UK - is Boden the only place doing colourful dresses?

I had this problem last year. It seems to be really hard to find colourful summer dresses in the UK, except at Boden.

The problem with Boden prints is that they feel very identifiable, 'very Boden', and that it seems that most of the people at my children's school shop there, so it is hard to feel like you, rather than a product of the latest catalogue. And everywhere else seems mostly to do neutrals. Even Boden plain colours are sludgy or black. Or blue and I can't buy any more blue as my closet is full of it... And I did buy a blue Boden print dress last year. Lovely but I'm not sure I want another one.

Or if I find something it's too short - I need things to be knee length, really, with a flared or a-line skirt.

whinge whinge whinge. I bought this:
http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/W.....vGroupID=4

In plum. Too sludgy and a slight early pregnancy vibe...

And this:
http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/W.....vGroupID=4

In brown. Too dark and I'm worried the spot pattern is just too distinctively Boden... I like the blue but can't buy any more blue... It's comfortable, though, and fits well.

Sigh. Sorry - just a bit frustrated... Perhaps I just need to get over myself...
I've looked at monsoon, M&S, ASOS, Zara, Great Plains. any other suggestions?

15 years ago

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I've just had a look at the Hobbs outlet, which is more hopeful, and have ordered a few things to try...

rute

no.. Zara and H&M have also very colorful dresses! Coral, red, blue, pink..

Thanks rute.

I thought they all looked too short for me, but I'll have another look!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I was going to mention Zara too.

Polly, I wonder whether it's still a little early in the season for places like M&S to sell colourful dresses. Where do you like to shop in the UK?

You're probably right. Boden does such a good job of selling its lines early that it is easy to assume everywhere else has them too.

I think I'm also running into the problem of doing lots of 'pre-shopping' online and I need to get out and about more - there are a couple of department stores I should try locally. I suppose I'm most comfortable shopping in the places I've mentioned at the moment.

RoseandJoan

Avoca, sold mainly through boutiques is always colourful and worth a look, it's pricey but the quality matches the price tag.
http://www.avoca.ie/home/produ.....__pg_ps=12
Great plains is usually good for colourful prints, again it's a little early in the season
http://www.greatplains.co.uk/c.....pHomeLinks
Fever are always worth a punt (size up)
http://www.feverdesigns.co.uk/.....nics-1?p=1
I hope this helps

Isn't Julie a mine of information.

I love UK department stores like Debenhams, John Lewis and Selfridges. I bet they'll have fab stuff.

Yes! I've been having a look. I'd never come across either site before. Thanks Julie.

I'll try to get out this week and see what I can find. I still find myself overwhelmed when I go into lots of shops but am starting to find my way around and I do need to do some trying on. No John Lewis or Selfridges nearby sadly, but there are plenty others so I have no excuse!

Good luck with your search Polly, let me know if you find any good ones.

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