Seeking opinions on whether this is too frumpy?

[Namchani]

Another wedding guest one…
Wedding abroad in likely 40 degree heat
Bride works in fashion and will have lots of fashion and influencer type guests in attendance
I feel very Mumsy in comparison!
I prefer a Midaxi/ maxi after pregnancy as I’ve got some lingering varicose veins

Trying to find a maxi in a fabric that’s not polyester and a colour that’s not lurid pink has been difficult…

This fits and I’d wear it at a weekend here but is it too meh for a wedding? And is it a bit too matronly on the chest?
Out of interest, what dress size do I appear?

Alternative suggestions welcomed!

needleandthread.com.

This is beautiful!

Sugarhill Brighton has some lovely summer maxi dresses -generally nice non-clingy fabrics and a lot of them have button openings/v-neck so you can avoid the matronly bust look. Not massively expensive but nice quality fabrics to dress up with accessories.

(If you want a more cinched look at the waist, you could always get alterations -alterations make everything look more fashionable and more expensive)

https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/collections/maxi-dresses/products/d0829-lauren-batik-maxi-smock-dress-black-pink-heart-spot

https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/collections/all-dresses/products/genevieve-batik-maxi-smock-dress-black-green-grand-palm

https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/products/tammy-batik-maxi-smock-dress-navy-sunflowers?_pos=2&_sid=7fe283348&_ss=r

https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/products/kerry-batik-smock-dress-navy-shells?_pos=5&_sid=7fe283348&_ss=r

it is abit mumsy... especially for a wedding abroad, get yourself a tan and a cocktail and wear something bright and colourful! try silkfred or never fully dressed

That's gorgeous!

Not dressy enough but perhaps with a flower crown, nice shoes and handbag it will look more special

Hi thank you for all the feedback! So it’s back to the drawing board!

I think the person who said about a decent bra is right, I’ve only worn nursing and sports bras for the last 18 months so going to get measured.

Ive ordered more dresses!

I tried on just one in Roman yesterday- difficult with toddler in tow- but it confirmed I need low cut rather than high neck.

I’ve tried this one on today and like it but feel self conscious of my tum and hips.
I’ve ordered some from M&S so will see how they go.
I’m just very nervous of bright colours and they seem to be dominating in the shops.

Dress is boring and too casual.

you have a lovely figure and should show it off. Go for v neck dress

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/the-karen-embroidered-flutter-sleeve-front-button-midi-dress/

Haven’t read the whole thread, but what about something like this OP?

Sorry OP, the original dress and the Roman dress you've tried on aren't great. You have a fabulous figure and both dresses don't do you any favours. You need a floaty maxi dress... it's going to be hot!

You keep saying you don't feel confident in colour. It wearing a grey/dark will make you stand out more.. and for the wrong reason.

These from Mint Velvet would be good - and some are black and white so might be good for you as you don't want colour...

This one too...

Another option is to join the 'Pre-loved wedding outfits and occasion outfits UK' group on Facebook page. Post what you're looking for, your size and budget and you'll get loads of support.

I love the first Mint Velvet dress but can't see what it's made of . If it's a thin cotton it would look lovely with a wide brimmed hat .

OP - if I was you I would focus on what is likely to be comfortable in that level of heat - so nothing too tight (your body will swell with the heat so something that is slightly roomy), a midi/midaxi rather than full maxi (I feel cooler if my ankles aren't covered)and floaty short sleeves in a thin cotton fabric would be ideal.

I think you have a lovely figure, but I don't think the dress has the Wow! factor for a wedding. Roman Originals may have something if you check out their website. I went to a wedding a month ago and was recommended by a friend to try them. I ordered eight dresses, and kept one, although I was tempted to keep more!
Returns were easy and free, although I think £3.00 per item (or per parcel!) was deducted from the refund because I'd clearly ordered lots just to choose one. Cheaper than driving to the shops, I'm happy with that!

https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/jolie-print-v-neck-maxi-dress

This is a beautiful dress in real life. I'm an 18 with boobage and I would wear this! In fact wish I had somewhere to go to justify buying it

https://www.quizclothing.co.uk/clothes/00100038031.html#mz-expanded-view-805208669718

I also have this one - very pretty and flattering and a bargain at £39.99

Sorry Op just realised you didn't want colour

Tbh I'd think you'd look great in some colour OP. It also works well in bright light.

I agree that this dress is lovely.

Nice dress. The sort I'd wear for work. It's a bit casual but you might get away with it with big hat, buttonhole and posh shoes and bag.

I'd say you were size 12ish

First one is better then black one. That's too long snd dark for a wedding.

I live in these dresses, I think it looks lovely and going by my own figure in these dresses I'd say you was between 12-14?

You have exactly the same figure as me, Op.

To be honest, agree with other posters that it's not a very 'occasion' dress. I'd wear that to the office. Also, I think you'd look better in something with a deeper v neck.

Long Tall Sally have some great dresses, without too much lurid pink!
https://www.longtallsally.com/lts-navy-pocket-midaxi-dress-p