Dress as gift from DH looks frumpy on me. Please help me style it.

[abigboydidit]

To give a bit of background, I am 36 and have been pregnant for pretty much the last 3 years & left with a pelvic organ prolapse after DDs birth. All this has really knocked my confidence & body image & has been starting to really get me down.

DH is not one for grand romantic gestures but arrived home tonight with this dress as he said when he saw it in the window he had to have it as he knew I would look beautiful. He has also arranged dinner at an amazing restaurant so I can wear it.

The problem is - I make it look like a Jacques Vert creation Whereas the model looks all boho, on me it is fitted but not clingy so I just feel like am off to the registry office. I used to have long, thick naturally curly hair but had to get it cropped after DC1 as it went all thin and wispy (as stupid as it sounds, losing my curls has been a real blow for my body image) & I think it makes the outfit all Mumsy.

I can't ask DH to take it back as it really would hurt his feelings and be really ungrateful so I hoped someone out there could help me accessorise it so I don't look like a frump bride. I should add am 5'7" and a size 8/10 (dress is 10 but needs to be as otherwise wouldn't squeeze my breastfeeding boobs or post baby belly in)

Haha! I didn't want to sound ungrateful mais but yes, am afraid that the neon ones are as high as I go. I also have gangly long legs so high heels just make me look like bambi on ice!

Neon's were my favourite, a good height and just a nice touch of colour

Are these a bit naff or okay? Thought they looked like the nice Top Shop ones linked to earlier but easier to walk in and cheaper than the Clarks ones.

Yes, really about the hair! I was thinking Audrey Hepburn or Carey Mulligan.

Though am starting to like these too

I don't think the New Look ones would look nice for long, so it depends on what you consider to be "value for money" in these circumstances.

If you want quality then, depending on your budget, how about:

these - reduced, red;

also reduced, cream;

different style, reduced, cream;

different style, reduced, tan.

They have other styles (both reduced and full price) which are low-ish heels and look like they'll be quite comfortable and durable, but those jumped out at me as possibilities.

They are both lovely, I like the gold, but would probably try one of the coloured versions of the tan wedge too like coral or navy. Saying that the tan wedge and gold wedge would be lovely with the turquoise necklace someone linked to earlier from Topshop.

Oops, I left these off the list!

Oh, and I meant that the first brown New Look sandals you linked to probably wouldn't look nice for long due to the materials - the second link doesn't work for me .

The dress is gorgeous, and would go for simple footweat (silevr/ pewter leather sandals?) Re your hair, accept the curls are gone andgo get a decent pixie crop, it can utterley cjhange your freatures rather than having a severe bland helmet cut! Whereabouts are you, we can suggest a hairdresser? A good haircut is aleays on your head and always works to pep my mood up!

New look also have lovely flat sandals that would suit
love these

One way of looking at new look shoes is that you aren't buying for everyday use, just occasional and when they wear out you can buy something different and change the look of the outfit.

Oh I totally love the Betty Cognac ones! I know you're probably right re New Look. Pre-DCs I never bought shoes that were "other" masquerading as leather but am just so aware that I rarely go anywhere so cant justify splurging on shoes that wont get used. But the Betty ones are like the lovely Top Shop ones you linked to at the start (which I am still going to try on in the vain hope I can walk in them) but the ankle strap might mean I can actually wear them fairly often? Only thing am worried about is that the the toes are quite filled in (if that makes sense) - would they be too heavy for the dress?

Grrr.. Not ankle strap - low heels! sleep deprivation is not my friend..

Scotland JoyceDivision. Ayrshire but Glasgow would do!

I feel a trip to new look coming on

I should be studying, easily distracted and virtual shoe shopping is so enjoyable

The link didn't work mais!

Am on the wine - this is the most fun I've had in years yonks

this is nice and quite like mine!

elfin v pretty and low maintanence

another nice pixie

not this though

not this either

or this

Last link was to brown cuff pearl sandals, but there are loads of lovely flats.
Wine sounds good

I'm near leeds socan'trecommend mine but would get a thread asking for hairdesser recs and get yourself a good chop for your date night

As am feeling brave thanks to I will do just that JoyceDivision. Thank you!

www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/brown-pearl-cuff-sandals_255252521

Hope it works this time, was chuffed it worked the other times

abigboydidit - the Betty Cognacs are my favourites too! I don't think they'd be too heavy for the dress as long as you wore relatively chunky jewellery (like the turquoise necklace I linked to earlier, and a reasonably heavy bracelet/watch). Also, the fact that they're quite solid means that they should last for a long time and be appropriate for more daytime activities as your DC get older - if you think of it in terms of "cost per wear" (to use the S&B mantra), they're probably much better value than flimsy/poor quality shoes.

Good luck with the haircut, I bet you'll feel much better for doing it!

Lovely "problem" to have! Haven't had a chance to view all links but echo others who are saying gold sandals. Please not tan! Or coloured shoes!

Something like this but hopefully there's a high st version as close to this type of design as possible and a fraction of the cost!

www.jimmychoo.com/en/restofworld/sandals/lance/invt/247lancemle/

If you really want wedges, then the gold ones you linked to could look great, try dress on when you try the shoes to see how they work.

Less is more, v v v simple accessories eg bracelet but no need for a necklace, dress itself is quite dressy, no need to dress it up more.

Also a simple clutch bag.

There's a theme here for me, simple would be my suggestion when it comes to shoes and accessories with this particular dress.

Also agree, you have the figure to carry it off and cropped hair will look really striking and edgy.

If you're feeling brave enough pls post some pics up of your final look!

Oh! Those shoes are edible! I would never in a million years be able to walk in them but I would feel simply fabulous sitting down . I had been thinking about going back to look for the turquoise cuff - do you reckon that's a no no then?

Personally I think it might be the wrong neckline and just too much. But try it on with the dress and see.

www.posh24.com/photo/1324282/michelle_williams_white_dress

I thought of Michelle Williams when you said you have cropped hair. If you look at this pic, she's kept it all very simple and looks very chic.

Your dress has more detail and is more intricate which is why I think you have to accessorise very carefully eg with earrings and possibly bracelet but personally I don't think you need a necklace, as there's quite a high neckline.