Does this dress make me look 'a bit nineteenth century'?

[NewAccount270219]

I need a dress for a wedding next month. I tried this one on (in M&S) and really liked the colour and the flouncy way it twirls when I do (I might be five). Both my DM and DH hated it, which surprised me as they both normally at least claim to like most things I buy - DM said it looked 'weirdly covered up' and unflattering, while DH said it looked 'a bit nineteenth century' and then that there was 'something a bit Pennsylvania Dutch about it' (?!). I thought it was elegant but am now doubting myself! Thoughts, oh wise mumsnetters?

I'm 31, 5'10 and the dress pictured is a 12 (in M&S generous sizing). I'd quite like to look nice for this wedding as it'll be the first time I've seen lots of the people there in years, but I'm still feeling a bit body unconfident after having DS nine months ago (don't think I'll lose any more weight before this wedding, though - seem to have plateaued)

[TSSDNCOP]

I’m 50 and wouldn’t be seen dead in Boden or MV. I always wonder if S&B posts on wedding threads are from younger people who don’t know how to dress for formal events so go to the safe and dull end.

[Stuckforthefourthtime]

@TSSDNCOP I think it's the opposite. The S&B threads are always full of women recommending Boden/MV or talking about Hush like it's edgy. Someone recently came on asking about attractive and fashionable sandals and got recommendations for Clarks and Hotter (!). The general feel of many posters seems to be very much mid-40s, size 12+, middle class home counties mum. Which is totally valid! But to me not hugely stylish in the sense of fashionable, nor for someone under 35 to wear to a wedding (or anywhere else)...

More on point though OP, I hope the dress you chose in the end arrives looking as nice as it does online, and have a fab wedding!

[SchnitzelVonKrumm]

Whenever I look in Mint Velvet it's a sea of don't-go-near-a-naked-flame polyester. And there's always too much detailing - a midi dress in green with a zebra print AND weird cut outs in the sleeves. With studs. Makes it look cheap (which it isn't).

[NewAccount270219]

Am quite flattered by the idea that seems to be developing that I am too hip for this thread, but feel obliged to point out that I'm the one who wants to wear an M&S dress, so it would be a bit much for me to sneer at Boden!

[TatianaLarina]

Normally I can’t stand Boden but some of the Boden dresses posted here have been all right.

[Rosemargot]

I really like it and like the colour, if you have Instagram check out Pollliani who is a Norwegian fashionista who rocks the whole covered up Victoriana vibe, with some statement earrings and even some high pointy ankle boots it would look really good.

[NewAccount270219]

Hmm. The ghost dress has arrived. Pictures attached. I don't love it as much as I thought. The colour is lovely I think it makes me look quite flat-chested and so bottom heavy, and I don't really like the fabric (which feels quite cheap, which is a bit of a shock as this dress was £165 before it went in the sale!). Obviously I could try some of the other options on this thread but I'm wondering if I just don't like wrap dresses on me - what do other people think?

[TatianaLarina]

You have a nice figure but the dress is too big and the waist is too low.

It’s very similar to the M&S one.

[DarlingNikita]

I think it's too big and yes, the fabric looks a bit cheap.

I still like your original one!

[FiremanKing]

The ghost dress does nothing for you.

[ElectricDreamz]

Agree it's too big, so it could be a dressing gown rather than a dress. I might like it in a smaller size

[NewAccount270219]

It is a bit too big, isn't it? Their sizing is obviously very generous or I misread it because I thought a medium was a 12. I don't think I like it enough to bother trying a small.

[QueenKubauOfKish]

OP I think you need to get your arms out (maybe with a little shawl / cardi etc if you prefer) and wear a dress that's more fitted above the waist. like a Hobbs twitchill dress here

(I like the black and cream one best but there is also a coral colour, and they come up on ebay too)

[ThanksItHasPockets]

Have you looked at Temperley at John Lewis? They have a few pieces under £100 in I think the style you’re thinking of.

www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-floral-button-up-dress-multi/p3831403
www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-tie-front-star-print-midi-dress-black-ecru/p4011505

[emma8t4]

Have you tried Oasis, something like this maybe??

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/dresses/hot-tropics-skater-dress/069553.html?dwvar_069553_color=68&position=73&cgid=dresses#page=6&productsMoved=23&hideFeatured=false&start=73&categoryID=dresses

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/dresses/floral-tie-skater-dress/069859.html?dwvar_069859_color=67&position=94&cgid=dresses#page=7&productsMoved=26&hideFeatured=false&start=94&categoryID=dresses

[RockinHippy]

It's okay, but it really isn't doing you justice & given all your uni friends are still child free, I'm guessing you're still quite young too & in that case this will be frumpy on you.

You need something in this sort of cut to flatter & make the most of your curves. I've a few from per una in various prints & style detailing. You can often find factory over-makes on eBay too

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Multicolour-Floral-Pencil-Ruched-Wrap-Cocktail-Occasion-Dress-Size-14-Per-Una/382884715568?hash=item5925b51c30:g:zb8AAOSwX2Jcf642

[RockinHippy]

Sorry Op, that ghost dress is hideously ageing on you

[NewAccount270219]

Ooh, I like the temperley black and white one but is it a bit drab for a wedding?

I know from bitter experience that it's not worth me even trying on oasis dresses unless they're sold as midi or maxi because they're always knicker skimmingly short on me.

I know people are trying to be helpful and I'm grateful but I really don't want a nipped in at the waist sleeveless shift cocktail dress thing. I know people think I'll look less 'frumpy' but the people at this wedding wearing those will be the mother of the bride and her generation, ie 30 years older than me.

[ShivD]

Ooh that temperly one is fab, with some good earrings and shoes it would be great. Maybe metallic to bring the bling factor in.

[ShivD]

I meat the star one rather than flower one.

[Sturmundcalm]

that ghost one looks nice but a bit ordinary from the front and is really unflattering/clearly too big from the side.

[TatianaLarina]

I like the Temperly, don’t think it’s too drab. I’d wear with red velvet shoes with a slight 40s feel.

[TatianaLarina]

I meant the black and white star one, don’t like the other.

[Disfordarkchocolate]

I like the Temperley one too, red or maroon shoes would look fan.

[Disfordarkchocolate]

FFS, fab not fan!!