The problem I am 70, size 12-14 and have money to spend, but no idea where to start. All the dresses that I see are short and sleeveless.

The solution: High street, take note. The fashion team has received a sackload of letters with this dilemma: where to find an elegant dress with long sleeves, one that reaches the knees or beyond, and comes in more imaginative colours than black and grey. It's a gap in the market that online retailers have begun to exploit. Gray & Osbourn (grayandosbourn.co.uk, 0871 9871177) and La Dress (ladress.com) have a selection of demure yet sassy dresses that provide colour and sophistication in equal measure. The best style for your dilemma is the trusty wrap-dress, as it often meets your “longer length, longer sleeves” requirement. Diane von Furstenberg pioneered the look (she's 61 and looks great in one) and still provides myriad examples today, if your budget permits (prices start from £297, but if you log on to matchesfashion.com, you may find a good deal in their sale section). Alternatively, Gray & Osbourn have a blue and white patterned version for £120 which, according to the website, is available in sizes 12 and 14 (go for the smaller size: it's better to be snug than sorry). Half the price of DvF, but by no means half the quality.

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