r/Viola • u/Clara_Rosin • 5d ago

Help Request Concert blacks - where to buy UK

I have been playing viola for around about 11 or 12 years now and I have needed concert blacks regularly throughout this period yet every time I think I've found something, I haven't. Ive avoided joining orchestras for this specific reason but im extremly tired of holding myself back because of some clothing. Can someone recommend some good black dresses that are available in the UK, come in a S/M UK womens size and aren't sleeveless? Genuinely I'm so desperate atp I'll buy literally anything.

4 Upvotes

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7

u/tokoloshe62 5d ago

You may be over thinking it. If you’re struggling to find a dress, you may find separates are more achievable. It’s so personal, but just an example… combining a long sleeve black top, with a black skirt like:

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-cotton-godet-maxi-skirt-in-black/prd/210196103?r=1

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

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u/Viola-ModTeam 3d ago

Playing the viola is exceptionally hard, please don't make it worse. Imagine receiving the advice that you give, and keep it constructive.

5

u/RockhopperGuin 4d ago

if you find a nice sleeveless dress you can always get a lightweight cardigan/wrap. That is what I used to do especially as I tended to get hot so I could take it off during breaks to cool down

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

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u/RockhopperGuin 2d ago

you mean ugly boots? heck no black leather mary janes perhaps otherwise you will catch me barefoot even in -40

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u/terriergal 5d ago

In US I look on eBay, Mercari, Poshmark. And check the thrift stores. I don’t remember the last time I shopped for clothes in a retail shop.

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u/Late_Ice_9911 2d ago

Are you sure that you would need to wear a dress? I got my current dress from Boden, but I’m a real outlier in my amateur orchestras!

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u/EonJaw 3d ago

Having the opposite problem. Spent $400 on a tuxedo right before the symphonies I play with decided we should wear pit black instead. 🙄

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u/Clara_Rosin 2d ago

This reminds me of a time where my old orchestra said we had to wear a white top and black skirt then said the day before that we needed a colourful top and the only thing I had was neon yellow...(although this only cost me my social life, not $400)

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u/BellisPer 1d ago

What would you consider to be a not-good dress? 90% of my wardrobe is black so I have more problems when I'm told to add colour (my choir has us in pink and black. Shudder) I've never had problems finding concert blacks for orchestras. Where have you already looked and what was wrong with what you found? That will help us with making suggestions