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

New look have some great summer dresses at the moment.

that is incredibly useful information @peachypetite, I never look at Mango, thank you!

I’m
Hourglass too and live for wrap and shirt dresses

Maybe I'm in a minority of one here but I quite like it, although it's not a dress that would look great on every body type.

I think it wouldn't suit someone short and if you're busty then this cut of dress can look quite boxy up top and a bit 'matronly', for lack of a better word.

It's all about choosing the right cut for your own shape.

Ok thank you! This is so helpful! I do have some lovely things I bought from years ago always in sizes much smaller than me that I could never wear and they’re now looking possible!

One is a lovely black short wrap dress with a bit of floral in it. I do really like it and it does show off my cleavage. Only thing is I’m not sure what bra goes with it. All mine are clearly too high up and can be seen iyswim.

I guess I need something that either pushes my boobs up and together but doesn’t show or kind of away and is low cut. Is there a style of bra I can go for? I always see women in the streets with impressive cleavage and no bra showing and they must be wearing one and wonder how they can on low cut dresses.

Sorry I feel a bit foolish asking for such basic advice but am very grateful for everything so far! Quite eye opening!

I think the style of bra you're describing is called a plunge bra? You can get normal ones and also ones that are specially shaped to be worn with ultra low cut tops.

Balconette bra is probably what you're looking for.

I think I have a similar figure to you and loved a dress on John Lewis by Lola boden. I also love the shop joy and buy lots of ax Paris and mela dresses both stocked in new look, house of Fraser, Debenhams etc. I tend to stick to v necks or lower necklines and buy dresses with tie back or waist. Or I add a small waist belt. A skater skirt is definitely an essential as you can tuck tops into them defining your waist and essentially creating a dress. Hope this helps

Balconette is probably not what you want. They're cut straight across the bust, rather than a V or U shape, so you can't really wear them with low necklines.

The length is a no no. Knee length, maxi or mini is the way to go. Mid length only works if the skirt or dress is clingy/body con.

I'm 43 and definitely would not wear it.
Firstly it would make my bust & stomach look huge.
Secondly I would look exceedingly dumpy with all that midi length pleated fabric at 5'3.5".
Personally IF I wear midi length I go for a fitted look, like a pencil skirt / tight shift style dress. But I generally prefer knee length or above.
I do like orange & I like florals.

I think whether you could carry it off depends on your size (slim) height (tall) and shoes (high heels). It's a dress only for a conservative Christening or possibly a 50s style wedding.
Definitely do not wear it in the evening.

If you like smart midi dresses look on the Next site for Lipsy etc etc.

It's a definite NO from me too.
I like other stories for dresses. I have my eye on this one but I may not buy, it's linen. Always a risk.

This one is quite nice, if you like reds and oranges

Here's the dress page

I may forget the linen dress, sold out in my size. Darn.

I could never wear it - short pear, no boobs. On me it was look like I was wearing an old curtain. Love the colours though.

I'm 32. I like the colour and pattern of the dress but somehow the cut makes it blah and frumpy. What about this one, it's last year's LK Bennett but you can find them floating about online here and there:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/L-K-Bennett-Issie-Floral-Dress-Size-8-UK-New-With-tags/124174741970?hash=item1ce96431d2:g:o0IAAOSwUxhervah

Wear something with a bit of cleavage showing.

I usually like Hobbs stuff but that dress is not right - the skirt bit is too full for the top. I'm not keen on sleeveless and the neckline is too prim. It looks like it needs a cardigan.

I’ve dressed boring and conservatively my whole life and I just want to break freeeeeeeeee!

Keep trying... this is about as conservative and boring as it gets!

I nearly really like it. It's the neckline that spoils it for me, needs a lot lower cut and strap shoulders.

Sorry it is a no from me. It reminds me a bit of a dress made out of old curtains.

Step away from Phase Eight and Hobbs - in fact run far away and don't go back for 30 years!!

Try:

Massimo Dutti
Mango
Topshop
ASOS
And Other Stories
Warehouse

@ladycarlotta

Omg that LK Bennett dress is absolute perfection.

OP, What about the lighter coloured one, it's a bit more subtle.

@welldonesquirrels it's so lovely isn't it? I actually got one in the John Lewis sale but I took a punt on size and it was too big so I had to return it. I don't know why I'm telling people about it since I still really want to own it myself.

Something like this? It can be unbuttoned to show more cleavage

@Krong I agree with running far, far away from Phase 8 and Hobbs, but those brands you mention are much much lower quality. Is it not possible to get something that's young but still luxe?

I would look at Whistles or Arket perhaps.