she didn't specify where the waist had to be.... 

And I see her point.  Yes I am a fan of the "sack dress" although I prefer to refer to them in slightly more flattering terms such as a tunic, cocoon or shift dress (and yes I do appreciate there is a differentiation between them but essentially shapeless is what she's getting at...) 

However I have branched out and the success story from my shopping trip to London last week was definitely the new frock which I bought home with me.  New season from & Other Stories but I already wore it out last night. 

I adore this print - mountain scene with horses.  The Husband though... not so keen.  "It sort of reminds me of those wolf fleeces that mad bag ladies wear".  He is of course now dead to me. (even though if you squint, I grudgingly *sort* of see where he's coming from but I'm choosing to obviously ignore him - I still love it)

Gathered Cuff Dress in Printed £55

This one above works for me as it's drop waist.  So it gives shape but doesn't highlight my least flattering aspect which is my thickness of middle.  However there are lots of other options for shaped dresses which I've hunted out, specially for my wonderful friend.  Leaving all the sacks for me.

Starting with some classics and super super flattering options at All Saints where there is an extra 20% off sale prices with the code EXTRA20 (must have taken them ages to think that one up...) 

But these are a great great find.  These have the potential to be the most worn dresses in your wardrobe.  Totally machine washable at a bargain price.  Wear with sneakers and a blazer for the school run, perfect for work in the Summer, I'd wear to any smart occasion I can possibly think of with heels and they'd see you right through to the party season at Christmas. 

Helix Dress in Indigo was £98 now £49 (with another 20% off - utter bargain)


And in black 


Slightly more casual but I love this for throwing on in the Summer.  Wear into the Autumn with ankle boots and a blazer or long cardigan (this is something for me to explore... I've been digging into new season must haves.  My wish list has started, you have been warned.)

Chic striped Dress from Autograph £55




Again - this could be worn into the cooler Autumn months with a layer underneath - a shirt or longsleeved tee?  Treat it like a pinafore.

Flared hem drop waist £35 from Limited Edition at M&S



The ubiquitous "everyone should have one" denim dress.  I can't believe I still don't though.  

Denim Shirt Dress with staynew from M&S £45 This one does come in other lengths which is a refreshing change as so many are so short.  And I also love a drawstring waist. 





Classic jersey from Baukjen now - magic jersey in fact.  Manages to be flattering and close fitting without being clingy or muffin hugging.  All hail ruching.  You won't know how useful it is until you try it, I promise.

Owen Dress from Baukjen in grey melange was £85 now £63





If you are a fan of longer dresses then there is a very similar version in a midi length from Selected.  Ditto everything I said about - honestly you will be gobsmacked at the multitude of sins ruching can hide.

Selected Marlo Dress £65





Adore this 60s style shaped dress in a fabulously summery colour.  One for the seaside or the office - accessorise accordingly.

Bonner A line dress in Coral from Baukjen was £135 now £67



And the caviar black was £135 now £67



Staying with brights, this one from M&S is different.  I think different in a good way. I think it's very chic in a non M&S way...

Pleated Drop Waist Tunic Dress £45


More stripes at Topshop - yes, this is long sleeved but it IS the British Summer.....  Plus this will serve you well into the Autumn as well. 

Tie Striped Dress from Topshop £45 - they also do this in a tall and petite.



Another great option at River Island.  This would absolutely get my vote as I adore the print. 

River Island Geometric Print Dress £50



For me - it definitely works to have a waist you can adjust but one that is already partly shaped - a straight dress that you then belt doesn't work for my tree trunk body even though I know they rock on others.  Dropped waist is also a great option if you're a straight up straight downie like me.

And here I am last night in my dropped waist new & Other Stories dress which I absolutely ADORE and am going to have to go and get the black one as well.  This was for a dinner party at a friend's house - 2.30am finish which I am officially too old for and have spent today feeling like I've been beaten up.