Please help me decide between these 2 maxi dresses.

[Thelongroadhome]

Decided I want a maxi dress for a bbq I'm going to at the weekend. Tried on quite a few but only ones that looked ok were this one from monsoon and this one from oasis. The Monsoon dress is lovely material and hangs well but I'm just not that sure about the pattern (and its dearer), whereas the Oasis one I love the pattern of the dress but I'm not sure about it having no straps etc. I'm 5'4 size 8, 34B, early 40s and pretty straight up and down if that helps! Thanks for any views about which (if any) is best.

[dingdong3]

Defo the Oasis one....you could always wear a little shrug if you feel bare, or indeed get some matching ribbon or braid and sew on a little halter-neck to prevent any wardrobe malfunction!

I tried on a gorgeous one in Topshop this evening...just have no money atm but worth having a look if you have a TS near you. Material hangs lovely and it looks good with a white vest underneath for extra support! Can't find it on their website but it's got straps, white base colour with mixture of coloured butterflies in lovely colours - not too garish.

[SusanShocksOn]

The Monsoon one is beautiful and very flattering around the bust area (if you are small iyswim) i would imagine.

[Bobbalina]

I have seen the Monsoon one in real life and think it would only look good if you have naturally dark skin and hair. You haven't mentioned your colouring?

[shopalot]

Monsoon one is lined with Polyester and will be very hot and sticky

[bishboschone]

I have the oasis one..its lovely..I am 5ft and size 8 ..I have got the extra small and to be honest its quite big but I love it so I don't care.
My husband bought it for me because I liked it and I wore it for our anniversary pub dinner with brown leather gladish sandals and a brown belt under the bust and a cropped denim jacket..loads of bangles etc..I got asked 2x where it was from...hope that helps.

[FabIsGettingFit]

I saw the monsoon one first and thought the oasis one had to be better, just imo it isn't. My opinion doesn't matter though .

[notyummy]

LOVE that Oasis one.

Now considering buying for myself - although I have around 50 trillion maxis and promised myself NO MORE!!

[bishboschone]

buy it yummy its lovely!

[KnottyLocks]

Love the Oasis one.

Would get it myself but ample bosom + strapless number = certain

[bishboschone]

I an 30 e and its fine.

[Fleecy]

notyummy you are naughty! You DO have loads! But it is nice.

I say go with the Oasis one and I'd style it like bishbosch

[KnottyLocks]

Bishboschone, do you feel 'secure' in it? Don't want to give it a hoist? I could be tempted if I thought it was risk-free.

[bishboschone]

yes I do..and I have a small back despite boobs. It does have an optional halter strap thing if you are worried..I didn't use it though.

[Thelongroadhome]

Thanks everyone! Ended up buying 5 and narrowed it down to the Oasis one and a black one with big pinky red flowers on the bottom from Monsoon which I went with in the end and was very happy with - it's not on the website or I'd link to it.