Does this dress make me look 'a bit nineteenth century'?

[NewAccount270219]

I need a dress for a wedding next month. I tried this one on (in M&S) and really liked the colour and the flouncy way it twirls when I do (I might be five). Both my DM and DH hated it, which surprised me as they both normally at least claim to like most things I buy - DM said it looked 'weirdly covered up' and unflattering, while DH said it looked 'a bit nineteenth century' and then that there was 'something a bit Pennsylvania Dutch about it' (?!). I thought it was elegant but am now doubting myself! Thoughts, oh wise mumsnetters?

I'm 31, 5'10 and the dress pictured is a 12 (in M&S generous sizing). I'd quite like to look nice for this wedding as it'll be the first time I've seen lots of the people there in years, but I'm still feeling a bit body unconfident after having DS nine months ago (don't think I'll lose any more weight before this wedding, though - seem to have plateaued)

[EgremontRusset]

It’s lovely, shows off a gorgeous figure. But that’s not incompatible with being a bit Pennsylvania Dutch!
On me, I’d add a button to the sleeves to hitch them up to 3/4 or elbow length.

[PeachNut]

I like it on you!

[RickOShay]

You have such lovely curves
Um I am not sure. It’s quite nice, what shoes were you thinking of?

[matahairyy]

Yup. It’s a bit Amish

[TroysMammy]

Your figure is fine but the dress is frumpy, too old for you and it's too plain.

When I shop for dresses (rarely) I take suitable shoes with me as standing barefoot or in socks doesn't give the right picture.

I'd look for something else.

[Luxembourgmama]

You've a lovely curvy figure I think you get something nicer

[NeverTalksToStrangers]

Don't love it, sorry.

[Thankssomuch]

I don’t think it’s doing a lot for you.

[BikeRunSki]

I agree that it’s a bit Amish and not at all weddingyp

[sparklefarts]

No sorry. It's just frumpy

[Danni91]

I don't like it, your figure is just wonderful I would definitely go a bit shorter or have your arms out.
Plus it will be May and you will probably get super warm in that.

[NewAccount270219]

Hmm, general consensus is that DM and DH have a point! Back to drawing board. I'm finding it so hard to find a dress with sleeves - I really don't want to show my upper arms (and have my doubts that it'll be the weather for it in Newcastle in May), but I also would rather not faff with a wrap, especially as I'm inevitably going to spend quite a bit of the day chasing after DS.

[BreakfastAtSquiffanys]

It's a great fit on you (nice figure BTW), good colour, but I totally get the Pennsylvanian Dutch comment.
It's very. Modest.
I don't think you'll upstage the Bride if you flash an elbow.
Suggestion ^^ to hoik up sleeves is a good one

[Stuckforthefourthtime]

Have you looked at &OtherStories, or Cos? Lots of things that are a bit more covered up but also more fashion forward. Or Zara?

[FirmlyRooted]

It might be the length, it's in that weird midi length territory that can work really well or come across as old fashioned. I think if you shorten to just above knee you'll get a different reaction.

[ImogenTubbs]

Don't know what your budget is, but they have some gorgeous jumpsuits in LK Bennett. I've never been able to wear a jumpsuit before because I'm too tall and curvy but these are beautifully designed to flatter and cover the upper arms.

[NewAccount270219]

It's my uni friends at the wedding, and everyone else now earns big money and runs marathons (almost no one else has had children, and everyone inexplicably took up running on the dot of 29 in some memo I didn't get). I'm not expecting miracles but I don't want people looking and thinking 'christ what happened to her'!

[Danni91]

Oh if you don't like your arms go for 3/4 sleeves at least. I think it's the arms that are ruining the dress for me.
The length is awkward as well but with the full arms its just not working.

[NewAccount270219]

Will have a look at &other stories and cos, thanks for the suggestion - I really don't want to go above £100 for this dress, though. And I've never, ever tried on a jumpsuit that didn't make me look a tit (and I'm not sure my pelvic floor can take the getting undressed to wee, especially if I have a glass of champagne!)

[MotherOfGodFella]

I like it op.

[MiniCooperLover]

I like it. Yes it's buttoned up but I like that element of it too. Some navy heels would look lovely with it.

[IdblowJonSnow]

Also agree it's a bit Amish! You have fab curves and look slim and elegant. Don't think this dress does you any favours. My post baby going to weddings etc. dress was from Reiss. Very flattering and have got moneys worth from wearing it so many times. If you're worried about your arms there are loads of exercises u can do at home to tone up including triceps dips.

[Mammatron]

I like it and any dress that makes you want to do twirls is a winner! Wear what makes you feel good!

[NewAccount270219]

Thanks but wedding is in four weeks so don't think I can do much about my arms by then (and also, more honestly, I work full-time with a 9 month old and I cannot be arsed to do any form of arm exercises and will take the fat-armed consequences of this).

I don't think hoiking up the sleeves of this dress will work because they're fluted, but I can try and find another one with 3/4 length sleeves. Just feeling a bit despairing as it took me a good while to find this dress - first one I'd tried on that I thought was viable out of quite a few!

[SoHotADragonRetired]

I actually think that with a bold contrasting necklace and shoes and the sleeves hitched up a bit it would look great.