Do I look frumpy in this dress? (with photos! )

[Wigeon]

Trying to find a nice patterned dress for office-based work. This dress (Boden via eBay) looked lovely in the catalogue picture, but worried the neckline isn't flattering, makes my boobs look odd, fit makes me look fatter than I am (8-10 on top and 10-11 on bum/hips), DH thinks the pattern is aging / dowdy (I'm 35).

Honest views required please!

I don't like the teal one either, the burgundy one's shape looks nice but it's only cotton and not lined - I'd worry it wouldn't be quite smart enough for work.

Phase Eight do lots of this shape of dress and might be worth a look?

Anything appeal?

phase eight

CHINA BLUE-10&refpage=dresses&view=2&searchpage=1&pagesize=60 hobbs

STONE-12&refpage=dresses&view=2&searchpage=1&pagesize=60 also this

Few dresses on my wish list

IVORY-10&refpage=dresses&view=2&searchpage=1&pagesize=60 also got this

Watching thread as I'm after similar dresses

I don't like:
the colour
the neck
the shape
the length
the look of the fabric
All of the above in combination. Sorry, but I think it looks a bit cheap and a bit like the sort of thing weather ladies wear.

If anything, the burgundy's a little bit over-smart for where I work. It's the only drawback - everyone will think I'm going for an interview. Depends on your work obvs, It's not lined but it's a reasonably heavyweight cotton and far less clingy than a lot of jersey dresses. I've not washed it yet though....

I don't dislike the teal one as much as Remus but I think that shape can make your hips look huge. Plus for me, it would showcase my crinkly elbows although at 35, that's probably not a problem for you.

OP there is no way that you would look worse in a looser blouse than the one you have on. None. cf: Gillian Anderson in The Fall.

dexter is is not about fashion - though there is nothing wrong with fashion - it's about style. Stylishness needs an element of playfulness or luxury that's not in any of the outfits here (other than the first).

OP, please believe that good fabrics with some difference in weights and textures, and some contrast in fit and proportion, are the key to separates. Please donate that shirt, skirt and belt, pronto. They all look cheap.

OP you're so much further from progress than where you started!

What happened to the idea of a great print?

All this block coloured jersey is thoroughly drab.

Sorry for multiple posts, I should really conclude a train of thought before I start typing.

Great that you've got the bra sorted - that will make all outfits look better.

I like the navy marl M&S dress coffeenut linked to above (what's going on with M&S? Loads of nice things in there at the moment!)

I also agree that a small heel will make some things look better - eg that M&S dress would look good with ankle boots. LK Bennett also have lots of quite comfortable shoes with heels around 2". I think it's quite hard to wear a pencil skirt without any kind of heel.

If you don't want to wear heels then I'd suggest boots and a slighter shorter skirt length (ie above the knee).

I like Nancy's idea re a personal shopper session in a department store.

I am loving your posts rooty even though you would probably hate my wardrobe

OP, I recommend Wallis bodycon wrap dresses. Lots of bnwt on eBay very reasonable. Very flatterering on your shape x

I think rooty would hate hate my wardrobe too! I'm not sure if there is anything playful in it!

Or even just hate the once!

Also loving rooty's posts

Could something like this work? www.anthropologie.eu/anthro/product/clothing-newarrivals/7120433537865.jsp#/

Thank you! not sure why

dexter I like hate hate.

Actually I don't go about hating people's wardrobes - other than my own, though that is probably as much a dislike of my body and my life. Defos hate hate

But this thread has taken a turn for the disastrous, someone must speak!

While I'm here, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO to skirts and boots. Unless we're talking ankle length respectively.

Playfulness just means personality, really.

Ok I just cannot help these multiple posts, my brain is turning over.

OP, as wonderful as your figure is - and it's truly lovely - considering SwedishEdith's suggestion (beautiful), I think there is something in your bearing that rules out the pencil skirt. You're wearing it a bit marmishly.

CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT PLEATED TROUSERS.

They will balance your proportions and swish stylishly around your slim thighs.

I think another thing for my list that your clothes need is movement.

Hi Wigeon! Love this thread. It is I, your colleague. Now, knowing you better than many on here, it is a mystery to me why you are finding this so tricky as you have a totally enviable figure and wear clothes beautifully. I don't think the photos on here have done you much justice to be honest.

We have a much overdue lunch - how about we lurk in some shops and look at some stuff in person? Although I must admit, I quite liked the first one.

YES SPOTTY, THE FIRST ONE!!!!!! WITH A RED LIP!!!!

Sigh.

Because I like it when people have strong opinions about clothes. Even if the opinion is that everything I hold dear (pencil skirts, ankle boots, block colours, jersey.. ) is rubbish.

Pleated trousers

I usually hold back a bit more but being in a minority of 1 is galvanising me

(And I don't think the pencil skirt is rubbish, just praps not for Wig, and I do love ankle boots! Was in fact trying to prevent a diversion into knee highs and short skirts.....shudder)

You see I think Wig would look good in a pencil skirt. I just don't think the one in the photo is a proper pencil - it's too straight-up-and-down and not fitted enough. I like a pencil to be tapered and very fitted so it showcases your arse but at the same time, you're totally covered up. When I wear one, I tone everything else down - no heels (flat bikerish boots in winter and brogues or plimsolls when it's warmer), not even a red lip - it is all about my arse I think she'd look great and definitely not maam-ish!

What on earth are pleated trousers?

Just found this thread and I'm really enjoying all the photos and advice ??

I have similar needs to you, OP, so I will stay if I may.

I dithered over the navy marl M&S one linked upthread as it's the sort of thing I usually choose, but haven't ordered it as yet. I am also a fan of Phase Eight, but I do feel you need a thick/structured jersey for work (well I do, to hide lumpy bits!).

Biker boots or plimsolls with a pencil skirt?! Pleated trousers ?

I give up!