Want to come and give opinions on the following 3 dresses?

[NorkilyChallenged]

Went to a JL fashion adviser today. Was a very pleasant experience but am often very suggestible so want to run the shortlisted dresses by the wisdom of S&B. I've actually bought the first two with the plan of returning the one I don't wear.

Dress to be worn to a wedding next month and hopefully to do service as my "dress worn to weddings" for the next few years (last "dress worn to weddings" has done 8 years and many weddings so has asked to retire).

Which of these options do you prefer? I am size 12, flat chested, big of hip, decent legs below the knee, chin length brown hair (that will be straight bob for the occasion), if that helps. I have 2 toddlers to wrangle during the day so needs to be practical in that regard.

Option 1 Navy dress, even though it doesn't look it on this link

Option 2 Purple dress

Option 3 isn't really an option as I've bought the other two but I keep thinking about it. This one from Hobbs. It's a lovely shape and I keep thinking about it but it's (a) bit too black for a wedding (?) and (b) in a pattern that looks a bit like you're wearing curtains/upholstery. Any thoughts? Be very happy if people put me off it actually

And for those interested in dresses this little thing from Mango via John Lewis was incredibly flattering on and very tempting. It's more orange than red I thought, despite the description, but the pattern put me off... might be someone else's favourite thing though.

Any tips on shoes (esp shoes, can't wear very high heels but black not great with either of these options and all I have is black really) or accessories v welcome too.

Thank you! (And thank you S&B for the advice to go to JL for a personal shopper too)

Option 2 is gorgeous! I can't wear that style of dress as am too large of nork

These would look great with purple dress.

Number 2 is gorgeous- although I can see that it might not stand too many wears. I also love No1 and its probably a better buy in that easy to dress up or down for a variety of other events.

Traceybath - I think you've hit the nail on the head. I still need to try them again but think 1 had more va va voom... though 2 was lovely on and more wedding-y somehow.

Tethers - I have big flat giant feet and can't do such a pointy toe I think (euro size 39/40 and wide and flat) but thank you for links, love it!

Thanks all

Hmmm, well... I'd just get a 41 and wear those. The only others I saw were these but thought they may be too high?

I can't believe I just linked to Boden.

I feel dirty.

How about...

deep purple platforms

deep purple clutch

boden as well!

ooooo not purple, purple, purple no no no!

these they look orange which would be a great clash with the purple or in the black

Thanks for the shoe links. Not sure I could actually walk in any of those. Usually shop for comfort (Clarks or independent shoe shop). Where should I go - I will have 3 hour window to go shoe/accessory shopping next week? JL? Kurt Geiger (though v v high for me)? Anywhere not so eyewateringly expensive?

I take it this is too boring? and even that is WAY out of my shoe comfort zone.

Navy but also too boring?

I can't have a strap across can I? Would be easier to walk....

Not sure why I'm looking at these kind of shoes, so v not me but not sure what else I can wear

Yes, I'm just bumping.

Tried them both on today and still don't know. Tried option 1 first as I'm tending that way and thought "yes, definitely this one" then option 2 and thought "hmm, but...." so back where I started.

Need shoe help.

Will it get me more sympathy/attention if I tell you this is actually my (top secret) wedding. If you have any idea who I might be in RL please don't out me. Is properly low key, registry office, us the kids, his parents, mine (probably if they can come) and then afternoon tea somewhere...

Now do you see? Trying to be laidback but want to Get It Right. Especially as MIL will have the pictures on top of the telly For All Eternity.

Which one do you feel most pretty in?.I would go with no.2 - but its not up to me!.How about black suede courts?.With a slight platform front so they add height.I suggest going back to j. Lewis and trying on to see which ones are best[and comfortable].I wish you a fabulous happy day

Thanks Teta :)

Think I look more slinky and, dare I say it, sexy in 1. But not sur ethat's the look to go for when wrangling 2 toddlers and with in-laws. 2 makes me look sophisticated and is really nice and flattering just no... va va voom as traceybath said. i think I know til I try the other one on!

How exciting!

I think somebody has already suggested nude but also navy, silver or even white would be good with both dresses I think

Whats your budget? And are you in London?

Not London, no.

Budget for shoes? I have no idea. Willing to spend £100ish and that's more than I've ever spent before but am realising by looking online that the sort of proper shoes people are talking about tend to cost more.

Silver is what the fashion advice person suggested for the navy dress

How about dress number 3 with some heeled knee length boots; autumnal look?

The other dresses need shoes, dress 1 is gorgeous and needs something strappy I think, dress 2 - court shoes, and dress 4 wow - what a colour, black may work with it.

Shopping - what fun ;o)

Yes, fun if you know what you're doing!

Actually trying dresses on was fun. Now I'm a bit lost though :)

Right, so not nude courts for dress 1? i have giant flat feet so don't look great in strappy shoes really...

I like Number 4 best, followed by Number 3, especially if there was any way you could pick off the black belty thingy.

Number 3 was very drab, imo, and Number 1 'unforgiving'

For #4, black, red, orange, gold would all be good, maybe even white shoes or sandals would go, especially platformy ones.

What do you think of this, also from JL?

That's Number 2, if you pick off the black belty thingy... gaagh

Congratulations!

And oh so definitely number one - va va voom on your wedding day most definitely

Shoes - well I'd still think of nude courts. Have you looked in M&S for shoes - surprisingly good sometimes and comfortable.

Thanks mathanxiety. Belt on dress 2 not really pickable-offable, sewn in with each separate strand. Plus galling to spend that much and end up having to pick bits off... It doesn't bother me that much though it's occurring to me that the kids might play with it

4 - hmm, hadn't reconsidered because the whole "reminds me of sick" thing. But am thinking about it still as a bargain - might get for work if I can overcome the sick issue.

that Mango one you linked to is nice but looks a bit short for my legs and also largely black which I'm avoiding as have this idea you don't wear black at weddings??

Traceybath - thanks, will be looking in M&S I think. Am weirdly drawn to notion of navy patent or nude patent for some reason. Odd as haven't owned patent shoes since I was about 8 years old