Want to come and give opinions on the following 3 dresses?

[NorkilyChallenged]

Went to a JL fashion adviser today. Was a very pleasant experience but am often very suggestible so want to run the shortlisted dresses by the wisdom of S&B. I've actually bought the first two with the plan of returning the one I don't wear.

Dress to be worn to a wedding next month and hopefully to do service as my "dress worn to weddings" for the next few years (last "dress worn to weddings" has done 8 years and many weddings so has asked to retire).

Which of these options do you prefer? I am size 12, flat chested, big of hip, decent legs below the knee, chin length brown hair (that will be straight bob for the occasion), if that helps. I have 2 toddlers to wrangle during the day so needs to be practical in that regard.

Option 1 Navy dress, even though it doesn't look it on this link

Option 2 Purple dress

Option 3 isn't really an option as I've bought the other two but I keep thinking about it. This one from Hobbs. It's a lovely shape and I keep thinking about it but it's (a) bit too black for a wedding (?) and (b) in a pattern that looks a bit like you're wearing curtains/upholstery. Any thoughts? Be very happy if people put me off it actually

And for those interested in dresses this little thing from Mango via John Lewis was incredibly flattering on and very tempting. It's more orange than red I thought, despite the description, but the pattern put me off... might be someone else's favourite thing though.

Any tips on shoes (esp shoes, can't wear very high heels but black not great with either of these options and all I have is black really) or accessories v welcome too.

Thank you! (And thank you S&B for the advice to go to JL for a personal shopper too)

[ZinglebertBembledank]

My favourite is option 1 by far. Not keen on the curtain tassel on number 2.

Number 3 is a bit murky for my taste, but I'm a fan of brighter colours in general.

I quite like option 4 - a bargain too!

Did none of them make you feel GREAT though?

You should go with which one feels the best. Particularly if you'll be toddler wrangling. There's nowt worse than constantly feeling you have to hitch clothing up/down at a wedding.

[Lulumaam]

love number 4 best of all, really zingy !

number one looks a little unforgiving

number 2 lovely, but not keepn the tasselly belt

number 3 seems more of a day dress to me

[TitsalinaBumSquash]

Number 1 is gorgeous.

[traceybath]

Number one definitely - very chic

Number 2 looks a bit cheap.

Number 3 a little bit mumsy

With number one - I'd go for either nude patent shoes as I get lots of wear out of that colour. Or go for a lovely bright colour like purple or teal.

A nice clutch perhaps metallic and a good cuff bracelet.

[deepdarkwood]

Nos 1 & 4 best imo - and 1 defn the most 'wow looking, and also looks like you could ring the changes more easily ito accessories (mushroom/cream shoes & pearly, or zing it up with some red, or tone diwn with black.

2 is OK, but not something that will last for wedding after wedding, I'd say, and 3 is terrifyingly dull. And you will won't be able to sit down for fear of being mistaken for an overplumped cushion.

[SummerRain]

I love number 2

number 1 is ok but if it's navy i wouldn't be that keen tbh.

3 and 4 i hate tbh, but then i'm not keen on patterns in general

[wrigglytummy]

No1 for me - looks like it would be very flattering.

[NorkilyChallenged]

Oooh interesting opinions, thank you all!

Option 1 definitely, definitely looked navy to me and the fashion woman called it navy too. We talked about the fact that I never wear navy becausae it was school uniform but thought it actually suits me... It's clingy but in a very giving fabric and looked more sexy (not quite the right word as it's not really sexy but you know what I mean)

Option 2 - tasselly belt thing non-removable as it's sewn in, Lulumaam & Zinglebert. I surprised myself by liking it on. More occasion-y I think. But take your point about it not wearing well time after time DDW.... hmmm, food for thought.

4 was v v flattering on, but the pattern looked a bit like vomit to me, which obviously put me off. I tried to overcome that as it's a bargain and v nice (could probably wear it for work too). It's definitely quite orangey I thought.

DDW - excellent job on Option 3, just what I wanted to hear.

Keep 'em coming, am making notes about shoes/accessories and would love links if you can be bothered (or I'll just be back when I've picked The Dress and ask again!)

[NorkilyChallenged]

Also, I need to entice Tethersend to this thread. Last time I had shortlisted a dress she told me it looked like something her aunt would wear. I still hear that ringing in my ears when trying to pick something

[topsi]

Love the first two. Have a feeling number 1 will be less forgiving on any lumps and bumps, but number 2 looks more structured so easier to wear and find underwear for. I would wear number 2 personaly just with some black peep toe heels and simple jewellery.

[tethersend]

I'm here!

I like dress 1 and 2- I think 2 just edges it, actually. You'll be pleased to know that my aunty Pauline wouldn't be seen dead in any of them

[NorkilyChallenged]

HURRAH

What a relief! I can cast off the Aunty Pauline connotations forthwith.

Am still swithering. Will try on again when DP not in the house.

Shoes, teths? Any ideas? Jewellery? Anything. Don't think you can wear anything over dress 2, like a cardi (ho ho ho) or shrug as it'll spoil the look of it. And cover up the tassel-tastic belt. What else, what else? Help meeeeeee..... I really want to do this properly.

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

I would have said 2 but the tassel would have to go. As that's not an option then 1 it is. Both lovely though.

[SoupDragon]

I think option 1 will be better for toddler wrangling as it looks like it gives more.

[NorkilyChallenged]

Thanks Gwendoline. I'm relieved that people generally seem to like them, hoping that having advice helped my usually poor taste.

[NorkilyChallenged]

ooh and SoupDragon. I'll need a tick chart soon to keep score! Yes, it has a lot more give, that's true. Both a respectable length for bending over to pick up child and also almost impossible for my 2yo to stick her head under as she is wont to do when mummy wears a dress

[collision]

No 1 by far!

And if you go to your link for No1 there is a lovely pair of navy shoes, not too high, that would go with it.

[SoupDragon]

also, Option 1 can be washed, Option 2 (though gorgeous) is dry clean only.

[Maryqueenofchocs]

Agree with tethers, dress no.2 for me. Its gorgeous, option 1 is boring and the rest look like curtains.

[NorkilyChallenged]

Can't see shoes (have a shrug, necklace and other dress?)

Good point. Though this is the ONE purchase where I've promised myself I don't have to think all practicality. It's my indulgence after a few years of "can you stick it in the tumble dryer" approach to clothes buying

[collision]

navy shoes

[Maryqueenofchocs]

norky you KNOW dress no.2 is the right one....deep down.

[tethersend]

Shoes... how about these or these for the navy dress?

[Tillyscoutsmum]

I prefer dress number 2 and think it looks like it would suit you from your description.

Silver shoes and accessories maybe ?

[traceybath]

Which dress makes you feel best?

For me - dress one - would be - I'm feeling slim, sexy etc

Dress no 2 whilst pretty just isn't as va va voom.

But I do also love a navy dress so am biased.