Is this frumpy and boring or could it look chic and stylish?

[Yolo2020]

I’m terrible at this sort of stuff so would really appreciate any advice!

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-carly-dahlia-floral-print-midi-dress-orange/p4175180

The print is ok but the length makes it look frumpy. It might work with heels for a wedding but I wouldn't choose it.

Mango is great for dresses in natural fibres. Avoid mumsy shops like phase 8 and Hobbs

The design is flawed, since you ask. Someone needing that amount of fabric around and below their knees would (in general) be quite ... bulky around their neck and chest. So the neckline of the dress would be all wrong for them. On the other hand, someone with a sufficiently long neck and skinny frame to suit the top would be better advised to find something with a more flattering cut around the legs ...

Though even if one made it in a flattering shape, there's still the colour. And print. And fabric ...

But I'm sure lots of people have bought it and looked perfectly nice.

I'm 40 and would would feel really old and sensible in it.

If you like florals I'd have a look in Zara or topshop

(Apols, slow typing.)

I'd go for something more tea dressy. That way you can get the midi length and a floral print, but you'll have a belt to pull you in around the waist to define your bust and can undo a couple of buttons if you're wanting to show off cleavage. Tea dresses are much more versatile for 'out and about', plus you can dress up a bit for the evening if needed.

It's a no from, sorry. Ageing imo.

This is a dress I have from a few years back.

What do you guys think of it? Just wondering if with white trainers and leather jacket it might look ok? Or whether I should get rid. Thinning my wardrobe is no bad thing!

www.phase-eight.com/product/jodie-ring-swing-dress-204729296.html

It would be a christening or a wedding dress for me

I'm nearly 52 and o think it's very boring and the colour is a bit old fashioned...there are lots more nicer dresses out there

I am your age and I am addicted to floral dresses. I love them. I've never met a floral dress I didn't like. Until now.

I love the orange, I usually love A-line dresses. I usually love a high neck. But the combo here is just off. I just can't think who that dress would look good on.

If you like your bust then experiment with a lower neckline. Maybe a more fitted shape overall to show off your slimmer figure?

33 is young so take some risks and feel fabulous.

Congratulations on the weight loss!

I'd wear that on a night out with heels and a clutch bag. Lovely dress especially the colour

**the blue dress not the floral dress

If you're only 33 I'd think shops like Hobbs and Phase Eight are too old - especially if as you say you want to break free from the frumpy!

Apart from your large busy what is your shape like, and what height are you?

There are better more current shops you could be looking at depending on your size and shape.

33 is young so take some risks and feel fabulous

Thank you! This is how I feel and I really really want to! I just want to be a different me, the me inside not the one who can’t be bothered and always feels a bit dissatisfied.

lifeisgood are you talking about the floral dress or the blue one I posted?

Oh thank you! Just seen your update!

The 1970s called, they want their curtains back.

I think I’m very hour glass. I have a small waist but don’t really know how to show it off/struggle to find styles that do. I also have quite flabby untoned arms but hoping they may go a bit.

I’m 5’5 and probably a size 12 now.

You're definitely shopping in the wrong places! Have a look at Zara and & Other Stories to get an idea of what looks current. Then bear those images in mind for whatever budget feels comfortable.

I can't get a link for some reason (?) but here is a screenshot of a dress I ordered a couple of weeks ago. The price is deceptive, it looks so nice on and not an uncomfortable material. I'm 5'4, size 12 and big boobs and this really suits me (more of a maxi dress than a midi dress though). It's from very, they have quite a few nice floral dresses on there so worth a browse.

I agree with PP if you're looking for chic and exciting, Hobbs and Phase 8 are not the places for you. I'm an hour glass 12, 30yo and a big fan of a midi. My go to outfit is midi dress or skirt, trainers and a jacket of some kind, or tailored trousers.
That first dress is foul and old fashioned, I'm afraid.

The blue is nice, but not stylish. Colours gorgeous though and Could wear with white trainers but wouldn't be like chic.

Try midi dresses, wrap or shirt dresses from Zara (though I find a lot of their stuff to out there even for me at times. Hit and miss) try also Anthroplogy, And Other Stories, Biden has some edgier stuff sometimes, other times it's a bit mumsy but beautiful and classic. Shame warehouse and oasis have gone as they were my staple places to shop. French connection isn't as extortionate as it used to be, so try there too. ASOS is a good place to gather ideas!

Good luck I'm sure you'll find something fab and look amazing! X

I think it is very pretty and feminine and love the colour(s) but it would be shown off best on a slim figure. A big waist and hefty hips would spoil it.

Tall ladies could wear it much better than short 'ns.

You’d probably make some cash selling your old phase 8 stuff on eBay and then you can treat yourself to some new more modern clothes from more fashionable shops.

Polyester, fitted top and sleeveless on a warm summers day. Challenging.

If you're and hour glass and you don't love your arms yet- maybe a wrap dress? With heels and a leather jacket?