Really HONEST opinions on this dress please (pic)

[Dowdy13]

I never wear dresses, I feel I’m too short 5’2 and at a size 16 I look like a ship in full sail.

DD has convinced me that this looks nice and will be lovely for summer evenings and holidays.

It feel very comfortable but i feel like a lumpen blob. I know I need to lose weight but I also need to look nice while I’m at least trying.

Completely honest opinions please as I’ve kept the ticket on it so far just in case it needs to go back.

Thanks

I really like it and that style of dress is in just now. I'd wear it with a thin black belt.

The grey snakeprint two people linked to up thread is horrible. The top dress linked to in the group of three was nice. Your second dress is not right on you.

I also hate scoop necks find them very frumpy so I'm surprised people are recommending them.

Think the problem with the original dress is it's not cut properly for someone with a busy which is why the waist was too high on you and looks a bit funny on the arms from the side view. I have this problem all the time. You could maybe look at pepperberry?

I am bigger than you OP (size 20 & 5'7", same age) but kind of the same body shape looking at your pic in the yellow print dress.

It all depends whether you're more interested in fashion or "flattering" your figure. You can't always have both at once, eg I love a maxi dress but they make me look pregnant.

If you want flattering: a scoop/v neck, fitted over the bust with a defined waist and an a-line or flared skirt with not too much fabric gathered at the waist. Preferably on or just below the knee and with 3/4 or cap/flutter sleeves.

But yawn it gets boring if you only ever wear super "flattering" samey dresses! Sometimes you've just got to go with the print you love etc.

Bust not busy!

www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-5699972/swing-dresses-6208447/vero-moda-navy-print-wrap-dress-7767078?geoip=noredirect&cmpid=ppc_pla_UK_ip&utm_medium=cpc&istCompanyId=e0b51aa7-96c9-4550-a6f3-56b61a0b5995&istFeedId=c532945a-4da7-45c5-b1d6-860a74ed3719&istItemId=wialplplx&istBid=tztx&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI57qvsNLk4QIVLbHtCh0RMAopEAQYASABEgKW8fD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

This looks short on model but should be around knee length on you OP.

The overall style is slimming on your OP however I absolutely believe that if you have boobs, plus are over a size 10/12, a high neck is so unflattering. If this dress had a v neck it would look a million times better. Either pay to get that altered or perhaps keep looking. (Coming from a size 14/16 large chested girl)

www.johnlewis.com/warehouse-leaf-print-midi-dress-blue/p4113108

Ok so you have a good waist, nice shaped calfs and
you have a cracking arse and boobs! In my opinion. Sorry but they are!

Boobs need a different neck line or less pattern. A decent bust can look matronly with the combination of a high neck and a bad pattern.
Your legs will look good anyway but I'd like to see just a bit more of them because they are a lovely shape so show your calfs if you want.
Like me it's about finding a good waist but flattering on the tummy style of dress (although your tummy in both dresses is fine!)

Both dresses aren't right but you know that for me it's more about the colour and pattern but you could really lovely because while your not a size 8 (neither am I) you have a really nice figure.

Please come back and show us

Agree with pp the first dress looks very matronly. I think your figure is fine but neither dress is doing you any favours. The first one is worse because of the cap sleeves (cut arms at widest angle) high neck (boobs just look like a giant lump and shortens your neck) and high elasticated waist line (which serves to make you look like you have no waist), combined with pleats which look nice on a hangar but add bulk (I know from personal experience of repeatedly trying to find a pleated skirt and they always look rubbish on).

The shape of the second dress is so much better but the colour/pattern is hideous sorry. I know what you mean about the mum tum as I have the same issue but I think you just need a different less clingy fabric that skims. And no pleats!

I don’t like either on you to be honest, they don’t suit your shape and the second one the fabric is all wrong which is why it’s clinging in all the wrong places.

I wear a lot of dresses but couldn’t wear either of those two. I’d echo looking for a v or scooped neck, in a different material maybe a thicker jersey or cotton which won’t cling or look too blousy. I’d also go sleeveless (yes, I know you might feel self conscious about your arms but no one will care - slap a bit of fake tan on if need be or slip a cardi on top). Honestly there are dresses out there that will look fab on you.

I'm 5ft with quite big boobs and try to stick to the petite section, as I find that otherwise proportions are all off. I always buy online from petite ranges at Sainsburys, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins etc to try on at home with the right bra etc. Could you do a proper online blitz and try different styles?

It looks a bit middle aged, whilst it is OK I think you could find something nicer. The top of the dress will not do anyone with a splendid bosom any favours, maybe something a bit fitted or with a v neck (or both) would look better.

I think you need to stop worrying about your size/figure - your figure is good and there’s no need to be apologetic about it. The browny sort of colours are doing nothing for you. I agree with CurbsideProphet that you should buy a load of styles and have a big trying-on session.

You need a nice block colour and v neck Op. nothing fussy.

OP, I have just bought this dress today. I'm a 5'2" size 16 and bought the XL, which is perfect but I will wear a black silky cami underneath. I'm going to wear white trainers and a denim jacket and feel fabulous!

Oops forgot link
www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0734273002.html

The second dress is much better and you look slimmer in it. It would be more flattering around the tummy if you went up a size. Then it would skim rather than cling.

I would suggest you try some pilates, your stomach would look better if you improved your posture, I do the same, sort of over arch my back and flare my ribs, pilates is helping.

For dresses look for V-neck, scoop necks or those notched shapes. Avoid short sleeves, go sleeveless or elbow length. Don't be afraid to size up to get the fit right, slightly too big normally looks and feels better than slightly too small.

Honest opinion, not seeing your face and not knowing your age in the first pic, I would have put you in late 60s in that dress, it is a very old lady shape and exactly the shape my granny used to wear, sorry.

Okay! Update. I bought this from Next today, is this better? What about the pattern? They had this in a pale blue and white Polka dot but again it felt elderly ladyish.

That's a million times better OP! That shape is great for you. It also makes you look a lot slimmer than the others.

If you're brave enough there's a lovely zebra print in a similar style. And a bright ochre one.

So much nicer than the first one. You are no longer being drowned by the dress. X

wow that one is sooo much better. Its lovely!

Next have short sleeved linen dresses with a v-neck, several different colours/ patterns

The Next linen shift dresses were lovely but VERY annoyingly they have side pockets which sat right on my side of thigh which made the dress stick out each side, it didn’t sit right over the hip / thigh.
Maddening really as they’d be perfect for holiday.