School summer ball (going as staff!) can I get away with this dress or am I too past it??

[carlywurly]

I've loved this Monsoon number dress
ever since it appeared in their window and have just got a ball invite and a 20% discount code which might make it worth buying. I'm mid thirties 5ft 6, size 12, ok legs, bit toned from running.

Also thinking it might be good with flat sandals for the holiday I'm going on the following week. Is it dressy enough for a summer ball though?

What do I accessorize it with? Shoes? [head explodes]

[carlywurly]

Duh. Obviously I would wear shoes with it. It's what kind of shoes - heels or flats?

[WhatsWrongWithYou]

I don't think you could be classed as past it for that dress at all - in fact, I tend to think Monsoon is aimed at 'older' women anyway.

It's nice enough, but doesn't look very 'ball-like' to me.

If you're prepared to spend that much money you could get something much nicer.

[WhatsWrongWithYou]

This is cute.

[pirateparty]

How short is it?

But no, I don't think mid-thirties is 'past it' for that dress, def not. Unless it's mid thigh, which it doesn't look like it is.

Have you tried it on?

Not sure it very 'ball-y' but then I think balls are more casual than when I was at Uni, which is when I last went to one....

[carlywurly]

No, it isn't really ball like is it? Although people were in all sorts last year. I think I just want an excuse to buy it for my holiday.

I do have a black, sparkly Coast number in my wardrobe. Might recycle that and then just get the dress anyway..

[pirateparty]

See, I think that that dress is too young for mid-thirties WWWY (I am mid-thirties!)

[carlywurly]

Have tried it on, 12 is skimming and flattering, could get into 10 but it showed my knicker outine so not a good look. Comes to a few inches above my knee, would definitely need some fake tan on my legs but it's not too short.

whatswrong, that dress is lovely, but I am way too norky for it.

[Bonsoir]

That dress is unsuitable for a ball or evening party.

[WhatsWrongWithYou]

If you like a flower print, this is gorgeous.
In fact, lots of possibles at Oasis.

[pirateparty]

Buy it for your holiday! It's lovely - and then find something else for the ball. Just skimming through the Oasis website WWWY is right - lots of lovely possibilities.

[carlywurly]

Just ordered a floral print top from Oasis with fluted sleeves, they have some really nice new stock in.

Bonsoir, loving your directness.

I think I shall wear my appropriate and boringly safe Coast number to the ball and maybe get the other for holiday then. Sorted. Thanks all!

[wendihouse22]

That's not a dress to wear at a ball or evening "do, so it's not really a case of it being too old or too young for you.

Do you have a friend who can lend you something, as it's just a one off occasion? If not, you're gonna have to treat yourself to something new!

[Lucycat]

Just remember that whatever you wear will appear on Facebook as all the girls go 'oh purlease Miss can we have a photo' then tag you!

[mollymole]

not really a 'ball' dress - there are lots of quite good value maxi dresses around at the moment

[StyleandBooty]

Ahem ... the 20% Monsoon discount code ... care to share?

[StyleandBooty]

Oh and What's Wrong, I have ordered that Oasis dress

[WhatsWrongWithYou]

Hurrah!

[CoffeeIsMyFriend]

That dress is lovely, perfect for your holidays, however, I am with Bonsoir on this one. Not dressy enough for a ball/evening do.

[muminthemiddle]

I like the dress buy it for your hols, but I don't think it is "dressy" enough for a ball. I would buy another dress for the ball. Perhaps a longer, one colour, more formal affair-try Debenhams x

[chocolateshoes]

the discount code would be very welcome....I have a little shopping basket waiting....

[carlywurly]

Sorry, have been out and about, bought the dress and it's lovely, but strictly for hols! Found the dress code for the ball is a lot more formal, so I have another Monsoon number from last year which I'll wear instead.

The code is MAY20REWARD - only valid with a Monsoon reward card and on spends of over £100. Expires on Tuesday.

[StyleandBooty]

Bah, humbug!