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Original poster

What do you think of these dresses? And if the answer is 'not much', have you got any better ideas?

25 replies

ViolaTricolor · 12/03/2011 19:16

I'm going to a wedding at the end of April and need something which will take me from day to evening. I quite liked the look of this, because I like the pleating, which I think makes it interesting but not too twee:

pale grey dress

I'm afraid it's a bit bland though, and I'd quite like to go for a sexier shape. The Phase Eight one linked below is a nice style, but I don't like the polyester mesh this one is made of:

Phase Eight dress

I'm 33, an 8 to 10, moderately pear-shaped in that I have a comfortable rump, small waist and smallish norks, but with good collar bones and shoulders which balance things out in general. I usually wear scoop necks or shallow v necks, or wide square necks. I'm pale and blonde.

I can't go strapless, mostly because I don't feel comfortable, but also because I'll get a Hmm face from various aunts.

Any thoughts? I feel like I've trawled the internet and am lacking inspiration, not least because it's a long time since I've done this kind of shopping.

OP posts:
celticlassie · 12/03/2011 19:23

I think the grey one is gorgeous. You could accessorise it to make it edgier.

upahill · 12/03/2011 19:26

I prefer the second one.
I think there is way too much going on from the waist upwards on the forst. I normally like Betty Jackson Black range but that isn't doing it for me.

scattyspice · 12/03/2011 19:26

Both are lovely! I so wish I was going to a wedding this year Envy.

The first is more weddingy. You could add some bling to jazz it up, and a coloured wrap (I'd have blue or rose).

The second is gorgeous. I am pale and blonde too and would probably look haggard in a black dress in daylight (I need dim lights to get away with black!) But you are younger than me and probably radiant Smile.

Original poster
ViolaTricolor · 12/03/2011 19:27

Thanks, celticlassie, that's the only one of these two I'm really interested in and the more I look at it the more I like it. A necklace would clash, but earrings and a big bracelet would definitely give it more edge.

OP posts:
leothelioness · 12/03/2011 19:28

I dont like the grey dress its a bland colour and unless you have tried it on and it looks good my take would be the pleats will make anyone but people with a flat stomach look pregnant.
The phase eight one is much nicer to look at.

posey · 12/03/2011 19:29

Love the Phase Eight one.
In fact I love it so much I might have to find myself an invite to somewhere so I can go and buy it Smile

The first one is a bit insipid imho

phooey · 12/03/2011 19:29

I love the second one, it's gorgeous! You could have bright pink shoes and nails to brighten it up. I like the first one too but the second is far nicer.

Original poster
ViolaTricolor · 12/03/2011 19:36

Oh thanks all! I' ve never asked a question on this board before but this is so useful. I'm now reconsidering the Phase Eight! I saw it in real life and thought the mesh was a bit dodgy, but perhaps that recedes once you're wearing it. It certainly has no hanger appeal it looks like a damp and knotty rag, but obviously it's made to drape over a body. The back view will be the real test it looks like it's quite densely swathed across the rear.

I agree, upahill, that there's potential for the top of the Betty Jackson one to swamp the wearer and be unflattering, and leo and posey I agree that the colour is a bit of a worry on the first one. My colouring is very like the model's, but I do get a flush after a drink and I might end up looking quite grim.

OP posts:
Sleepwhenidie · 12/03/2011 19:38

Would you go one shouldered? Lots about...

I prefer the phase8 dress, grey is pretty but not sure about the neckline and definitely more of a daytime dress than evening...

Where have you already looked online?

snail1973 · 12/03/2011 19:39

Sorry but my first thought was that the model wearing the pleated one looked pregnant. I guess that's not the look you are going for. That said, shopping for a dress to wear to wedding is my most hated pastime ever!

WhatsWrongWithYou · 12/03/2011 19:43

I like them both - initially I thought I preferred the Betty Jackson but looking again I think you'd (well I'd) feel more evening-y in the Phase8. And it's sexier - the BJ is maybe a little more prim and stiff-looking.

I must say, when I saw it I did think it would suit a pear-shape, so there you go!

twolittlemonkeys · 12/03/2011 19:45

I love the second one. I have learned that the hanger test doesn't tell you all you need to know. One of my favourite dresses looked really dodgy on the hanger but when I have it on it looks way better. Not keen on the first one. I think if you're pale skinned, that light grey will make you look washed-out.

tinierclanger · 12/03/2011 19:45

I like both. Can you order both, try on and return? And then let me know! :) You sound similar shape to me so I'd be interested to know!

2 is definitely sexier though if that's your target...

phooey · 12/03/2011 19:57

I really love it Viola , I'm also an 8-10 pear-shape and am wondering if I have any events coming up I can buy it for! I think the ruching over the bum will be really flattering.

these shoes and mmmmm this bag would be perfect

[enabler]

mamaGool · 12/03/2011 19:58

I love both of those (with killer heels & a clutch in a bright colour to balance out the grey/charcoal - melon/coral or even yellow?)!

Enjoy the wedding! Wine

Original poster
ViolaTricolor · 12/03/2011 19:58

snail, pregnant is definintely not the look I'm going for! SleepwhenIdie, I've partially trawled ShopStyle, which catches a lot of brands, plus (with more attention) John Lewis, Monsoon, Debenhams and Jigsaw. I did look at L.K. Bennet, and liked this one, but in the window it was very brown and a bit dull somehow. I don't think I would go one-shouldered -- I've got a quite a classic style and it just isn't really me. I might do it for a party, but this is a close family wedding and I don't want to be trying something very new to me when I'll have to look at the photos for years.

I think the plan is to try on the Phase Eight, and if it's no good I'll look around again. The only reason I didn't do that when I did see it in the flesh was that I was in a hurry, but I'll try and get into town tomorrow. I think that if the Betty Jackson were in a different colour I'd order that too, but I do have doubts about whether that will flatter. My mum would certainly say that it wouldn't! And knowing that she'd be thinking that is offputting in itself.

OP posts:
Sleepwhenidie · 12/03/2011 20:01

Ok, what is max budget?

Original poster
ViolaTricolor · 12/03/2011 20:02

Noooooooooo Phooey! Luckily those are so far out my price range that temptation isn't even an option. I have some similar shoes already though. I love the idea of melon or coral. Yellow isn't good with my colouring, though I really wish it was. One of you will have to try that Grin.

What kind of cardie/cover up? It's the end of April in the north.

I have to go out now but will check back tomorrow. Thanks so much for all the tips!

OP posts:
cornsilk678 · 12/03/2011 20:03

I like the phase eight one best for it's shape.

Original poster
ViolaTricolor · 12/03/2011 20:03

Oh, x-posts -- budget £150 max for frock but would prefer it to be nearer the £100 mark.

OP posts:
Tillyscoutsmum · 12/03/2011 20:49

I very nearly bought the Phase eight one - similar shape to you OP but a size (or two Blush bigger but was also put off by the fabric. I went for this one in the end

Evizza · 12/03/2011 21:06

Love the Phase Eight one...its gorgeous !!

cornsilk678 · 12/03/2011 21:41

tillyscoutsmum - that is gorgeous

UnrequitedSkink · 12/03/2011 22:06

Ooh, now I did prefer YOUR Phase Eight one to begin with, but now I've seen Tillyscoutsmum's one, I think I prefer hers! The material is more wedding-y and it's just a little bit more sophisticated... both v nice though.

WhatsWrongWithYou · 12/03/2011 22:49

They're both lovely - just depends which suits you best. you could take a photo of yourself wearing each one, it's a good way to get an objective view of yourself.

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