Is this dress too old for me?

[MyNameIsSuz]

I'm back to work in October and just starting to build up a work wardrobe again - I've been off for a year, before that I was in maternity clothes, and I just have nothing suitable for the office any more! My place ranges from smart-casual to very casual and trendy, but I prefer not to wear jeans and will usually wear dresses, with tights and boots in the winter and with flats in the summer.

I'm 29 and 5'2", and was wondering if I'd be able to get away with the petite version of this: www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Dresses/Petite-Dresses/WH530/Womens-Ruby-Dress.html. All the reviews are by people in their 40s 50s and 60s, I don't want to look old before my time, which I know sounds silly but some people dress incredibly young and fashionable and while I don't want to go down that route I don't want to look frumpy in comparison.

I've also just ordered this from Next: www.next.co.uk/x5246s1#867118x52 which I'm excited about and think will look good with thick black tights and boots this autumn.

So is the Boden one ok? I've never bought from them before. Any other suggestions also welcome :o)

Actually, no have looked more closely and I don't like the funny shoulders. And that picture with the model looks like her head has been photoshopped on at a strange angle.

OP I second Madbuslady's excellent choices. Next dress is nice,Boden would look frumpy if you're not careful....a difficult length. oasis dresses fit me perfectly (5ft3) not as short as on the model but short enough to feel more fashionable.

Thanks everyone, I will steer well clear! I had a hunch it might be too frumpy, I really like that kind of style but I really need something that hits a few cm above the knee, which on me isn't too easy to find. Thanks for all the suggestions, I love Oasis too!

And hooray, I'm glad so many people seem to like the Next one, I just hope it's nice when it arrives .

I wouldn't have touched Boden clothes under 30.

Next dress is preferable, though not keen on Next, personally.

I'm 27, and not a fan of the Boden one. I like dresses which wrap at the top and have the defined waist but I think the skirts need to either be slinkier, shorter, or much fuller so they are in to skater/circle skirt type territory. The kind of half assed skirt doesn't work IMO.

These are very similar in some ways, but without the frump IMO

asos 1
smarter
probably too long for a petite but better shape wise
younger/flirtier

Ooh I like that bird one from Asos!

Oooh, Stat that green wrap one has my name on it! "MadBus, pick me! pick me!" it says.

Stat you're only 27???!!!

I had you much older in my head - sorry!!

Gosh, so did I actually. Maybe it's the boob wisdom

Don't worry I think everyone assumes I'm older - married, child, too much boob knowledge, sensible job ;)

And I love the green wrap - I couldn't wear it yet but it's about to be added to me "in a couple of stone" shopping list cos it's ideal for a ridiculously hourglass girl!

I am very old and that Boden dress is too old for me! Steer clear!

Have ordered the green wrap, will let you know how it fits

That dress is what shapewear was made for :)

I've gone for the rose bud printed wrap dress you suggested earlier, MadBusLady - always feel a print hides a multiple of lumps sins!

Suz I've got the Next one, I think it looks good

It's the bow and length if the Boden one that puts me off. I am not a Victorian/Edwardian child. I do not need a bow. Love those Oasis dresses though.

I'm nearly 41 and I had the Boden one arrive in an order this week (navy floral one and plain navy).
I feel too young for it so you definitely are! If dressed up then I think it would be ok, but wear anything with the slightest hint of frump and it will age you. It's long too (I'm 5'6"), past my knees, esp for AW with boots.
Mine are going back.