Neutral dress as backdrop: Five easy pieces

Many who comment here are young 'uns under 50. Perhaps you'd choose something like the Black Halo dress, top. But this post isn't for you, cutie pie. It's for those of you like me, who need more cover, who know the cruelty of the cap sleeve crimping a looser arm and the reality of hip spread.

1. Marks and Spencer 3/4 sleeve belted shirt dress, £39.50, in black or navy.
Part of their Portfolio line for women 45+ that The Thoughtful Dresser, Linda Grant, skewered, and I agree- most pieces are matronly. The length is good, there are sleeves, and what if one changed the buttons? But it looks irredeemably boxy.

Could showcase killer shoes or luscious scarf, or just look sad- really will depend on fabric and cut. In navy, black and blonde.
3. White+Warr

Neiman Marcus' site, $155, would show off chunky necklaces and since I'm tall, I'm relieved to see some length. But why is she standing like that? Because her shoes are so dull?
Fasten your seatbelt, our price point is moving way up.

4. A dress that makes me sigh with pleasure: Rue du Mail by Martine Sitbon's black and white organza and silk embellished dress, $1, 265 from Net-a-porter. The sleeves are minimal, but I'm loving the dress and would sacrifice coverage for charm. Besides, this demi-sleeve is more flattering than a tight cap.

5. The numero uno, a smokin' L'Wren Scott Headmistress Dress, $2,895 (also from Net-a-porter). Heel, boy.
For your three grand you will enjoy fine details like precise white stitching (the back of this dress is as perfect as the front), tiny velvet-covered buttons, lace-trimmed hem.
Dream dress; I'll be looking for this effect no matter what I end up with.
Comments
Steady On
Reggie Girl
OK ladies: I want a simple machine-washable dress that can be worn with a cardigan at work and as is in the summer. Not too expensive.
Great line-up. thanks for the ideas as always.
Frugal: Dresses are THE hardest for me, too. I have best luck in small boutiques.
materfamilias: I love a print dress too but tend to make them summer sundresses, cheaper and cheerful.
Pseu: I'm gonna go to Talbot's and see.
MMM: Net-a-porter has the best dresses online, I think- even just for ideas. Also J Crew.
I'm under 50, but never do too much skin - so many shops I walk into I walk straight out again saying to myself 'not enough fabric'!
GP: Wow. That sounds like one incredible dress. eBay, consignment or high-end vintage dealers can offer far better quality than many goods made today.
The last two are TDF, even though I think the L'Wren Scott number would be even more fabulous all black, perhaps a subtle detail at the neckline that would be interesting but still not interfere with jewelry.
Oh so much easier to ogle dresses online than find one that actually fits and flatters.