How can I make this more sophisticated?

[pompypomppomp]

What accessories can I add to make this more interesting and more sophisticated? I was thinking a nice jumper over the the shoulders? But what colour? And what shoes? Ahhhh
It's for a v posh restaurant dinner and drinks

Wear the dress, don’t apologise for it. You are young so enjoy being so. You won’t look out of place- you will probably turn a few heads. Good for you!

It depends where you’re going, and with whom. But generally ‘sophisticated’ involves showing less skin than that dress would (because of the split in the skirt) - even for people who are young and skinny.

I love the dress. I’m sure you look amazing in it. If it’s appropriate for the occasion, I agree about wearing it with a wrap and heels and some understated jewellery.

Wear the dress, don’t apologise for it. You are young so enjoy being so. You won’t look out of place- you will probably turn a few heads. Good for you!

Totally agree. If you need something on top, I'd say a blazer, but definitely not a wrap.

I agree.. Go for it.. x

There is nothing that would make that dress sophisticated but if you have the figure go for it and enjoy it.

I’m debating even posting this, because it isn’t a nice thing to say, but also you’ve asked for help looking sophisticated. Part of looking sophisticated is knowing what suits the occasion as well as your figure.

Looking good and looking appropriate are two different things. Sophistication and elegance requires both. This dress gives the impression that you are there “working.” I know this is rude to say, but I would want to know if I were giving people this impression.

I get that you want to show off your figure. There are better ways to do it and still look young and slim and fun. The main sticking point for me is the wide and high slit. A high slit can totally work if it’s narrow, so that the leg peeks out when you walk but not when you stand still, but this splits wide and just exposes the whole leg. Paired with the open neckline, it just too much. I see a similar dress that’s inexpensive at John Lewis that’s going for that wannabe Hervé Léger look, which shows the difference getting rid of the slit could make.

https://www.johnlewis.com/sosandar-premium-bodycon-dress-black/p6198242?size=10&s_ppc=2dx92700071605015103_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInozI072I_wIVDLPtCh1GlAEpEAQYCyABEgJTDPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I’m sorry if this is too honest. If I were you, though, I’d want to know.

By the way, I don’t hate this dress. It’s great for a club or for Vegas!

It looks like a large tubigrip

Clothes don't have "ages" beyond children's wear (when it's a proxy for size)

I get that you don't like the suggestions, but that's nothing to do with age, just your preferences.

I don't think you can make that dress look sophisticated, and covering it up would spoil its effect, without really achieving anything. If it's the one you really want to wear, then aim for stunning, not sophisticated. One good piece of jewellery (probably necklace, understated everything else), wow eyes but restrained lips, and really glossy hair.

PS: if you prefer sophistication for this event, try the Giarda dress at the bottom of the link, with something diaphanous over your shoulders for arrival/departure

It's a pretty big slit up the thigh. I wouldnt really say this is posh dinner wear. Also when you're eating it will be deeply unflattering as there's nowhere to hide around the tummy region.

Those of you claiming this is “club wear”, honestly when were you last in a club?! This wasn’t club wear when I was a teen/20-something and it definitely isn’t now.

OP the dress is perfectly acceptable for dinner and with the right shoes and accessories will look lovely.

as for the poster claiming this dress indicates “sex work” do you not get out much

Oversize blazer
Hair up or back (what's your hair like OP?)
Long earrings

Was just about to post this. These pile ons on S&B are so depressing. Someone posts a regular dress (which by the way would be massively out of place in a nightclub) and it’s ‘oh you’ll look like a prostitute wearing that normal dress.’

I’ve said it on another thread, but a lot of posters think they know a lot about fashion when in fact they know almost nothing about anything except the tiny tiny sea salt/Boden type sub genre of fashion that they like.

But anyway I’d wear it as it is. Some heels, a nice necklace if you have one. Absolutely not with a jumper, if you’re going to wear something like that you need to just wear it.

Do you have shoes that you can wear OP, or are you looking to buy?

@aNewYorkerInLondon I appreciate honesty! Not every has the same style, then the world would be v boring. What do you mean 'working'?

@aNewYorkerInLondon oh, like a prostitute?! Haha come on...I love constructive criticism but that's just not true for this dress, not by a mile 😂

Perm in a side pony and you'll be right at home in the wedding singer

I have some nice thin stroppy heels the same colour as the dress but heheh quite tall, I want o buy some with a mid heel I think

Just make sure you don't have spaghetti Bolognese

OP the dress is perfectly acceptable for dinner and with the right shoes and accessories will look lovely.

Yes, for going out with family or friends perhaps. But maybe not for meeting the boyfriend/girlfriend’s grandparents for the first time. So the occasion is a factor. And if sophisticated is the look OP is aiming for, this dress will present a challenge.

Wow. It would make her look like a prostitute?!

That is appalling and says far more about you, than you think.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-blend-striped-ruched-sleeve-blazer/p/clp60589805?prevPage=srp#intid=plpnavpidd_pg1pip30g2r6c2

What I really want is this blazer and trousers, with a nice strappy top underneath, but I can't afford it rn:(

@Kanaloa totally agree.

and clothes absolutely can have an age, that long Karen Millen dress is hideously frumpy and the sort of thing my mother would wear and she’s 70.

I go to loads of nice restaurants mainly for work and have dined in three Michelin starred restaurants in different cities this month. Lots of business attire, lots of body cons on the 20 somethings, lots of jeans. It really varies.

OP hold your head high and go for it!

Good lord, I'm as dress down and frumpy as they come but that is a perfectly fine dress for a smart occasion for someone slim. It's knee length with long sleeves fgs. My only comment is I wouldn't attempt to eat a meal in something so pristine... hope its a restaurant with massive napkins