Do I need to be slender (I'm not!!) for this dress?

[ilovecherries]

Needing new dresses for holiday. I'm looking for cotton and comfy but I do have SOME pride. I'm a 36JJ and need a size 18-20 in a dress to accommodate the norks. I usually do separates or wrap dresses but can't bear a lot of bumfle round my waist when it's hot, so I will need to buy for the boobs. Would this work or just look horrible? www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/jersey-dresses/ww016/womens-slub-t-shirt-dress

[ilovecherries]

Hm, the link goes to a self coloured one because of their rotating pictures. I'm thinking the grey/coral/purple colour block one.

[Queenbean]

I actually don't think it would be too bad shape wise, but I think the material is your problem. It's not very thick so will cling to every bump and given its so hot you won't want to be wearing smoothing underwear.

You could get a loose fitting tea dress which would work better?

[dingit]

I'm a similar size you and I don't think I would wear it. Sorry.
How old are you? May look ok on someone younger, I'm 48.

[TheBitterBoy]

As an alternative I have the Boden blackberry dress and feel very comfortable in it. I'm not slender and have norks too and feel pretty good in it.

[ilovecherries]

Oh god. Not only am I too huge-of-nork, I'm too old :(. I'm 55. And I do NOT want to look matronly. I did try the Blackberry, but sleeveless dresses show a lot of bra cup at the side, and I sent it back.

[polyhymnia]

I have tried this dress and I'm at least as big as you. It looked really good for summer holiday wear. Nice material, not too skimpy, not too clingy. Good colours. Simple and stylish.
The only problem that caused me to return it was the length. I'm 5'9'' and like dresses just covering my knees. This was shorter than that - though not short enough to be worn as a long top.

So if you're shorter than me, or happy to show a bit of knee, it should be fine.

[polyhymnia]

I'm also older than you and it didn't look matronly. The length was the sole problem.

[ilovecherries]

I have this one in the green, and it's nice. It's a bit big round the waist and hips, but I think the style lets me get away with it. I was trying yo have a few different dresses, maybe I should just buy this in every colour way instead. www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/clearance/womens-dresses/day-dresses/ww010/womens-pretty-jersey-dress

[dingit]

Oh sorry I love. Do they do free returns? At least give it a try. Do you have a teenage daughter? Mine is always brutally honest with an opinion

[polyhymnia]

Saying all that - and I'd definitely give it a go if you're shorter - I personally think the two blue colour ways are easier to wear than the combo you mention.

[ilovecherries]

Thanks, Poly, that's reassuring. I'm 5foot7, so I might get away with the length.

[ilovecherries]

Ding it, I do have a 19 year old. She's very stylish so she'll def tell me the truth! Ok, I've got a code for free delivery and 10pc off, so I think I'll give it a go in a few colour ways and see if it's workable.

[polyhymnia]

cherries I tried the one you've got and really loved it, but again it was just too short on me. So if that's not a problem definitely try the first one you posted. Returns are so easy with Boden.

[polyhymnia]

If you look on the Money - promotions thread there's a code for 29% off .

[polyhymnia]

Sorry, 20%!

[ilovecherries]

Perfect! Thank you.

[ThinkPinkStink]

I'm a 16-18 (18 around the top half) and I'd totally wear this dress - I'd likely wear it with a boxy jacket for work, or a cardi for the weekend.

[FellOutOfBed2wice]

I'm a 36MM since breastfeeding (they're obscene) and size 16, also 5ft 7". I find the best dresses for me in hot weather are long ones that cut underneath the boobs, empire line almost, in a light fabric like this. I need some definition in the dress otherwise I look like I'm all boobs and boxy.

I also have this which looks nice.

[Hoppinggreen]

I'm a 16 and I wear similar on holiday, in fact I was considering this dress too. I think it would be fine, especially if you aren't too square shaped

[maxeffort0satisfaction]

I think it will be ok because it will show off your legs. try it worse case you'll return it for a refund. you could always add a skinny belt in a dark colour just above your natural waist.

[polyhymnia]

I am also a fan of the Boden casual jersey dress in cotton which is a bit longer (sorry, can't link on phone, but you probably know it anyway). But your original one could be more versatile for non holiday wear if it works on you.

[ilovecherries]

Oh yes, I did buy the casual jersey dress in the dress sale last month. I got it in navy and green, and despite them both being long, the green was 3 inches longer - I had to send it back, it swamped me - but I kept the blue. I'm also looking at the Miranda now as well.

[dingit]

Are you the same Ilove of the famous wedding dress thread? If so you would look good in anything!

[polyhymnia]

Yes it's strange/annoying how Boden sizing varies not just between items but between colourways.

[ilovecherries]

Sadly not me, Dingit, I'm afraid I'm in no way gorgeous! Recovering from several surgeries post nasty accident, so my confidence in how I look is a bit meh. A combo of a year on crutches meaning no exercise and far too much comfort food, coinciding nicely with menopause and I've lost sight entirely of what suits me. But I've had my bra intervention and my shoe intervention, so I'm a work in progress. :) Hair intervention is the next thing on my list!