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Another Dress thread, please advise as I am hopeless and feel out of my depth!

39 replies

SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 12/11/2016 19:35

I have my FIL's 70th coming up, a very big posh do.

I am a SAHM to my 3yo (well, I work from home but effectively a SAHM) and have lost my mojo in the style dept.

I also didn't really ever do dresses in the past for a big night out - when I was younger, more confident and more toned/sometimes a size smaller I would experiment with sharp pencil skirts/funky tops/very high heels etc.

I have lost that confidence and also now I'm a slightly flabby size 14 (on top, more like a generous 12 on the bottom) I don't feel I can experiment comfortably.

Sooooo... I feel like for this occasion I will feel most comfortable, albeit a fraction risk-averse, in a smart frock.

I love and suit very tailored styles and I currently HATE my upper arms, they're probably not absolutely awful but they used to be lovely and toned (albeit always quite large; I have a big upper body!) and now I feel I need something with a sleeve, or at least something to cover the very top of my upper arms.

I like this (I love grey, but I like the black too) - what do people think?

www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-chiffon-bandage-dress/p3046151?colour=Grey

And also I love this but worry the cap sleeve might not be right for my arm issues

www.johnlewis.com/store/french-connection-lula-stretch-cap-sleeve-v-neck-dress-black/p2925476?navAction=jump

There are actually a couple of Phase Eight ones I like the look of too but not sure I can bring myself to go for a Phase Eight as I am alreday feeling frumpy and mumsy. Is Mint Velvet in that category, though?

Any advice MUCH appreciated, the party is next week and I'm feeling a bit down about how un-stylish I always look these days - I know it's a small thing but I've lost so much confidence

OP posts:
PersisFord · 12/11/2016 20:03

Fake tan will sort out blotches and paleness. Good spray tan 2 days before. If you are going to spend ££ on a dress you may as well go the whole hog in my opinion!!

SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 12/11/2016 20:03

Yes the pink shoes would look awesome with that one... anyone know about tights?! Can we or can't we...?

OP posts:
PersisFord · 12/11/2016 20:04

If anyone is getting close enough to your legs to notice ingrown hairs then you have definitely pulled and I wouldn't worry any further!!!

SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 12/11/2016 20:05

Persis ha!

It's all DH's extended family so I'd be concerned if there was pulling involved... that said he does have a rather flirty cousin or two...

OP posts:
SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 12/11/2016 20:09

OohNoDoo, I love that Baukjen one actually - not sure it's dressy enough for the occasion but am sorely tempted to try it. It would be fab for smart daytime events (if I ever have any again) and lovely on Xmas Day. I LOVE a stripe.
Thank you

OP posts:
SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 12/11/2016 20:10

That second Baukjen one looks awesome too, very simple but effective, I have some nice jewellery I could wear with that neckline.

OP posts:
OohNoDooEy · 12/11/2016 20:17

Last one

www.justlastseason.co.uk/damson-lace-top-gown/010038222.html?cgid=jls&dwvar_010038222_color=0329

I love the look of the second baukjen one personally

PersisFord · 12/11/2016 20:29

I have just remembered that the blue lace Reiss one has a bit of a weird back - I'm not sure you could wear a normal bra under it which might be an added complication.

WRT tights - I would say that if you and I, two women of the world, don't know if it's the done thing then it is probably fine!!

The second baukjen one is lovely and a lovely colour....but you have the opportunity to wear something really glitzy. That one to me is a great dress for a date, or an evening out - not a party!!!

The other thing to remember is that you will be with your family who love you - it's an easy crowd. If your arms and legs make you uncomfy then cover them by all means but I'm sure they are perfectly lovely and if you wanted to show them then they will love to see them!

Doobigetta · 13/11/2016 08:03

I like the white Reiss one best of all of those, it's beautiful. And I think tights are fine as long as they aren't shiny, and you wear closed toe shoes so the toe seam doesn't show. Definitely better than having goosebumpy blotchy legs out.

GeorgeTheThird · 13/11/2016 08:10

Don't be persuaded to go too short, op - you'll feel awkward all day and never wear it again.

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