Why doesn't this dress look right?

[ThatsNotMyToddler]

I'm shortly returning to work from mat leave and my wardrobe needs a bit of attention. Have just ordered this from Boden and not sure if I like it. I like the idea of it. Had a knitted dress for years and so easy to throw on in the morning, but it got threadbare in the elbows (😳).

So this one. Does it just need a good iron? Is it too short? Is the waist in the wrong place (never really thought of myself as long-waisted but I've had this impression a few times recently)? Are the shoes wrong? Or am I just used to seeing myself in jeans and have forgotten how to dress for work?

Help!!!

I think it looks lovely on you! You definitely don't look like you've had a baby in the last year!

I think you look nice in it but if you aren't sure perhaps try it in a different colour. I'm wonder if the grey makes it look a bit casual rather than professional.

i really like it...but...it does make your boobs quite prominent (sweater dresses often do - sometimes that's a good thing!)

Perhaps your body shape has changed in the last year and this is the first time that you have noticed it when clothed, so it doesn't look like "you"?

It is the wrong length for you.

I think it's too small. It's very clingy and could do with being a thicker material

I think it's nice but it does look like you can see your boobs quite clearly (maybe shape of your bra?) so I'd be getting a thicker bra so no nipple shape, or putting a vest on under or something.

Heavy black tights and shoes don't work with it. Not really sure it's your sort of colour?

I think it squashes your boobs a bit, and the skirt hangs limply when you turn to the side.

It's not you, it's the fact it's knitted. You look fantastic!

It looks good but boobs was the first thing I saw. I don't think your watch matches the dress at all though. I would also team with different shoes, probs higher heels but you've got to be comfortable!

I don't agree that it's too small, I think it fits you fine it just does make your boobs look big. But maybe I'm just jealous because my chest is literally an ironing board.

Here's a very personal question - have you had a decent bra fitting recently? I wonder if a different bra could help it to sit differently.

That said it's a gorgeous dress.

It's nice. Maybe something to break up the neckline/boob area??

It looks too small even though it's not.

And second the bra suggestion.

I think it needs to be shorter, that's all.

I think you have a great body. But the pink stripe should be just under your breasts that would make the dress flow nicely. it being in the middle of your hips gives the whole dress an odd shape.

I think it looks great, you've got a fantastic figure. I'd try it with flesh colored tights rather than black if it was me.

Hmm. So you're all saying the things I'm thinking I guess. It is quite booby - and that's inappropriate in my job so would have to be sorted. I'm in that just-breastfeeding-at-night stage so have been buying cheap bras every now and again. Another thing on the back to work to-do list! My boobs are bigger than usual at the moment so maybe that's why I look wrong to me!

I wanted it in navy with white stripes really, but it was out of stock so I thought I'd give this a go. I do feel a bit 'conspicuous' in it.

Oh, and I'm not really a watch person - this is my running watch (!) so not sure I'd wear it to work. But high fashion isn't important, looking professional and fairly neutral is.

Thanks all. Sounds like it's going back anyway

You look great and so does the dress. Perfect!

Ah well...!

Sorry Alexa!! Thanks though

I think it looks ok, the tights and shoes don't go with it, I'm sorry. The reason I say "ok" is it's just a comfy casual dress, it's not really stand out or particularly smart in any way, and I'm unsure what you do for a living, so how proffesional you have to look. Something tailored is usually smarter but maybe you don't need that?

If you're still breastfeeding then that explains it.

The pink at the waist is too narrow & it flares out a bit too much but a wash would probably sort that out.

I just don't think its very flattering and looks like its a bit neat for you, especially at the hip area. Please don't take any of that the wrong way!

You have a fantastic figure and lovely hair. I think it is more the way the dress is cut - the waistband pink should be higher and there should be a bit more give on the hips. If you ordered up next size though I bet you it wouldn't fit round the shoulder - have had this problems lots with boden stuff. Also I suspect the grey colour is ageing on you. The length is right and the shoes go fine but at £110 even with a discount I think you could find a better one.

You look great, it's the weird pink stripes that make it look
Wrong