What type of body shape or style suits this look?

[dudsville]

Or is this not even the right question? I've got two dresses that have straps instead of sleeves; not thin and stringy, more like pinafore style width. I love the dresses but I feel naked (I'm new to dresses!) and I want to wear a top underneath. To my mind that can be quite a "cute" look and I don't know how to tell if it flatters me or not (and I can bear to post a pic, sorry!). So what am i looking for to help me judge this? Is there a certain style or shape this looks best on?

I have a navy cord dress like that which I wear with a floral blouse underneath, thick tights and DMs

Also a denim one, more of a pinafore which I wear with plain round neck long sleeve t shirts and trainers.

I am 55, size 12 and 5 ft 5.

I've now ordered 3 statement/bold necklaces. I will also try my different blouses to see if I can channel some of what you're describing Bluesussex, thanks!

Sounds great OP please come back and post pictures of the items, know you said you wouldn't post ones of yourself.

One thing I've realised since posting a photo everyday on another thread is the act of taking a photo actually helps me see how an outfit needs tweaking. I'm keeping all the photos in folder so I can start to look at what I like and wear a lot and what suits me.