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)

It's very Handmaid's Tale. I don't hate it, and it does show off your amazing figure, but it's not something I'd choose.

Yes I thought Handmaid's Tale too.

Oh god, it is a bit handmaid's tale, isn't it? I couldn't see the 'pennsylvania dutch' thing, but I do see that.

i really like it
loads better than a bog-standard Coast Wedding Special
and it shows off your figure beautifully

I really like it too on you op. It's an elegant hard to pull off style (You need the right bod). I'd team it with killer stilettos.

I really love it but I also agree it isn't the right dress. I like the waist but I think the neckline is too high and that's why it looks too old for you. Such a strong colour brings a lot of attention to the fact you are completely covered. I do love it though, the kind of dress that I would buy and wear in 20years time

I actually really like it!

It makes me think of the Handmaid's Tale too.

It's a bit work dress. I'd wear it to work. Also a bigger bust looks better in a v neck. I'd definitely try a jumpsuit. Or these from monsoon.

black

floral

maxi

I think the skirt length plus high neckline plus long sleeves makes it a bit religiously modest, I love the colour though.

You have an amazing figure even more so for someone with a new baby.
I sort of like the top bit although the neckline is a bit frumpy but for me it’s the midi length and all the material in the skirt which widens your hips that makes it unflattering.

I also think it’s too big on you.

Have you looked at silk Fred? Not expensive and loads and loads of dresses on there with longer sleeves.

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/liquorish/clothing/yellow-floral-black-base-midi-wrap-dress

Thanks for the suggestions hopeishere - I can't get the links to work, sorry, could you repost them? Do they have sleeves? I really don't want to go sleeveless with a wrap because I can predict now what will happen:

I will wear the wrap for about 10 minutes, while DS insistently pulls at it, and then find it just too faffy, put it down and abandon it, possibly for the night, probably for good as I'll forget to go back for it
I'll see the photos months later and realise I had my horrible fat arms on display the whole time and looked awful

I cannot emphasise enough that I will be the fattest woman (of my age - perhaps the bride or groom have some lingering portly aunts, I don't know) at this wedding by some way. I once went on holiday with this group and it was v awkward because they all treated all their size 6/8 clothes as a shared resource and kept starting to invite me to do the same and then remembering that I'm twice their size...

Ah, I like that one thanks stiff - will peruse the website

What do people think of this one?

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/pretty-lavish/clothing/valery-wrap-midi-dress-polkadot?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4-XlBRDuARIsAK96p3AGUpgr9IoZAmv2OmS2fcP_UK3mxjgxLoR_xXfUOVqfMj3jFRkbYqMaAhJ4EALw_wcB

Could you try that red dress in a size down? I think it's a size too big.

I think you look fab in it OP and it's very on trend.

NewAccount270219

If you like a twirly skirt, maybe try Little Wings Factory. They have a dress called 'Liana' that you can get for around £70, and imho it's lovely. It's available in lots of different colours and prints ... Might be worth a look.

I know the midi length is on trend but it is very rarely flattering.

alexdrake thank you for the suggestion, I looked up that dress (www.littlewingsfactory.com/products/liana-white-and-pink-florals-flare-dress) and I say this not to be ungrateful but because it might be helpful to other kind people suggesting things (for which I am grateful!) but it really isn't my style

It's elegant but looks a bit 'Handmaid's Tale' to me.

It's alright, but a bit Handmaid's Tale chic.

Maybe something with a lower neckline that would look less Gilead.

I like that wrap dress you’ve linked OP, but I thought you didn’t want a wrap?

There’s to much fabric in the skirt which is hiding your figure. I can’t wear this style of dress at all makes me look 3 stone heavier instantly. You don’t look like that at all but agree that you need a smaller size. The high neckline makes it a little casual. There’s loads of great dresses out there. Have a look on pretty kitty.

i have a Hobbs dress that's not totally dissimilar (although in navy for work) but it's not as full or as long in the skirt. i think this one just does have too much material...

i also think for a wedding that going for full length sleeves is a bit much - you either end up too "covered up" looking or too casual (IMO). could you not just get a short/three-quarter sleeve dress? something like this?
www.johnlewis.com/finery-hettie-dress/red/p3913494

I really like the red dress. However, now that your DM and DH have said they don't like it , you won't feel confident in it like you should. Phase eight is usually reliable fr finding something for a wedding