Please help me decide if I want to keep these dresses?

[youngblowfish]

Mumsnet jury, please tell me if I need to keep this dress.

I ordered both red and black and really like them both - mostly for casual wear, lunches, maybe for work if I keep a blazer on at all times (the back is a bit risqué). Have a few family parties coming up which it might be good for as well.

I am blonde and the black suits me better but red is more festive and a bit more unusual. Do I keep them both? Or would that be extraordinarily extravagant? TIA!

What will you wear on your feet?

Don't like the red at all, sorry. It looks a bit tacky imvho.

I like em but would only wear them if I had legs to die for (which I don't :))cos those are some short dresses!

I like it, infact have just ordered the black for myself. Dont know if it will look right on me but worth a go! :)

Ankle boots? Or tan knee-high boots? With opaque tights of leggings.

Yes, the red lace number is definitely tacky, but I sometimes quite like tacky. Possibly not quite as work appropriate as I first thought then ;), but something tells me DH will love. The poor chap has, erm, interesting taste.

Hell, the dresses come to mid-thigh on me so not indecently short, I hope?

So far the consensus seems to be that the dresses are, dare I say it, a tad sluttish? I feared as much.

Derby, there is a discount code for 20% off, check out Twitter. I hope you it when it arrives!

Derby, there is a discount code for 20% off, check out Twitter. I hope you will like it when it arrives!

Maybe I could wear these ankle boots with them as well?

Sorry for posting twice and apologies for numerous typos - I am on phone, typing with one hand and trying to soothe DS to sleep with another.

the black one is ok, but red definitely tacky looking. (sorry)

I love the black, not so keen on the red.
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However, I was more putout by the sizings.. I would have to order a XL for a 14?? No way would I buy anyitem of clothing that says XL!!!

you don't need that dress

The boots might be okay with the black one, with opaques and a casual blazer to dress it down. But tbh I think if you're going for that 'sexy' a look in a dress, you need black platforms or stilettos and aim for the full on Robert Palmer video effect. And I don't think the red one is dress downable at all tbh.

Remus, what if I styled it in a similar way to this?

Googled Robert Palmer, the models look like they are having so much fun. I have never seen any of his videos before, but now have fancy dress for the next 80s shindig sorted .

Oooh it's a bit Kat Slater... I am old though so I clearly know sod all.

I would keep the black one and send the red one back.

No, I don't think so. Hers is a loose and relaxed jumper dress, whilst yours is a bodycon thin fabric thing. I really do think the red one should go back.

Glad to have helped re fancy dress. :)

I am getting an education here, had to google Kat Slater as well. Nice.

Oh well, since I am waiting in vain for someone to come along and tell me that the red dress is charming, I will have to send it back and wear my red dress from last year instead.

I appreciate your honesty, even if my inner tart is disappointed.

That's why I asked which shoes . I think they will decide how tarty it looks . Not keen in either but black better IMHO

You have a baby and will still look good in that dress?

Respect

To hell with it, just go for the red and the black. In too short a time you will be heading towards elasticated waists, mum boots, practical short hair and sequined jumpers at Christmas time like me

Send 'em both back, I get the idea but it's just a bit teenagery. Last years one is positively middle aged

So, sexy red dress? this, this. Seamed stockings. Heels. Bam.

Or, if you really want 80's tacky this?

Whole effect high risk of tackiness IMO - the red one in particular. Not possible to dress down.

Unexpected, what a kind thing to say. I hope I look OK in the dress, but don't really want to channel Kat Slater. Still, I love your idea of throwing caution to the wind and keeping both. What a shame we seem to be alone.

Marlene, I love my dress from last year, it makes me feel great. Besides, it is too late to return it now anyway .

The dresses may have to go back. Before I slink off and admit defeat, I just wanted to share with you my Christmas day outfit, which I have in dark green. There is no hope for me, is there .

Well I like them both OP!
What is wrong with red dresses? Am I missing something?

Ooh OP last years dress is lovely.

Still sexy, but a bit more tasteful ;)

Agree last year's red dress lovely - can be sexy and is very feminine, but more subtle and verstile.

I like last years dress too.