Is silk flattering or unforgiving (dress help)

I don't like that dress at all, sorry. It looks like a dressing gown and is too old for you (assuming you're in your 30s or younger). I also don't think it's dressy enough for a black tie do.

? Thanks, I am rubbish at this. It just seems to hard to find anything that's not strapless at the moment.

Would this cover the tat?

http://www.karenmillen.com/fcp/product/-/Dresses/Beaded-Shift-Dress/903000051484?page=prod903000051484

The sleeve would need to be longer than that - probably about the same length as someone with bingo wings would require ? We don't have a Karen Millen outlet in Swindon anyway (I just checked on that site). Beautiful dress though, thanks. I suspect I am going to have to go with something with straps and get some sort of matching cardigan / wrap.

There's some gorgeous dresses in Monsoon. They are sleeveless but I have a couple that I team with a little shrug/bolero when I want to cover up a bit.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/

Thanks Emma, I'd already looked at the Monsoon site, and nothing leaped out at me. I'll still pop in there today though as things often do look different in the shop (and they may have some different stuff).

This is rather glam and the draped front could be quite flattering

http://www.warehouse.co.uk/fcp/product/-/DRESSES/DRAPE-FRONT-BACKLESS-DRESS/7364

Or this

http://www.oasis-stores.com/fcp/product/Oasis/Dresses/Lace-shift-dress/3470037101#

I love the colour - will it clash with my ginger hair? There are three warehouse outlets in Swindon, so definitely worth a look at.

I quite like this one but it's a bit dull and 'safe'. And I don't know quite what to thing about this one ?

I'm not keen on the first blue one as I'm not sure it would be that flattering for someone with red hair.

I like the check one you picked out and Sophie's second one (but I would have to team that with some bright accessories as it looks like something I wore to a funeral once!)

That checked one mings big-time ? I agree with you about the black. Purple does clash with red hair, but it a totally gorgeous way imo. If the style works on you I'd say the colour is a real bonus.

Well, if I can find it, I shall try it. I'll probably come home with the dull & safe option though ?

French connection have some fab things at the moment, I was drooling over their brochure!

I like this one http://www.frenchconnection.com/product/womens+Dresses/71B8U/Ives+Dress.htm (or is that colour a big no no on red heads?)

Any variation of pinks tend to look wrong on me ?. Darker colours are usually OK. There's no French Connections here anyway.

How about this with a black shrug/little cardi?

How about this with a shrug to match?

http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/fashion/Dresses/Saffron-crinkle-dress/200604075

I like the pattern on that, but can't go strapless ?

RBH, that's another really nice one, but again not local. Something to come back to if my trip is unsuccessful!

Oh bugger, sorry!

Phase Eight is in lots of department stores. I know we can get it from John Lewis, Debenhams or House of Fraser if that helps.

Well I shall be loitering in Debs & HoF later, so will look out. The website is telling me nearest is Cheltenham though, and most other sites lists the department stores as well as the stand alone.