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)

Ps turquoise necklace from top shop looks fab, worth getting even if you don't wear it with the dress, I think I'm going to try and get one!

Just on the point of the Topshop shoes, they are really comfy and easy to walk in.

I say this as someone with 2 DC under 3, short and fat. As a willowy size 10, in that fab dress, you will be fine

Oh and they go with jeans too!

I have a fantastic hairdresser who comes to the house. She's amazing and it's really handy as you don't have to organise around kids. Great pricing too. I've recommended her to loads of friends and motherinlaw and all really happy PM me if you would like her details, she is mobile in Glasgow area.

Thank you TwinkleSparkleBling! They had a free delivery code so have ordered them in 2 sizes as a few reviews say they are a bit neat?

Thanks so much for all the help so far. Going to try to pop past Primark over the weekend to see if they still have the turquoise cuff bracelet thingy. Any suggestions for bags? Am totally lost on that.

Starting to get quite excited now so thank you everyone.

Since your dress is lace, you need to be very careful to avoid bags with detailing that could catch on the fabric.

If you go for the gold/turquoise theme with the tan shoes and Topshop collar necklace I linked to, the following could work:

simple, textured, gold

colour blocked, cream and gold

gathered gold clutch

My internet connection is very slow so I haven't followed all of the other shoe links, but most of those bags are quite versatile.

I think cropped hair would really go well with this dress. Think Mia Farrow, Jean Seberg, Emma Watson - all gamine and dainty. Plus you could put some decorative 'grown-up' clips in for a bit of sparkle....

You'll look fab - wish I was 5'7 and a size 8 - 10!

Have a lovely evening with your lovely husband!

Haven't got the necklace as it was out of stock but have ordered the shoes and am looking for a nice turquoise bracelet/cuff. I actually have a bag similar to the New Look one but am wondering where I have tidied it away to! Would a gold bag be okay with the jewellery though, as usually turquoise is set in silvery metal.

Thanks again NomDeOrdinateur

I think a spray tan would be your best accessory, and may lift your mood too?

I'm sensing there's nothing wrong with your hair, your looks, or the dress - just your confidence atm.

Would hair extensions help? Pricey, but so is dinner in an amazing restaurant - specially if you're not going to enjoy it because you feel flat.

Seems that you are being well taken care of in terms of styling .

Just wanted to say I know how you feel, although I only have the 1 DC. I also had multiple severe birth injuries and multiple pelvic organ prolapse. I know how awful it can make you feel about yourself and how it impacts on your self-image, even though people can't tell what's happened from looking at you.

Your DH is lovely for buying you that dress and I really hope you can make it work for you so that you feel good in it. Enjoy your dinner - I hope you have a really special evening! X

I saw this dress being worn on Daybreak this morning.

It looked great!

If, as you say, the dress is 'fitted' rather than 'slinky' on you - how about a wide tan leather belt to cinch it in and show off your boobs? It would look ace with tan wedges that many posters are recommending.

Or - if you are feeling brave - a wide neon belt with neon shoes!

What a lovely husband and son you have.

Hello, I had similar issues to you after pregnancy number 2 (slight prolapse, dodgy hair, struggled with new shape), but by the time the baby was one I was pretty much my old self (except maybe the hair and the boobs are now more deflated than pneumatic). It will all get better soon.

One thing that really helped from a non-medical perspective was a proper underwired nursing bra, it made me feel less dumpy.

I know a great haridresser in the merchant city. I don't have his details just now but will get them for you and come back and post them.

Lovely dress btw. I think it would look great with your colouring and figure. Nice for summer. Nice bright accessories I think - lots of lovely suggestions above. Your DH is obviously lovely!

Wilsons on Wilson St. Ask for John

I'd go for bright neon strappy sandals with the block low heel that is very in now. Head to Clarks for some lovely metallic versions of the same. These Marni sandals are too expensive but have been widely copied on the High st and would look very contemporary.

pinterest.com/pin/457326537130268698/

Or these - pinterest.com/pin/457326537130367897/

here's a white dress look - pinterest.com/pin/457326537131159477/

Carry a clutch like these - pinterest.com/pin/457326537131131454/

pinterest.com/pin/457326537131157590/

and some rocked up ear rings, again use this picture as inspiration for a look. Rose gold metallic tones would be a lovely match especially with your pixie cut

pinterest.com/pin/457326537131157597/

If you want to avoid a bridal look and have olive skin why not wear with orange
like this:
Karen millen
orange accessories on pinterest
turquoise and tan with white lace dress on polyvore
this is my fave

Those pictures are really helpful. Got an idea of the look am going for in my head now. Not sure my belly could carry off a cinched in waist .

Oh, I know John freerangeeggs! He did my sister's hair for years and did mine for her wedding. Unfortunately I am a time obsessed, punctual monster and found going there too anxiety provoking as he was aaaaaalways running late

That is a beautiful dress - and size 10 with DDs and an "edgy" haircut will look better (IMO) than the skinny floaty tripping-though-the-fields-of-daisies look that the model has.

Have you heard of Dressipi? It's a website where you put in your measurements and they say nice things about your shape and recommend what styles of clothes will suit you, then show you pictures and links for actual available-to-buy examples of those kinds of things (e.g. if it says you want a shift dress with a slash neck it will then show you shift dresses with slash necks). You can hit "like" and "dislike" and eventually it'll get to know your style. I think it'd be very useful whn your shape has changed a lot.

Thanks Trills - I hadn't heard of it but it looks like just what I need!