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

@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.

I’m early 20s and used to work in fashion. I don’t hate the dress but I hate the way JL styled it - the shoes & hair, lack of accessories etc looks basic and boring.

I think the dress has potential, someone tall with a blonde wavy bob could pull it off. It needs stand-out shoes, perhaps heeled sandals but with something more to them eg lace up style or thin embellished straps. I would add a belt/waist tie, something black or cream. I could see someone my age wearing that infamous Gucci belt.

As for the blue dress, I don’t think it would look right with white trainers. It looks more like an occasion dress than a casual T-shirt dress.

@ladycarlotta I agree they are a bit cheaper - but they seemed more towards the style of OP based on what she has said she likes. I don't think that Whistles is much better quality than say Stories and definitely not Massimo Dutti, just more expensive.

Whistles and Arket are much more scandi style, sometimes androgynous, minimal, neutral - which I don't think suits where OP is in terms of her style (which sounds more feminine leaning, hourglass cuts, pretty patterns, brighter colours).

Wow you sound very lucky with such a figure! I definitely think you should keep to the forefront of your mind what you said- that you want to steer away from conservative / boring cloths. It's really easy to slip bank into your comfort zone. When Coronavirus restrictions are over I would recommend you visit a stylist for free at Topshop. Though it might not be your shop of choice, they are more fashionable and will get you to try on a whole bunch of stuff you'd never pick out for yourself, which is what you need right now.

In the meantime, for hourglass, big boobs, slim waist, petit...

A decent bra is what you need! One that makes you feel sexy. Plunge is best for cleavage. But I've that keeps you secure and is the right size. Don't use M&S as their sizes are awful. Debenhams sizes are good and they have a decent range (but beware as they also stock a lot of frumpy styles) and Victorias Secret do more luxurious stuff. High waisted Brazilian knickers are good.

Waist waist waist! Lucky you! It's all about the waist. High-waisted pencil skirts / high-waisted tight midi pencil skirts are your friend!

V-necks will help your boobs look in proportion. The neckline on the dress you posted on your Op is the opposite of what you need. Was also unflattering on arms.

Have you got a decent pair of tight high waisted jeans? This you can wear with everything- cropped tight sweaters, v-neck t-shirts, blouses, shirts, blazers platform trainers, heels, boots. (Only wear blazers with a fitted waist).

Try wearing a belt with everything.

Dresses- tight / bodycon midi with scoop or v-neck, midi tea dress with v-neck and belt. Wear with tough ankle boots, suede boots or white sneakers.

Also for a smarter look, high waisted wide leg trousers with cropped tops and a belt would look great on you. Or high waisted belted tailored trousers / cigarette / paper bag waist style.

Yes to accessorising with your lovely leather jacket. Look on some of the "trendy/high street" shops to stock up on accessories- Asos, Topshop, even New Look and H&M as you can get ideas and then purchase somewhere more upmarket if you prefer. X

Wow the advice on here has been amazing! Thank you! camdenrd that was such a helpful post in particular. I’m going to go through and try and implement each one.

I was going to ask - I probably still have another stone - stone and a half to lose. Is it worth buying some stuff now or just waiting till I’ve lost it?

Also I’ve been having a browse through the different websites mentioned and came across this dress? What do you guys reckon? I have quite big boobs and sometimes dresses like this don’t look so sleek on me iykwi and just look a bit too revealing but then I’m not sure if that’s also me just playing it safe all the time.

m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0811471005.html

I have to avoid dresses like that because they are hard to wear a bra with.

Those &other stories dresses look like something Grayson Perry would wear!!

Have you looked at joe browns OP? my sister is a similar shape to you and buys Lots of dresses from there, they’re a bit retro and seem to suit the busty! Some of the stuff from there is hideous though so use caution!

Sorry, meant to attach this.

The H&M dress is ok if you have good legs, it looks quite short. You’d have to wear a strapless bra probably.

This dress is a lovely shape for hourglasses and comes in loads of different colours and patterns. If you put Olivera into search on the website they’ll all come up. Just ignore the weird white plastic boots that the model is wearing - God know why they thought that was a good idea.

www.dancingleopard.co.uk/collections/midi-dresses/products/olivera-midi-dress-in-silhouette-dark-blue-ground

it’s nice but I would never pay £52 for a polyester dress. Could get similar from new look for £20!