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Could you give me your opinions on this dress please?

36 replies

Go · 03/12/2010 18:01

Bit of background, I'm early 40s, 5'7, size 16/18 top and 14 bottoms. Was thinking of wearing long black suede low-heeled boots. Any opinions/advice much appreciated. Thanks. black dress

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HecTheHallsWithBoughsOfHolly · 03/12/2010 18:02

I think it's nice enough.

Looks quite clingy though, so would clearly show every lump and bump.

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BelligerentGhoul · 03/12/2010 18:06

Ouch - a lot of money for polyester.

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tethersjinglebellend · 03/12/2010 18:09

I like it- I think it's too delicate to wear with boots though. I would wear shoes.

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pagwatch · 03/12/2010 18:10

Episode are made quite welll but can be cut a bit mumsie.

I have seen this dress and the fabric is a good weight and texture so the dress is quick structured and not too clingy.
I think it would be nice except I worry that boots will leave it looking a bit dowdy and very covered up.

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pagwatch · 03/12/2010 18:11

quite structured

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nancydrewrockinaroundxmastree · 03/12/2010 18:11

Not sure the shape will be very flattering TBH - big busts DO NO suit high necklines but if you really want something similar I'd go for this one cheaper and save yourself the money.

And absolutely do not wear with knee length boots. Never a good look for evening and they will chop you in half.

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GrimmaTheNome · 03/12/2010 18:14

Very nice, love that there's ungrannyish upper arm cover.

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Clure · 03/12/2010 18:21
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twoboots · 03/12/2010 18:28

agree the episdoe dress is dull, nancydrew's dress is great love the sexy back.

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nancydrewrockinaroundxmastree · 03/12/2010 18:50

I suspect my dress will not be as nice polyester as the Episode on though.

OP what are you after and for what sort fo even? I am sure we could find you something Smile

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Silkstalkings · 03/12/2010 20:02

Well I like the original best, I think it's got great shape and not mumsy at all. Have you tried it on in the shop?
Don't like Nancy Drew's one - has even higher neckline so no good for big boobs and the big puffy sleeves won't look so good on size 16/18 arms imo.

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muminthemiddle · 03/12/2010 20:11

I like the original best too, more classy looking.
Agree about not with boots though, but black court shoes.

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Go · 04/12/2010 09:03

Thanks everyone for your comments. I was concerned that the dress may be a bit mumsy, but I haven't worn a short dress for about 15 years (due to having children/being overweight etc). I have several full length dresses, so never really have to worry about footwear too much. I'm really a long skirt and boots type person, and actually don't possess a pair of shoes! As the dress is expensive (for me anyway) I was hoping to wear it with some slim-fitting suede boots so I wouldn't need to buy any. But I can see what you're all saying.

As far as necklines go, this one looks perfect for me - being large of nork a wide square neckline looks best, and need a bit of upper-arm coverage too.

The occasion is a hot date with my DH; we don't often get out and we're going for a dirty romantic weekend which includes dinner in a slightly laid-back but quite posh restaurant. So if anyone can find me something else I'd be very grateful! I was thinking that I could also wear this for Christmas day at my parents'?

I really do feel confused when it comes to clothes; I've recently lost a stone, so feel that I can know wear things I haven't been able to previously iyswim.

Sorry this post has rambled on so long!

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sadiesadiemarriedlady · 04/12/2010 09:07

I love it and think it will look beautiful with boots.

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Go · 04/12/2010 09:08

I also love this dress from asos but they don't have one in my size and also I think it would be a bit too clingy, but that's exactly the kind of style that suits me - wide square neck, fitted at the waist, 3/4 sleeves. (Just to give you an idea of what I like!) Thanks in advance.

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rookiemater · 04/12/2010 09:09

I think the dress looks very elegant, but not sure it would work with a curvy figure. It definitely needs kitten heel shoes rather than boots. Have you tried it on, with my figure I find that there is no point falling in love with any item of clothing until I have tried it on?

Where do you usually shop ? Phase Eight has some nice wrap style dresses, or Hobbs has some good dresses in.

Make sure to buy some nice underwear for your weekend away, Bravissimo has some fabulous sets in at the minute.

Oh and thanks Clure, i was trying to avoid buying a new dress for the christmas do, but have already tried that Mint Velvet one on in cream, loved the shape of it, but felt it was too weddingy, didn't know they had it in black, so feel the need for a purchase now. Grin

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Go · 04/12/2010 09:28

rookie Have nice underwear (from Bravissimo). Wrap dresses don't work for me unfortunately. I have a couple of wrap tops and they seem to draw attention to my bust somehow rather than hide it which I really don't need. Do like Phase Eight stuff though.

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Bunbaker · 04/12/2010 09:35

"Not sure the shape will be very flattering TBH - big busts DO NO suit high necklines"

That's not a high neckline. I wouldn't wear a dress with as low a neckline as this one as I am not very well endowed and have a bony neck.

I quite like this dress but think it would look much nicer with shoes rather than boots.

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Clure · 04/12/2010 12:01

Rookiemaster, i love the lace mint velvet lace dress and am tempted but not sure what the sizing come up like?

Go, your asos bodycon dress is gorgeous and would suit your curves
how about this although it may be a bit too sparkly?
lovely shape although very short sleeves-although you could wear with a little fur shrug/bolero

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nancydrewrockinaroundxmastree · 04/12/2010 12:22

bunbaker I have to disagree - where big norks are involved (and I usually am a 32E so have some experience of this) anything that finishes above your cleavage counts as high.

I have large, pert (oooh get me Wink) breasts and am usually a size 10 but there is something about necklines that show NO cleavage that make me from waist to collarbone look extremely matronly - I think this is a fairly common phenomenon. Although I totally get where you are coming from that for your purposes you wouldn't consider it a high neckline as you want to conceal.

Go I have that ASOS dress in the maternity version (identical neckline but flared skirt) I posted on another thread about it the fabric is actually fairly good and I find it flattering but as I am now a 34G the effect is anything but flattering!

What about something like this if you want black with sleeves? The neckline will be much better with a bust

Where do you usally like to shop?

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nancydrewrockinaroundxmastree · 04/12/2010 12:24

Actually I didn't mean to say flattering again: it should have said "the effect in anything but subtle" - it is actually great provided you don't mind people's eyes being drawn to a shelf like cleavage!

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Bunbaker · 04/12/2010 13:42

Ah, yes I see where you are coming from nancydrewrockinaroundxmastree. Perhaps something with a V neckline would be more flattering in that case.

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Go · 04/12/2010 17:19

Thing is, it's taken me several years to realise that a v-neck really doesn't do as much for my shape as a wide square neck. I think it's because it must make my waist look slimmer or something, because all the compliments I get are always when wearing the square neck. Quite like the Linea dress, but don't go for the fussy shoulders. I much prefer plain, simple clothes that can be dressed up or down with jewellery (I have lots of funky necklaces, chunky silver etc).

nancy I don't usually shop anywhere in particular. Quite often Debenhams/Wallis/Next but my clothes are pretty much casual (jeans/t-shirts/boots) so a smart dress is different kettle of fish. Am planning to go to H of Fraser next week so will try a few things on (including the Linea dress just to see).

Am still quite tempted to long black skirt and floral DMs though Grin

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rookiemater · 04/12/2010 18:44

Noooo don't wear floral Dm's ( though if the weather stays like this then it might be a better option !)
You have inspired me because I'm meant to be going away on a romantic weekend with hubby ( although with snow the way it is nipper may end up coming too Confused) so if I got the mint velvet one it would be an investment as I could wear more than once.

Here's another couple of options, I have never bought Vivienne westwood but lots of people on here swear by her for curvy dresses.


www.my-wardrobe.com/vivienne-westwood-anglomania/black-shrink-drape-dress-230787
www.johnlewis.com/127621/Style.aspx

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Go · 05/12/2010 13:50

rookie I love the Vivienne Westwood dress, but think it's a bit beyond my price range unfortunately! Not keen on the Coast one - love the style, but I don't like shiny much.

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