Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Bought this dress and worried I look frumpy........

29 replies

sapphireblue · 30/09/2010 14:57

here

I bought it to wear with tights/leggings and boots. I've tried it on with black leggings and calf length black boots and I look like I'm dressed up as a 50 year old (no offence intended!). I'm 30.

Do you think there's anything I can add to un-frump it a bit? Funky tights? Jewellery? A scarf?

I'm a size 18/20 btw.

OP posts:
Original poster
sapphireblue · 30/09/2010 14:58

I have it in the mottled orange rust colour.......it won't let me link directly for some reason!

OP posts:
amothersplaceisinthewrong · 30/09/2010 15:00

I am 50 (well in two days I am) and I would not wear it. It reminds me of maternity dresses.

Original poster
sapphireblue · 30/09/2010 15:03

It is a bit maternity like. On the other hand though it's quite flattering and hides my enormous tummy! I bought it online as a bit of an impulse Blush. It looks similar to some of the dresses my mum wears, that's why I said 50 year old Smile

OP posts:
Blu · 30/09/2010 15:05

It's too long. Try pinning it up.

Amanderrr · 30/09/2010 15:21

Their plus size range starts at a size 12!

A 12! I'm a little stunned.

Anyway, meanwhile back at the "Is this dress frumpy" debate...

Yes, I think it is. I'm a plus size 12 and I'd look dumpy in that. If you're looking for a casual dress to throw over tights or leggings with boots then what about this? The shorter length lessens the frump factor and the loose fitting low slung belt breaks up the tummy area.

arfasleep · 30/09/2010 15:31

Yes, bit maternity tent ish for me, if was rich pattern maybe would be better but I def wouldn't wear that as would feel huge block of colour just looks more huge imo, I'm a plus size too Wink but usually find more slim, not tight tho, fitting clothes to be more flattering/slimming

youngblowfish · 30/09/2010 15:31

I'm sorry, but I don't think there is a way to un-frump this dress. I am in the market for maternity wear right now, but I would still say no to this dress. Although I have to say, the colour is lovely!

arfasleep · 30/09/2010 15:34

Amanderr, sorry, think you're one wouldn't be very forgiving

Amanderrr · 30/09/2010 15:48

Really Arfasleep? I thought the weight of the loose belt would pull the dress down and stop it clinging.

Ah well, back to the drawing board...

arfasleep · 30/09/2010 15:57

Think being a 12 you'd be fine but for OP, who has said she's size 18/20,or anyone with much of a tummy, it'd be too fitted, for a dress IMO. I really cant wear dresses btw, has to be separates, to skim over & break up the 'tummy area'

belgo · 30/09/2010 15:59

It certainly makes the model look frumpy. That's generally a bad sign, if it looks bad on the model. Sorry.

BadgersArse · 30/09/2010 16:03

like that indigo collec one

miche8 · 30/09/2010 16:13

dont want to be mean - but i dont even think it looks flattering on the model. The length is all wrong. I think you can do better.

Original poster
sapphireblue · 30/09/2010 17:04

as I suspected..........looks like I'm sending it back! I do like that M&S one Smile

OP posts:
Feelingsensitive · 30/09/2010 17:17

It's shapeless. Send it back.

minxofmancunia · 30/09/2010 17:29

It's minging get rid

Original poster
sapphireblue · 30/09/2010 17:58

It'll be winging it's way back tomorrow. That'll teach me to impulse buy random things on t'interweb Grin

OP posts:
polyhymnia · 30/09/2010 18:22

Have to say I tried the M and S one and, as prdicted by arfasleep, certainly didn't look very forgiving - or indeed very interesting - on me. But I am a Size 22.

raffiiscool · 30/09/2010 18:51

I saw this in the window of M&S today and I thought it was really nice M&S dress.

It looks horrible on the website but I thought the fit was really flattering and the pattern in RL nice

ZZZenAgain · 30/09/2010 18:52

it looks like it would be comfy to wear but I couldn't wear it I don't think, at least not in beige, I would look washed out.

ZZZenAgain · 30/09/2010 18:53

oops meant OP, couldn't wear that one you linked to either rafi, just would look awful on me I think

It's quite bright, if you are dark-haired you can maybe carry it off

thatsnotmymonkey · 30/09/2010 18:57

Looks horrific! SEND IT BACK

TheNextMrsDepp · 30/09/2010 23:38

Amanderrr - I bought the M&S one online and it was ghastly, really clingy. The belt was cheapo rubbish too. Went straight back.

happilyeverafter · 01/10/2010 00:16

Sapphire if it is flattering and you feel nice in it then keep it. It doesn't look flattering on the model but things are often different in rl. I have a couple of knitted dresses and some can look sacklike but occasionally you find one that clings and skims in all the right places and you should hang onto those!

I have a black knitted dress that is just knee length which I plan to wear this season with brown riding boots, black opaques and probably some sort of scarf.

What is the length like on you? It really needs to stop just on or above your knee to work and then to have a good few inches gap before your boots start. The way the model wears it the dress stops as the boots start which is not a good look!

Amanderrr · 01/10/2010 00:35

Oh, that's disappointing TheNextMrsDepp. It looks great in the blue and I thought it would make a change from the black knit dresses I usually live in.

I do really like it. Maybe I could try a size up to avoid the cling and change the belt. Not that I'm clutching at straws or anything. If I see it next time I'm in M&S I'll try it on then I can avoid postage costs if it's rubbish.