MN wisdom required

[bunchamunchycrunchycarrots]

My parents bought my DD this dress for xmas, and I really don't like it. DD has already seen it, and likes it, but it's way too short for my liking. I suspect they'll be offended if I take it back for something else, so I'd like the collective MN wisdom to tell me if I'm just being a bit fussy, or if the shortness would be an issue for anyone else.

DD is 7, the dress size is 8-9, but in all honesty, DD is probably more a 9-10. However, I don't think getting a bigger size will eliminate the issue I have with how short it is.

So, your thoughts?

I suppose it'll be ok with leggings.

(I hate it too!)

Think you're being a bit fussy ! Your DD can wear dark tights or leggings with it. Your parents were being kind and your DD loves the dress so just leave it at that.

Hmm, I did think leggings when she told me about it, but the thing is it's quite dressy and leggings seem to clash if that makes sense? By that I mean leggings are quite casual, and the dress not so. Tights would be OK, but then the shortness still bothers me.

Your are right cazza, hence me not wanting to just go ahead and change it. I just cannot decide if it's worth keeping or changing.

Leggings/jeggings or skinny jeans under.

If she's already seen it you can't take it back. Agree it's too short.

Just saw your post, how about sparkly leggings?

I think it's a very adult style and I'm a but confused by it really, specially from m&s! I'd get some super thick tights to wear with perhaps? On the plus side, it's a party dress, so won't get worn that often.

I'll see if I can find sparkly leggings - only problem is we had a pair a few years ago and they were itchy for DD. I think the kind of material used doesn't go down well with DD and her eczema. We have a pair of black leggings I bought with another dress - I'll try those 1st and see what it looks like. I just know I'll have my cats-bum face on when DD tries it on. I really don't like it at all.

Ginger, that was my 1st thought when I saw it - why would M&S do a dress in this style for a 8 yr old? It's the kind of thing I think of cheryl cole/tulisa wearing with ridiculous high heels, not really a suitable style for a child.

The material is lovely though, and I think I can see why my mum thought it would be nice, but the style ruins it completely.

could it be fun if you rocked it up a bit with purple leggins, biker boots and leather jacket type look?

Velvet jeggings or these kind of leggings with a lace trim might work.

Either say you think it's inappropriate and return it
Wear it with leggings and a cardigan/polo

If you are not up for a fight discover an "ishoo" with the zip seam etc

Spuddy, I like your thinking there. I think DD would love that look, she's developing a very 'non-girly' style of her own at the moment, and that might work meaning we keep the dress, but style it so that the shortness isn't a focus/problem. Thanks!

Oh, velvet jeggins might work too.

It's very grown up style and would be quite short in any size. I'm actually surprised its from m&s.

Leggings would make the best of it though.

Think you're way over-thinking this OP!

She's 7, she's a little girl. Sorry but it's far too early to be thinking about developing a style or what might 'work'. It's not to my taste either but if your dd likes it, then leave it there!

Sorry if it's not what you want to hear but really a little girl does not need style advice. Plenty of time for that later on.

Um, I quite like it. I think it's cute-short rather than tarty-short. I wouldn't look at a 7 year old wearing it and go off into an internal rant about early sexualisation (and I have done that.)

Saying that, I don't think you could have much running around style fun wearing it.

Dancegirl I mean that she has her own likes/dislikes, and happens to like non-girly type of styles. She doesn't need style advice, you are right, but I was torn over how to deal with a dress I would never have bought for my DD, and whether my objections were enough to warrant me taking it back and offending my parents, or if I could get past my objections somehow. The style advice is for me as I'm clueless. I'd never have thought of Spuddy's suggestion, and knowing my DD she would like that 'take' on her dress as that's what she is showing an interest in liking to wear herself.

Agree that it's too short as is, but I think it would look fine with purple or black stretchy velvet leggings underneath and those shouldn't be itchy for your DD :).