Is this Boden dress appropriate for a 23 year old?

[wintercandyland]

I'm conscious that their main target audience are more around the 30s mark, but I had my eye on this dress for a while and recently got it in the sale. I'm waiting for it to be delivered, but was just thinking that they have a reputation for looking a bit "mumsy"(I'm sans children for now lol!) What do you think?

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/puff-sleeve-cotton-dress-party-pink-stripe/sty-w0797-pnk

The fact that the folk that like it call it a 'sweet' dress to me says it all. Really not for me at any of my ages !

I think that’s quite nice as a beach dress, but I wouldn’t wear it anywhere else. So I wouldn’t pay £47 for it.

I've never shopped from Boden. I was never 'Bodenham Woman'

That doesn't work for me. Does it work for you OP?

It's horrible. But if you like it then it doesn't matter how old you are, or if you have kids or not!

There is nothing wrong with the dress OP. If you like it, wear it. Bear in mind that we have no idea how the people who are saying it's "mumsy" dress - some of us might see their clothing choices and reel in horror!! I would never ask for fashion advice on MN for this reason, and the fact that those who criticise the most are those who think everyone should dress (and think) as they do and anyone who doesn't must need educating.

If you like it go for it.

However, I would say it's very candy striper, but if that floats your boat who are we to judge? Everyone's style is different. Life's too short to give a shit if other people like your clothes - the Lisa Simpson hoodie I bought the other week is a testament to that.

Horrible neckline, nice skirt.

I followed the link and was startled - I had a dress very, very similar (candy stripe pink, puff sleeves, round neck, tie belt ) in about 1986. Only difference being that it was longer, which actually made it look more balanced than this version. All those godets make the skirt look very square and too busy.

Can’t see my 20 something DDs wearing this.

I think it’s a great dress for a 23 year old. But it’s a summer dress.

It’s very American in style but I can see why British women wouldn’t like it.

I quite like it but it looks too young for me, so i reckon 20s is right for it

Actually, this post reminds me why I hate MN at times. Posters bang on about women supporting women, and yet when someone asks for views on clothing they pile on with horrible comments. Given that the OP said she has had her eye on this dress for a while, and that she has already ordered it it is obvious that she likes it, so maybe you could either answer the question she asked about whether it is appropriate for her age (it is), or keep your nasty opinions to yourselves. All the hatred toward men on this site and yet it is women who can be the most cruel.

My 20 something dd would wear that.

I love it. I’d have worn it in my early 20s because I think it’d suit my body shape. I don’t think it’s mumsy at all! Or not my idea of mumsy anyway 😆

I’m too old to wear that. Go for it. I’m sure it will look lovely on you.

That is an awful, awful neckline and the fabric looks really unflattering

I don't like it very much, but it's got nothing to do with age. I don't really like the colours, or at least they wouldn't look good on me. I'd possibly wear a plain black, taupe or denim version, and I think a young person could too. If the colours suit you, go for it!

I think most brands will have one thing, even if it's only a t-shirt, that can appeal to someone who's very much not their target market. I wouldn't look at that dress and think it would look strange on a 20-something. The pink stripe is very young.

The Insta pics show someone who looks to be in her 20s? It's very summery though. Hope you're heading somewhere warm!

[quote wintercandyland]@maffhew I wasn't entirely sure, so I had a quick search and their founder states "the brand targets customers aged from 25 to 50, but what Boden calls the "bulls-eye" is the 35-year-old woman who typically has children, and for whom the most important thing is that the clothes are flattering , I just wear a lot of pink and thought the candy stripe was quite sweet! [/quote]
Thank fuck for that; I’m 54 and have now moved out of Johnny’s sight line, this might help stem the tide of catalogues I have tried to stop over the years. We call it The Prep School Mothers’ Uniform Shop and it is, IMO, generally badly cut and of inconsistent quality.

Come on @wintercandyland, you’re not dead yet, step away from the Signal toothpaste dress - even Johnny says you’re too young

I’m 28 and would wear it, it wouldn’t button it up though.

I think it’s lovely, but it’s very summery.

I think it depends what you’re planning on wearing with it and whether you’re a whippet, because that dress would look like a pick and mix bag on anyone who isn’t at least 5’ 8” and a size 8.

I don’t think it’s an awful dress, but it’s cut for a very particular shape of woman.

It looks better than most dresses I see these days.

Will you wear it? (England is cold).
Do you have the money for it?
Do you need it?
If the answers to these questions is yes then buy it. Researching the target demographic for a brand before you buy is overthinking. However I’d say that dress is young and funky compared to most Boden and that’s why it’s in the sale.

I love it. I’m too old for it (mid 40’s) but I think it’s fab for a 20 something