Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

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

268 replies

NewAccount270219 · 19/04/2019 07:23

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)

Does this dress make me look 'a bit nineteenth century'?
Does this dress make me look 'a bit nineteenth century'?
OP posts:
Thread gallery
17
TimeIhadaNameChange · 19/04/2019 09:50

I like it. I think a belt around the middle, with a matching necklace, clutch and shoes would make it stunning.

Wintersnowdrop · 19/04/2019 09:53

I don’t like it. I think because it’s too long.

BlueMerchant · 19/04/2019 09:53

Sleeves up/down May be better in motion but unless you're galloping around a field all day then it's still a no.Grin

Starrynights86 · 19/04/2019 09:53

I actually really like it. Strappt nude heels and statement necklace would make it an outfit.

InglouriousBasterd · 19/04/2019 09:55

I love it. The brightness of it removes any frump element.

churchthecat · 19/04/2019 10:00

I really like it OP, but I wear things like that and my mum always says I dress like an Italian peasant 🤨

You have a fab arse!

Surfingtheweb · 19/04/2019 10:01

Your only 31& you have a lovely figure, you could definitely wear something younger. Look on A X Paris, Chi Chi, Quiz, Lipsy, Next. Don't be afraid to go for more fitted clothes because you are a bit bigger than pre baby, you can dress your curves to look amazing 😀

HelenaJustina · 19/04/2019 10:03

I like it, try with a belt, heels and statement jewellery. It’s usually mostly about how you wear something. Shoulders back, head up, smile, laugh.... those things make much more difference!

GrumpyCrocodile · 19/04/2019 10:04

If you are still considering the red dress, I think an absolute must with that style and length is proper high heels, which I suppose you might not want to wear when you’re carting a baby around.

With high heels and bold accessories/bag I think it could look more 70s boho, less Handmaiden.

I do feel it’s falling between two stools with the length and maybe taking it up to the knee could also help. Then you could wear sandals with it instead of heels.

SoHotADragonRetired · 19/04/2019 10:05

I still really like it and agree with others that the colour is decidedly unfrumpy and with cool accessories would be even less so.

It's a divider, in short! Up to you OP, but tbh, if I'd ever let my mum's opinion on clothes influence mine, I'd have been wearing nothing but Per Una since the age of 18 Grin I like to wear what I feel awesome in and please my own taste, and I've never yet regretted it.

GrumpyCrocodile · 19/04/2019 10:08

PS I’d also say actually I think the sleeves are an important component, inspired by this sort of thing: www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/430304939366625402/

Does this dress make me look 'a bit nineteenth century'?
Lamentations · 19/04/2019 10:11

It's Amish and cool. I like it.

NiteFlights · 19/04/2019 10:12

I love it - really love it. It’s elegant, flattering and stylish. Have you tried a size down though? The sleeves are a tad long and one size down there would be a bit less fabric. But it definitely needs high heels, the higher the better, and not wedges - either sandals or court shoes. The shoes could otherwise tip it into frump territory. I personally think if you shortened it, as PP suggested, to wear with flats, you’d have too much fabric in the skirt.

JaneJeffer · 19/04/2019 10:14

Love the thread title. It looks too big for you; too much material in arms and skirt.

DocusDiplo · 19/04/2019 10:16

I like the original dress OP, very classy. I feel like a dress size smaller would be worth trying on. Sorry not RTFT

NewAccount270219 · 19/04/2019 10:23

Loved the one Suki posted and have just ordered it! Will see how it looks on.

Incidentally when I put the dress back on for this morning's photo DH said 'that's a nice dress, is it new?' and denied that I had ever previously shown it to him, so him and his 'you look Amish' are now officially disregarded because he's an idiot

OP posts:
ShortTermMemory · 19/04/2019 10:24

I think the colour pops but something's not right.

Have a look at John Lewis personal shopper online - it's brilliant. You enter your body shape, things you definitely wouldn't wear etc. and it comes up with suggestions from their ranges - gives you an idea of styles.

NewAccount270219 · 19/04/2019 10:26

Up to you OP, but tbh, if I'd ever let my mum's opinion on clothes influence mine, I'd have been wearing nothing but Per Una since the age of 18 grin

Weirdly I think my mum would have me in hot pants! She is diddy and has always been v envious of my height and I think she still sees me as the very gangly teenager that I haven't been for a long time! She's horrified at me wearing clothes that are 'too old', I think because she struggles to remember I'm 31 not 13

OP posts:
NewAccount270219 · 19/04/2019 10:32

Am also going to order the silk fred one and see how I get on with both of them.

It'll be quite a fashionable wedding, btw - I predict lots of jumpsuits and some daring hats. So if I go for something v classic 'wedding-y' (prom dress style etc) from monsoon or whatever I think I'll feel more fuddy duddy and mumsy than in this which has a bit of a fashion edge to it, if that makes sense?

OP posts:
Oblomov19 · 19/04/2019 10:35

I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong.

Snog · 19/04/2019 10:36

I agree OP and deffo think the original dress fits the brief, you look v stylish in it.

RuthW · 19/04/2019 10:36

It's ok for work. Not weddingy and a bit frumpy. Sorry.

bumblingbovine49 · 19/04/2019 10:38

I think it is beautiful on you and I love the sleeves but I obviously am in the minority. I do think a v or boat neck would work better with the sleeves though

I would wear a really large rimmed hat and high heels with it I think . Would look really elegant

I imagine you look good in most things though as you have a lovely figure

NewAccount270219 · 19/04/2019 10:39

I don't think taking the skirt/sleeves up is an option - I'm not capable of doing it and I'm not paying a seamstress to adjust a £60 dress

OP posts: