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!

this one is gorgeous.

I would check out DvF in the sale, Jaeger, LK Bennett, Hobbs, Phase Eight, J Crew...

I think I should listen to my DH...

French Connection dresses seem to finish mid upper thigh, which feels a bit short. ..Hobbs - often go in, always seems really boxy on me and unflattering. Lindy Bop - on quick look, looks fab - fitted round the top / waist, which suits me. Warehouse seems bit dull colours, nothing leaping out at me on their website. .. Will try Karen Millan, Jigsaw.

Also trying to find something long- sleeved for this time of year but sooooo much seems short sleeved.

Thank you so much for the input!

Sorry, yes - awful. I saw a couple of nice things in Reiss - one a similar shape but much cooler - think it was black and white in a houndstooth check or similar, bodycon-type. Would look much better on you. They also had some nice black jackets in.

DvF

You have a lovely figure, the Boden dress isn't for you, sorry.
Have a look in Esprit - some lovely work dresses with sleeves
here

Phase Eight have some nice work dresses
www.phase-eight.com/fcp/categorylist/workdresses/all?resetFilters=true

If you can't return the dress in the picture, perhaps you could try hemming it - I think a hemline just above the knee might rescue it?

Reiss

I agree- I would expect a much older face at the top of that particular dress

LK Bennett? I do have an LK Bennett dress a bit like this , but grey, and I have to say it fits fabulously on me.

Do Lindy Bop sizes come up small? I looked at their size predictor and I'm coming out as 12-14 whereas I sm usually a 10 or even 8 in dresses because I am quite small on top (even though hips are 12). The dress linked to above, this one, would looks good on me I think.

A bit yes, you could do a lot better.

plain blue

red

pink

The actual dress is not quite as horrendous as painted out, but to be honest you need more weight on you to fill the dress out
On the right person with the right accessories it could look quite nice, but it stands out a mile you and that dress don't get along.

patterned

That's exactly the kind of dress I wear (but with a V neck)

10 years older, 5 dress sizes bigger than you

There is no point whatsoever being as slim and young as you if you're going to dress as badly as me........ so don't.

Too much material all over- too long, sleeves too long.

Kaliko? Ted Baker? Jigsaw? Whistles?

Cos, Whistles and FC? I find in all these shops I have to really rifle to find what I want, but there's usually something. Cos especially forces me to try cuts I would usually dismiss, and has led to some new unexpected styles for me. Just keep trying. Go for fabrics you're attracted to.

I think one of the main points about your blue dress is the length. It's not the super trendy calf length, yet still below your knee, so quite ageing. High neckline can be love,y on a good cut, and also help accentuate your petite waist. Wear a good bra underneath to give you shape. You have a fab figure - am sure you'll find something.

monochrome

I've found Lindy Bop dresses come up a bit big. You do have to pay postage for returns which makes trying on a bit tricky. Boden, on the other hand, have a fabulous return policy! Lindy Bop dresses are really lovely, I highly recommend them but I think the sizing calculator isn't entirely accurate.

LOVE those plain dresses, Tethers, thank you! Might well order one or two. Not keen on the particular pattern, also rather daring low back.

Thank you for other brand suggestions to look at - will start trawling around. Hm, also good point about the hem length, Infant, think you are right.

lots of options

Yes, if you can't return, turn it up, add a bright belt, perhaps a yellow one.

It's not the most flattering.

www.jigsaw-online.com/products/blue-depths-print-dress-9110 if you like pattern. Or try jaeger outlet website there are loads of bargains on there and really good quality.

I've just bought this www.marksandspencer.com/palm-print-bodycon-dress/p/p22357670 it is fitted bit still v consevative because of length , High neck and sleeves. Wore with black jacket opaque and ankle boots for winter. And it's drip dry :)

The neckline and belt make it look frumpy. If you can't return it I would get it shortened, ditch the belt and wear it as a tunic with skinnies. You could add a plain scarf to break up the pattern too.

I have to say I prefer plain colours for work, it's hard to find prints that are work-y but not dowdy.