How can I de-frumpify these work dresses?

[fruitcorner]

I was looking at these dresses for work but not sure if I can manage to wear them without looking frumpy. I work in a smartish office but I tend to look very frumpy when I try and look smart. How could I accessorise these and do you like them ? I'm size 8 (M&S sizes) and 5ft 4, short legs and 40something!

www.marksandspencer.com/Scoop-Neck-Plain-Pinafore-Dress/dp/B0058LHNEC?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_14&nodeId=308803031&sr=1-14&qid=1318019180

www.marksandspencer.com/Round-Sleeve-Tonal-Block-Dress/dp/B0051K1BTS?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_18&nodeId=308803031&sr=1-18&qid=1318019248

www.marksandspencer.com/Square-Sleeve-Contrast-Stitch-Dress/dp/B005CSFYLA?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_27&nodeId=308803031&sr=1-27&qid=1318019305

[snowmummy]

I don't think they're that frumpy. Wear with chunky jewellery and heels.

[Rexy]

Slim belt in a bright colour could work too.

[Monty27]

Fruit I agree with Snow, they're not frumpy, they're lovely and yes chunky jewellery, funky shoes, lippie and hairdo.

[Monty27]

Oh and bright funky cardies and tights?

[rookiemater]

Not frumpy and at size 8 they will look great on you, however if your office is not too formal maybe you could try something a bit less "office wear". I recently got this //www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Dresses/Above-Knee-Dresses/WH278-BLK/Womens-Black-Joyful-Jersey-Dress.html and I liked it so much for work I just ordered it in the blue spot as well. It can be dressed up with chunky jewellery and worn with either patent black shoes or boots.

[Bohica]

I like all of them and don't think they are frumpy at all.

What colour tights can be worn with grey shift dresses then? And shoes? I'm wondering how to change my wardrobe full of grey's and blacks into winter wearable?

Sorry for the hijacl Fruit

[thenightsky]

they all look like my winter work wardrobe so I shall also be watching this thread with interest.

[said]

I love 'defrumpify' but agree they're not frumpy

[Monty27]

Bohica I wear purples, reds, black patterned etc. I have some black/grey/brown argyle tights. I like funky tights

[whiteoleander]

Keep it simple like they have in the pics - good shoes (patent high heel) and black opaques, or nude tights if you have to. I have a couple of silk scarves (modern ones) I use with very plain dresses (the panelled one wouldn't need it), or a thin belt as someone suggested, but (in my personal view) chunky beads and cardigans could be what makes it go wrong.

[Monty27]

WO I can see what you're saying there, all the accessorizing suggestions would not look good all at once

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I really like that first one, the grey pinafore. But what on earth does, 'It's dry clean for added convenience' mean? HOW can dry clean be convenient? Am I missing something?

I would wear it with a v fine long sleeved top under it, black opaques, black wedges and a huge silver cuff.

[Bohica]

I don't wear accessorize but I could do a nice dainty scarf and I love the idea of funky tights.

Is there any where online that you recommend White?

I've only been back to work for 3 months so managed to get a few decent dresses that have been easy to wear in the nice weather but I feel the cold so tights are the way forward!!

[TethHearseEnd]

I think no.s one and two are indeed frumpy, don't buy them.

I like number three. I'd put a pussybow blouse underneath it.

[Trills]

First one appears to have no waist. Other two are good.

[fruitcorner]

Thank you for all the comments, I will look at some scarves as I dont really have any smart ones that would go with a dress. Number 1 is actually my favourite b/c it has no waist therefore v. comfortable but I will probably keep number 3 as smarter
thanks

[gilmoregirl]

remus - love Dry clean for added convenience - really? What could be more inconvenient?

I like all three - and all would look esp good on a size 8

Am tempted by that Boden dress - reading the reviews that looks like it may suit a size 12 and not be too clingy hmmmm...