Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

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

Diane von Furstenburg Maja dress - hideous pattern or not?

36 replies

theonlynonblonde · 08/05/2012 10:42

I should be incredibly grateful for any opinions on whether this is either a) stunning or b) utterly hideous. I'm considering it to wear to 3 weddings this year (all different guests) hence the much bigger price tag than I would usually consider. In other pictures of the Maja design it is belted, which looks a lot better.

I am 5'7'' and a size 16 which may assist in your judgements as to whether it would suit me or make me look like a pig in a sack :-)

Thanks in advance...!

OP posts:
Original poster
theonlynonblonde · 08/05/2012 10:42

ps - it is the pattern 'dot trail'

OP posts:
niminypiminy · 08/05/2012 10:49

I think it's lovely, really unusual.

dexter73 · 08/05/2012 10:56

Dot one is horrible and makes the model look enormous - the other one (paper forest mint) is much nicer and more flattering.

alwaysrunninginheels · 08/05/2012 11:09

I like The paper forest mint print but not the dots. Think it's one of those dresses that if you wear with confidence will look amazing but if you don't have 100% faith that it looks good it might not have the va voom it should!

Decameron · 08/05/2012 11:24

Also like the paper forest mint but not the dots.

Hepsibaaah · 08/05/2012 11:42

I'm going against the tide and prefer the dot trail; very sophisticated and unusual, think it would look better belted as you say OP (imo belt only reason the paper forest looks more flattering in the pic). Team it with some very nice shoes/bag etc and you'll look stunning.

dexter73 · 08/05/2012 12:08

The reason I think the dot one is less flattering is to do with how the dress has been divided in the front. The left hand side is larger than the right hand side and I think that makes her look wider than she is. I think it would have looked better if the larger side had been in the black rather than the white.

heyelp · 08/05/2012 12:36

I have this dress in green and have bought it this season in a different red pattern. I absolutely love it and it gets comments al the time! If you love the pattern then go for it!! Good luck and have great weddings.

chaosisawayoflife · 08/05/2012 12:40

I'm also not keen on the dotty one, but think the other one is stunning!

Original poster
theonlynonblonde · 08/05/2012 12:43

Thanks for all comments so far - very helpful

heyelp - if you don't mind me asking, what body shape are you? obv the model looks stunning, but still in 2 minds as to whether it will suit me (sz 16, pear).

OP posts:
heyelp · 08/05/2012 12:50

Well......I have no boobs (2 breasted kids left me boobless) and am a size uk 10 - I wear spanx with it to hold the wobbles in. Have you tried it on?

MrsLettuce · 08/05/2012 12:51

I really like it! Not sure it's a good shape for a pear though, could be wrong. I hope so TBH 'cause it's fab.

Original poster
theonlynonblonde · 08/05/2012 12:52

Haven't tried it on yet as nowhere round here stocks it so will have to order online and return if not right. Always rubbish at returning stuff tho but at £400 a pop, I'll have to be more organised with this one.

thx.

OP posts:
MrsLettuce · 08/05/2012 12:52

Oh, and the Paper Forest print is nice too but nowhere near as good as the Dot Trail.

mollymole · 08/05/2012 12:59

Another vote for the paper forest.

ArtVandelay · 08/05/2012 13:17

Paper forest mint here as well! The dot is so unflattering and looks a bit like a house coat. Very jealous that you have an occasion to buy a dress like this for :) I think that the paper forest will break up a pear figure nicely because the pattern draws the eye.

By break up I don't mean anything bad... I just mean that a pattern can give me curves where there are non etc. A pattern can be flattering!

Dollydowser · 08/05/2012 16:35

I like the forest pattern but not convinced the dress is the best shape for a pair.

fluffiphlox · 08/05/2012 16:45

I think the DVF wrap dresses are nicer and more flattering to more shapes. They are also the classic DVF and might last longer and/or be easier to sell on after if you're that way inclined. Enjoy choosing - and enjoy wearing.

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 08/05/2012 16:48

Unflattering pattern, unflattering shape. If you are not stick thin, I predict this will look awful. The wrap daress are much better.

FunnysInLaJardin · 08/05/2012 16:51

the forest pattern one is lovely, and the back is very pretty with the buttons. I don't like the dot one at all though. You'd need to try it on really as a good well cut dress should look good in most sizes, and should be flattering

worldgonecrazy · 08/05/2012 16:55

If you're a size 16 pear shape it's going to look like a dinner lady's overcoat. i don't think it will be a very flattering silhouette. Sorry.

muttimalzwei · 08/05/2012 16:57

the forest one is far prettier and the belt will flatter

Original poster
theonlynonblonde · 08/05/2012 17:17

have tracked down a stockist, so am going to try it on, but on further reflection I am inclined to agree with those who suggest it will be more dinner lady's overcoat than svelte fashion queen :-)

DVF wrap dresses on the other hand - very nice and prob a huge amount more flattering! Wish I had never looked at the DVF site: could be the start of something hugely costly.

MrsLettuce - not so keen on the silver one but LOVE the VW one. had actually looked at this already! sleeves are preferable tho.

OP posts:
Ambrosius · 08/05/2012 17:19

I can't BELIEVE people are saying the (size 6 or 8?) model looks enormous! What an attitude to have