Does this dress look too "girlish"?

[PollyBanana]

Because I'm pear shaped, straight fitted dresses do nothing for me.
Trouble is, fuller skirts - especially if they are above the knee - seem a little too "young" on me.

This is longer, beautifully detailed, but will I still look a bit Mutton in it?
I'm 5 ft 6, size 12 to 14, and not 20 years old anymore!
Goodish legs, and I look well proportioned as long as the chunky tops of thighs are hidden.

Honest opinion please!

[PollyBanana]

The black stripes are crocheted lace not a print.

[BeerMuggles]

No! not at all. I thought it was going to be pale pink with a peter pan collar!

it's lovely.

[PollyBanana]

Lovely on a 40 year old?
50?
60?

[EggsEleven]

I think it's the kind of dress where age is irrelevant as long as it fits properly and looks nice. It's black and white stripes not a black and white Mickey Mouse print. I think both a 20yr old and a 60yr old could carry it off so long as it was a flattering fit.

[FriedPisces]

Oh yes, I love that! I'm 42 and would 100% wear that.

[45DegreestoReality]

I think it's a great dress. Like a previous poster has said, it's not a childish print or twee style. Monochrome is classic too. Go for it!

[PollyBanana]

This is really annoying.
The original designer website shows it as knee length but everywhere else (net a porter, House of Fraser) photos are much shorter.
Spoke to retail outlet who said that they often change things like length and the shorter length is likely to be what I get if I order it.
I don't think I can get away with it shorter

[BlueFolly]

That would look fine on any age so long as the shape suits you

[BusterGonad]

It's not what I would class as short. I like it.

[lazytuesday]

thats a lovely dress and remember it will be longer on you than on the model who will usually be very tall and wearing a size 6/8

[missyB1]

well its a lovely dress, I'm 48 and would wear this. I see what you mean about the different lengths, any chance you could try it on anywhere?

[AnyFucker]

That is very nice

[WeeM]

I think it's lovely. I do like the look of the longer one better but bear in mind it that model is probably about 5'10" so it might not actually be too short!

[PollyBanana]

The model in "shorter" photos is 5'9 so three inches taller than me, so maybe the dress will sit ? 2 inches closer to the knee. I've found a HOF with stock so will try it on later this week.

[PollyBanana]

The really bad news is that it's over 200 quid...

[PollyBanana]

AnyFucker has spoken.

[60sname]

I do like it, but as a pear shape that wouldn't do anything for me as the 'step' from bodice to skirt is quite pronounced and that and the hoop pattern would add width over my hips

[45DegreestoReality]

Well.. You lost me at 200 quid.
It's a nice dress, but not that nice!

[blueshoes]

The longer skirt looks much more elegant and adds interest. I wouldn't buy the shorter one even though you are shorter than the model because the proportion is still wrong.

[graciestocksfield]

I'm 5'7" and recently bought a dress which comes to my knees. Had a look for it on the website later and it was a couple of inches above the knee on the model.

[PollyBanana]

Well I tried it on (albeit in a size too small) and it looked dreadful.
The skirt is quite full which would be fine if there was more weight and length to balance it.
Instead I looked like Gretel waiting for Hansel. A five year old in a party dress.
Shame- it looked lovely on the hanger.
(mind you the six other dresses I tried on at the same time all looked shit so I am the common demoninator!)

[ShotgunNotDoingThePans]

I suspect it's the gathering that gives that effect. I can't wear anything that gathers round the middle but can wear a dropped yoke iyswim.

[BounceBounceSplishSplash]

Yes, you're right, I think with full skirts you need length otherwise to avoid the 5 year old Birthday party look. It's a shame it wasn't as long as it was in the photo as it could've been lovely.

[PollyBanana]

Still dress shopping...
Today I grabbed a dress purely because I loved the colour and print despite the fact that it was a shape I have always avoided.
V neck cross over wrap dress, jersey, very figure hugging.
I assumed that it would make the above 5 year old's party frock look good and I would look like a sack of spuds.

Bloody lovely!
Makes my big arse look peachy, and hips look womanly instead of hefty.
Print blurred all the edges and draped waist covered a multitude of sins and bulges
Still a bit lacking in the Boob department but nothing that a decent bra won't sort.

[ShotgunNotDoingThePans]

Links?