Is this a really boring dress or is it elegant (or is it something else?)

[MynameisWa]

For a 'dress to impress' do. It fits me really well, like on the model, and the material is really good quality but I'm worried it's too bridesmaids-ey. I'm not much of a fashion-ista but I do want to look a bit sophisticated and not seem like I've dragged out a frock from 30 years ago.

Gorgeous. Really Christmassy.

The green is better. I am thin and the red would look on me the same way it looks on the model i.e. flat chest, swingy and swamping. Nightie is not too far off.

The green looks more structured and thicker material and better length. You can create a waist with a belt and a, erm, fuller bra.

Love the green one! Depends what it’s for really. I’m not a fan of the red dress tbh. Hate the look of the fabric.
The green one (styled with a belt and boots) just seems more sophisticated. The red one just gives me little girl vibes. Not sure about Shein quality though- never ordered from them before.

The first one could look like Wee Willy Winky if not styled right.

If you don’t want it, l’ll have it 💃

the thing is, the green one is nice, but I never wear a neck that high. (and I really don't look good in green)

So this is very much down to your body shape and what suits you, and which colour suits you. I look fab in red, best colour on me. But my mum would look fab in the green colour.

I'd be interested to see it on as it could go either way but I do think it has the whiff of maternity wear or a nightie about it. I think option two looks a bit..austere for christmas party type wear. I do always just think if you like it and feel comfortable OP then it is a winner.

I like it but agree with King and would maybe replace the white buttons with black if wearing black accessories.

Love the second one too though imagine it might be less flattering on me (bigger size) and would worry about ordering from Shein.

Whichever you wear I hope you feel comfortable as well as looking great and have a wonderful time!

Oh and I second a slip!

They're not white buttons, they're diamante, so I'd avoid adding Christmas earrings, and necklace, and so on, because you'll look daft.

Fabulous shoes, and a sleek bag would be great.

I think you're absolutely right that if it feels unbelievably comfy, and you love it, it is perfect.

Enjoy

Fab colour! And I love the velvety fabrics, I also like lace and textures. I think if its comfortable too then it's a winner.

I think the red one is very frumpy- I’m mid-50s and slim and wouldn’t wear it. It doesn’t look like velvet to me. I think the green one is better, but I’d be concerned about the fabric- it has a whiff of 1970s polyester curtain fabric about it.

Omg what to do? The feedback is so appreciated so thanks to you all.

Thoughts:

For number 1 The style fits me, which is why I like it but I don’t particularly LiKE the style. For some reason I keep seeing princess Fiona from Shrek. I would if I kept it change the buttons. I put it with a black shawl thing and it did look quite nice and would do if the other fails. I have to say the quality is there although appreciate it’s not actually velvet.

I ordered number 2 first (green one) as liked the gothic look which is a bit more my style. I like the drama of it and am happy to wear a pair of curtains, so long as it comes with a whiff of quality.

It’s still not delivered so don’t know yet.

The ‘do’ is in a marquee and among friends so I can experiment. I need something warm, which is why I was attracted to the velvet, long sleeve and high neckline. I really feel the cold.

I’ll pop back to update when the shein one arrives. If it arrives!

Thank you everyone. This has been most helpful!

Princess Fiona from Shrek is spot on, yes.

Update: the shein one turned up and it did fit quite well but looks cheap. It was cheap!

Great for a fancy dress party where I would have gone as Draculas’s missus or something but not a serious outfit.

So I am sending both back and wearing a Hobbs knee length pencil dress that I already had with a faux fur pashmina that I just got off eBay.

If I had to choose though the first one was the biggest contender although the second would have been gorgeous if made well in a quality fabric. The colour was really nice.

Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear both did not suit. The Hobbs pencil dress sounds elegant. You will look stunning.

The risk you take on Shein is the quality. I note it arrived very quickly. If you have not already packed it away, are you able to send a photo of the green Shein dress? It will be interesting to compare the photos before and after.

Ah sorry the dress is already packed away and waiting to shove out the foot on Monday.

Yes it felt very reassuring putting the Hobbs dress on like it was right all along. Definitely grown up.

Shein delivery actually took 16 days!

You are absolutely not too old to wear it! It's a gorgeous dress op, you'll look fabulous!