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)

www.oysho.com/m/gb/swimwear-and-beachwear/dresses-and-skirts/view-all-c1010277596p101805976.html?fromi=101805941
I've just seen this one on my fashionable 40's insta

these are the kind of wedges I meant
Not apologetic at all! But obvs these are quite pricey..

I don't know why people don't like it. I think it's beautiful. Very on trend. You have a great figure. If you are twice the size of everyone else, you must know seriously thin people.

www.toa.st/uk/product/womens+dresses+and+tunics/c1lcd/cotton+voile+asymmetric+dress.htm?clr=C1LCD_Vermillion_sw

I love a lot of the Toast dresses.

If you are twice the size of everyone else, you must know seriously thin people.

You know that saying that you can't be too rich or too thin? Most of my (genuinely very lovely) uni friends seem to be trying to check if that's true. They all work in city jobs (mostly city law) and I'm not joking when I say that almost every one of them has run a marathon in the last few months. Meanwhile I became an academic, married a teacher and ate quite a lot of cheese. I don't think any of us would swap so things have definitely worked out for the best for everyone!

Oh god, that dress is a bit reminiscent of the Handmaids' uniform day-to-day dress in the TV dramatisation of The Handmaid's Tale!!

Okay, well in that case it’s perfect, definitely wear it!

There isna very similar dress in Whistles in blue but with shorter sleeves and less fabric in skirt. And viscose rather than jersey

OP, the colour is beautiful, but the style is quite prim and proper looking. I haven't read the whole thread, but agree with others who suggest the mid calf length is not flattering. Are you adept at sewing? Could you take the hem up a few inches? Plus shorten the sleeves to 3/4 length and add some jewellery.

BTW, your figure looks lovely and your arms seem fine to me. Stop comparing yourself to your friends with their size 6 figures - at 5ft 10 you would look hideous if you were size 6!

I reckon that nineteenth century looks rather lovely on you Though I'd agree that the hem needs taken up a couple of inches.

I love it on you! Fits great. Colour great in you too.

It did make me think of Modest Apparel like this and with your nice figure you can find something more flattering.

Love the colour but not the style.

You’d look better in this

m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/special-occasion-dresses/j0408-drd/womens-poinsettia-josephine-ponte-dress?istCompanyId=a40e1fa1-0635-4a1b-8d9a-2caa763eeee2&istFeedId=2baa5e38-c363-4ebf-aa58-ab2450d639aa&istItemId=wlaiwptri&istBid=tztx&ef_id=Cj0KCQjw4-XlBRDuARIsAK96p3C0CwTR0njcTy66GoCI0Il_AiJ21m0ljU6lSOBNhfpbuMb2AZOk8NUaAprSEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!8125!3!297909388779!!!g!531502598310!&cm_mmc=PLA--GoogleNMPICSS1585740208--60124337736-_-40120927&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4-XlBRDuARIsAK96p3C0CwTR0njcTy66GoCI0Il_AiJ21m0ljU6lSOBNhfpbuMb2AZOk8NUaAprSEALw_wcB

Or this

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/red-button-sleeve-midi-dress/18918?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4-XlBRDuARIsAK96p3C3Bnahli9Y5Lcn3-AihtAO54VwhLkU9i0735Fo9VeE3JiyW1sFHdMaAjTyEALw_wcB

I'm not convinced of a wrap dress on you because I think it minimises boobs. I like the high neck and waist of the red dress. The top bit is the best bit IMHO. I think the length is a bit middle aged but as others said, with good shoes and flesh coloured pants, it could look great.

Ooh, I like the mint velvet one fireman

Definitely can't do any adjustments to it - I could take it up if it were a straight skirt but it isn't so it's beyond me

I like the style of the whistles one but not so much the colour

The mint velvet is really nice. I actually really rate a lot of their stuff, it has come a long way from the wafty double-layered grey tops of a few years ago. I could also see this on you OP: dress.

It’s obviously been quite heavily influenced by the Vampire’s Wife which is everywhere on red carpets etc so have a google and see how they’ve styled them.

Look at Charlotte Ritchie at the royal wedding last year. HIGH heels and a neat, vintage-style hat with Russian veil netting. Navy would look good.

NO BELT. You will look like Kirstie Allsopp.

See, she looks amazing and so much sexier than she would with more flesh on display. I think I'm imagining (kidding myself?) that I can rock a similar vibe. I think I agree on the no belt front.

You'll look amazing too, OP. It takes confidence to wear that dress and that will show.

Maybe you should just stick with the orange dress? I think the style you're going for maybe isn't going to be the most flattering but you need to feel comfortable.

M&S have a few dresses in a similar style but shorter sleeves for around the same price. Not letting me add pics but they have a 'collection floral print waisted midi dress' which is nice. Quite casual but a bit more fitted/flattering

No belt, include a necklace and some fab shoes and you're there 👍

I like the M & S dress. Didn't like the picture from the side much but love it from the front. I think you should also try it in a size smaller just to see (and maybe the other length as it comes in reg and long). I think most of the more fitted wrap dresses suggested just look a bit meh. Plain coloured (contrasting or nude) shoes and chunky necklace will look great.

Ignore people saying and Boden and Mint Velvet! I think a lot of the S&B board members are a bit older, and these recommendations would be incredibly ageing.

Agree re Vampires Wife.

OP I also hate the classic monsoon, lace, semi fitted fussy wedding guest dresses.

I always want to look effortlessly chic and unfussy. Never managed it if I’m honest but I do get the vibe you mean.

Have you looked at wolf and badger at all?
I don’t think high street easily does wafty chic if I’m honest.