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)

A belt might work as well

Hahaha NewAccount - our mums are definitely very different. I am short and hourglass-shaped so to be fair, the cheap clingy clothes I wore as a teenager were probably pretty awful, but what are the teenage years for if not to wear baby-blue Lurex pencil skirts that are probably a bit too small.

Well I think it is very pretty on you with the longer skirt too. Just would recommend high heels if possible.

I love it. The colour is modern and the cut is classic.

Will think about heels - not inherently opposed (don't have an issue about being too tall or anything) but it is Very Important that I can both chase after a baby and bounce up and down to Kanye West while pretending it's 2005 again at 11pm (DH is taking DS back to the hotel early because it's my friend's wedding) - would rather sacrifice the dress than dancing, I haven't had a proper night out since DS was born!

what are the teenage years for if not to wear baby-blue Lurex pencil skirts that are probably a bit too small.

Haha, I spent mine wearing hugely oversized jeans, grunge hoodies, and ALL the eyeliner, which irritated my mum as much as your lurex pencil skirts irritated yours!

Try smth with an open back if your arms are covered. A bit of charm is needed. This one is not ideal sorry

Please don't alter it, the sleeves are full length for a reason because the whole look is about being 'buttoned up'. Changing the sleeves would not suit the style of the dress. I still think it's spot on for you, suits your body and is a fashion forward dress and you'd look fab at the wedding 👍

I think that you’re on the right lines here given that it’s going to be a fashionable wedding. Take a look back at all the women arriving for Harry and Meghan’s wedding, lots of long sleeves there. The colour is bold and striking. However if you look at the listing for it on M and S online they have styled it as almost a maxi dress with flat sandals (it actually looks a bit big for the model IMHO).
The thing about fashionable clothes is that men and Mums often don’t really get them and no matter how cool you feel you do always want your partner to think you look hot.

I absolutely agree that uncomfortable shoes are a nightmare at weddings and can completely spoil the whole day. But maybe take some nice sandals to change into for the dancing later? Good luck, would be really keen to see why you finally choose. And by the way I would be ecstatic to be your size- am currently trying to lose 2 stone to get back to a 12. I don’t think I know anyone in real life who is a size 6 though!

I dont mind the style or colour but there's too much material in the skirt, which makes it look frumpier than it is? The fabric also looks cheap.

I like the Hobbs one previously posted but maybe not for a wedding where most of the guests are super fashionable.

Have you looked at places like Finery eg this?

I am loving this thread for learning about new online sellers- had never heard of silkfred or Finery. What about this from Finery?

Actually the original dress looks much nicer in the second photo.

How about some gold wedges for shoes? A bit more practical than typical heels and in keeping with the 70s vibe.

Personally I like the original dress. I like the colour and the light fabric, and it's very flattering. If you have or can find some comfortable not-very-high heels I think it'll look very elegant.

I like the dress but it needs heels and some good underwear. You've got a lovely figure.

Have you tried creating a v neckline by using a piece of chunky long type jewellery. It might work if you 'broke it up'. At the minute it's too block colour I think.

I like the original dress quite a lot (I do like a touch of Amish though!) , but would wear it around as a day dress. I don’t think it’s edgy enough for a fashionable wedding.

That said you look like you've got great legs so how about something like this?

Or this

Love both those Ghost dresses.

I like it and I think it is definitely a Fashion dress with a capital F - rather than your usual Coast/Monsoon wedding options.

And as in my experience men usually hate anything that is fashionable, it has to be a winner.

Get a really massive straw hat and some statement jewellery.

@SchnitzelVonKrumm I love that zebra print whistles dress

I love it OP!
Definitely like the full length sleeves.
You need wedges with it. Maybe some kind of folky embellished/embroidered ones?
Or a nude heel? Wedges easier to walk in though.
And huge sunglasses. And fabulous hair.
I think it's much sexier to be covered up with the suggestion of a sexy figure underneath than all goosebumps and blue legs. (Newcastle you say?)
Maybe do try a size down, just to compare.

I thought people in Newcastle didn't feel the cold

I love the one SukiPutTheEarlGreyOn linked too, it looks fabulous and flattering.

I love the colour of your original dress. I don't think it's too Amish. With great shoes I think you'd look fab!

Having said that I also love the Ghost dress linked by Suki