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

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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)

That green Ghost dress is fabulous!

Hate it when these threads turn into a bloody faux therapy session.

Yes, life isn’t just about what we look like, but op wanted an opinion on a dress. Dress does nothing for you OP.

Loads of better ones in shops right now. Have you tried Boden? There's a new Boden concession in my local John Lewis. Their stuff especially suits tall and slim.

I have that dress or one very similar from marks. There is a bit too much material in the skirt but the colour is bang on. I used a think black belt to give it some pizazz. It also stopped the excessive flaring which made me look hippy and helped to reposition the waist.

My DH loves it, which is why I kept it. That means he thinks it is sexy. Which it is because it shows off curves. Being scarlet you can’t go bodycon it would be trashy. The colour is the statement. It is very in.

It’s a nice dress, but needs bold accessories to jazz it up abit. I can understand the Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish comments, though.

It's really hard after you've had a baby and your body has changed and you think you look awful but in reality nobody else agrees with you! You do genuinely have a nice figure, that dress does nothing for you. The silkfred dress is lovely I think the style will be really flattering and you can get more wear out of it over the summer. Order in a few sizes though, I've sometimes found with online stores that a size 12 wouldn't even come close to fastening over my boobs.
The other thing I can recommend is following Styled by Susie on Instagram and Facebook. She does online styling where she'll tell you your body shape and best colours it's honestly revelatory!

I know it’s a completely different style but I’ve just bought this for a wedding. Sleeves, good length and fits beautifully. In the sale too.

There is too much fabric in the dress and even though you are tall, it wears you, rather than you wearing it.

Oasis has loads of lovely dresses and jumpsuits that cover the arms -

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/occasion/occasionwear/flower-bunch-jumpsuit/069670.html?cgid=occasion&dwvar_069670_color=58&position=17

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/dresses/garden-chiffon-midi-dress/069849.html?dwvar_069849_color=68&position=65&cgid=dresses

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/occasion/occasionwear/bloom-angel-sleeve-jumpsuit/068920.html?cgid=occasion&position=69&dwvar_068920_color=68

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/occasion/occasionwear/lace-top-bloom-skater-dress/068919.html?cgid=occasion&dwvar_068919_color=61&position=82

It's ok op but not great. I've got an ad for this Asos dress on the side of my screen just now. Could be worth a try?

I really like the dress actually, I think it's stylish and works on your figure. But I agree the sleeves are wrong. Have you considered getting the sleeves altered? A shorter length bell sleeve or something would look good.

Agree about looking for a little fine knit cardigan instead of a wrap or sleeves.

I got a lovely weddingy dress in Monsoon that I wore to several weddings and fancy parties.

A brief return to the thread because I stuck the dress on before my shower and pulled the sleeves up. Don't think shorter sleeves helped, really. It is definitely a dress that is better in motion because the fabric hangs/moves nicely.

Morning OP. I'm not too keen on the second dress, I find floaty sleeves so distracting and can imagine a small child would find them loads of fun to play with. Good luck, loads of good suggestions here.

I think it's really nice. Really fashionable atm. Will look great when you have shoes and bag and you're all glammed up. If I saw you at a wedding I'd be whispering to the person next to me 'I love her dress'.

It's like a handmaiden's dress.

What about this from Monsoon? Same colour as your original dress but will flatter your figure much more.

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_40.15/6428770910

I like the dress, in a 1970s school secretary way. I wouldn't wear it to the average wedding, but it depends on the crowd, really. I especially like the full skirt and the length.

It's not very flattering. You have a lovely figure OP so perhaphs go for something more fitted?

A lower neckline would be better when you have your arms and legs covered too.

I like the colour and the cut is very flattering.
BUT as a pp has said, the sleeves could do with a hitch up, and I think the skirts an odd length, it needs to come up 5inches or so, to about knee length.

Red really does look great on you. This one is from Ghost at John Lewis - looks like you’d get a fine twirl out of it:-)

www.johnlewis.com/ghost-orla-satin-dress-red-falling-botanics/p3837408

I still think it's really nice and v fashionable

I like the dress but it is see through and you can see your pants.

In this mornings photo it looks like a v thin jersey which I think is a bit too casual for a wedding

The colour is lovely and the sleeves are nice but it's way too long. Could you find a separate top and skirt? Then you can get the sleeves and shorter, bright skirt.
Or a summer dress and cardigan?