Formal attire is hard to come by

At the moment, most dresses from the high-street fall into one of just two categories: going out (i.e. partying, which supposedly calls for dresses that offer about as much coverage as a medium sized bath towel), or day wear (read: summery numbers, such as flowing maxi dresses, complete with halter-necks and florals).

Evidently, neither of these dress types will satisfy the brief. I imagine that things will get easier

Topshop

Lace sheer zip smock dress, £50

Corsage one shoulder dress, £40

Ruffle shift dress, £40

Anna frill dress by Yuki, £55

This didn't work at all because the images are far too big, but you get the idea. I think this might be indicating that I like frills, ruffles and lace, which I find quite odd as I usually gravitate towards bright colours and patterns. Mind you, it is difficult to find a bright green dress covered in red polka dots that could be considered formal.

A|wear

Ruffle dress, £30

Chiffon layer dress, £45

Cream lace shift dress, £40

Dropped waist lace dress, £45

Brocade tulip dress, £40

Antique lace dress, £35

That's a novelty

This October, for my aunt's 50th birthday, my family and I are going to a rather luxurious hotel (especially compared to what I'm used to - Travelodge et al.), and the dress code - set by my aunt - is strictly formal.

For a female, formal is of course code for a dress, coiffed hair, and maybe some heels if you can walk in them. This will certainly be a new experience for me, considering that I haven't worn anything resembling a dress/skirt for around nine years. I don't know how I'll fare, but there's really no choice.

I thought the dress would be a good place to start, and while I haven't even gotten round to buying the normal clothes that I'm in desperate need of for college, I can always do a bit of online window shopping.

Topshop and A|wear are as far as my shopping ventures have extended as yet, but after a quick browse it seems like they might have some appropriate dresses. I intend to post some of my favourites, but perhaps not all now as I have a sex education programme featuring the comedian who played Little Cook in Big Cook Little Cook to watch.