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Original poster

What do you think of this dress?

37 replies

BunnyandBee · 01/03/2020 19:41

Hi, please be gentle as this is my first post in S&B. So I need a dress for a wedding (as a guest...laid-back, rustic etc etc). My usual choices just make me feel frumpy. I am mid 30s, size 8-10, 5'4, small boobs. My marriage has just imploded and he will be there. This isn't about making him want me back, but I want to feel amazing.
I tried this dress on in John Lewis today. I felt good but I couldn't decide if it also looked a bit like a dressing gown...
Fwiw I normally wouldn't go midi or wrap/v neck but it seemed flattering. Maybe I need to try more in this style?
Anyone got any other suggestions? I don't have a massive budget!

Thanks for helping a very inept shopper!

What do you think of this dress?
OP posts:
Knittedfairies · 01/03/2020 19:45

Call John Lewis and book an appointment to see a personal shopper; they will help you choose something you'll enjoy wearing.

Dreamersandwishers · 01/03/2020 19:57

The dress is nice , and the important thing is that you feel confident, but I second knittedfairies; call JL , give them your sizes and a budget then go meet with their personal shopper. You don’t have to buy anything but it’s amazing what a different pair of eyes can see.
Also, when you go, wear something that makes you feel like you, so she can see your personality.

zippyswife · 01/03/2020 19:58

Honestly. It’s ok. But sounds like you have a fab figure and are young. You could probably pull off something that’d make you feel better. What body shape are you? What’s the best bit of your body?

zippyswife · 01/03/2020 19:59

Where do you usually shop? And what is your style?

PinkSparkleUnicorns · 01/03/2020 20:04

Try this in one of the many colours:

www3.next.co.uk/style/st463714/867825

rainingoutsideagain · 01/03/2020 20:12

How about a jumpsuit?

https://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod1070111000161252+2853566-1

rainingoutsideagain · 01/03/2020 20:14

I do love the dress but I fear it may swamp your beautiful petite size that you describe. Can you try the dress on and send a pic on here that way? I'll keep looking at suggestions as I'm only 5'2 myself so tend to stick to tighter non floaty style to empathise my smaller frame.

Squiz81 · 01/03/2020 20:16

I like the dress, but I have small boobs and find that wrap over styles really don't do me any favours, not sure if that would be the same for you?

leolion81 · 01/03/2020 20:31

That's a beautiful dress. I love a midi, that's something you can throw on and feel nice and I would be happy my legs and arms are covered, not too booby and flattering. However if my ex was there I would probably step it up a bit and wear something a bit more wow. But the important thing is you wear something you feel good and confident in as that is what will shine on the day!

Soontobe60 · 01/03/2020 20:35

Id wear this, but I'm 60! With your size you could do far better. This dress is 'nice' and I'm sure you could do 'stunning'.
I agree with a pp. book yourself a personal shopper slot at JL. They'll find you something stunning.

TwigTheWonderKid · 01/03/2020 20:38

That is not The dress. Especially if you are asking us about it. You'd know if you'd found The One. A wrap dress can be a good choice if you are small boobed but those sleeves can swamp a petite frame.

What about something like this
Or this

this is lovely but perhaps too formal for a rustic wedding (though what does that actually mean?)

Boden also have some great jumpsuits which would suit you.

BlueJava · 01/03/2020 20:47

It's 'nice' but not great is my honest opinion. Why not book a personal shopper or look around a bit more. Boden, phase 8, Monsoon....

Original poster
BunnyandBee · 01/03/2020 20:58

Wow lots of replies, thank you.

@Knittedfairies and @Dreamersandwishers good advice re: personal shopper, I will take the plunge. It is quite a small JL but they may suggest some styles I wouldn't normally consider.

@zippyswife where do I shop...mainly h&m and fat Face. I am woeful in terms of fashion. I have felt frumpy and have just wanted to blend into the background for a long while. Second child had a big impact on body confidence. End of marriage resulted in the kick start I needed to start exercising and loose the baby tummy. I think I am weirdly proportioned though, small boobs, broader hips and possibly shoulders. I like my collar bones and chest!
I long to be able to acheive the floaty slightly hippyish look.

@PinkSparkleUnicorns @rainingoutsideagain and @Twigthewonderkid thank you for your suggestions!

OP posts:
BlueHarry · 01/03/2020 21:19

I'm your height with a small frame and usually look a bit swamped in dresses like the one in your op. I would go with something more like what twigs suggested. Rainings jumpsuit looks good too imo.

Midwillowmum · 02/03/2020 09:05

I second @rainingoutsideagain ‘s suggestions. I’m a similar size to you, slightly taller but I would wear things like the dress or jumpsuit. Tighter fitting top half and floaty lower half with some heels is very flattering. You want to feel amazing! And young!
A personal shopping experience sounds like a good idea to try lots of different styles and push you out of the safe zone. Good luck!

NiteFlights · 02/03/2020 09:21

I really like it. The last thing I’d want in your position would be to look like I was trying to get his attention. Also, I know it goes against the grain a bit here sometimes but just because you have a lovely figure you don’t have to wear body con.

If you do choose this dress I think you can achieve a ‘luxe hippy’ look with some very very high heels and a gorgeous clutch bag, either jewelled or patterned or brightly coloured suede, and some special earrings. If you can’t wear high heels I’d think again.

Original poster
BunnyandBee · 02/03/2020 10:46

Thanks, I think I would feel quite out of my comfort zone in anything really fitted, and it would not be 'me' so as @NiteFlights points out I might look a bit try-hard.
Have never even tried a jumpsuit but will add that to the list of things to try.
I can manage heels but not enormous!
Maybe I will get a few things in and get some photos on here for opinions at a later date.

OP posts:
VenusClapTrap · 02/03/2020 19:12

I think the dress you linked to is ok, but a bit safe and, dare I say it, a little bit dull.

I think you can do better! Some of the suggestions on here are good.

VenusClapTrap · 02/03/2020 19:27

This one is quite floaty
www.lkbennett.com/product/CDBOEVISCOSESILKPrintMulti~Boe-Floral-Print-Dress-Multi

ShirleyPhallus · 02/03/2020 19:30

The dress is lovely but I reckon it would be too long for you

Check out dancing leopard wrap dresses - they would really suit you, very pretty and quite sexy without being too too revealing

And don’t do a phoebe and end up smelling of beets

VenusClapTrap · 02/03/2020 19:30

Here’s a boho one to show off your good collarbones.
www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/francie-mini-dress?category=sale-dresses&color=009&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

Twistering · 02/03/2020 19:58

Nice but a bit boring. I’m older than you and wouldn’t wear it. Definitely second Dancing Leopard dresses and jumpsuits - loads of good/non-frumpy colours and interesting prints. And v budget friendly. Have a look on Silk Fred. I seem to remember the sizing could vary a bit so order a few. Good luck!

pictish · 02/03/2020 20:06

Fabric design is safe and dare I say it, quite dull.
Far prefer the one venus linked to although I think it would be too short for me - my legs aren’t all that.

pictish · 02/03/2020 20:08

Agree that it would be too frumpy for me and I’m older than you too - mid 40s.