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Original poster

Seeking opinions on whether this is too frumpy?

217 replies

Namchani · 16/07/2023 20:28

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!

Seeking opinions on whether this is too frumpy?
OP posts:
Thread gallery
64
TopMog · 22/07/2023 10:42

If you wanted to 'dress it up more', which I really don't believe is necessary, you could drape a very thin, lacy shawl.

It's HOT weather. Fancy earrings and/or shoes will give sparkle and 'pop'.

Many English women 'overdress' for weddings. (I think here of crazy hats and silly 'fascinators'). Simplicity and stylish is the look to go for, and that's how Italian and French women dress. Less is more.

Gingerboy22 · 22/07/2023 10:50

Twazique · 20/07/2023 20:01

Those ruched bodices are not the best when you have boobs.

TopMog · 22/07/2023 10:53

Another thought - some glamorous/sparkly hair clips are good for extra elegance.

TopMog · 22/07/2023 10:56

I disagree - you have a lovely bust and the subtle ruching flatters this.

TopMog · 22/07/2023 10:59

The horizontal ruching of the green dress is subtle and more flattering than the vertical ruching in the red dress.

Seeking opinions on whether this is too frumpy?
Original poster
Namchani · 22/07/2023 13:18

The Cos dress- I can see how it would be dramatic on the right (willowy) person but I am not that person. I would look and feel as I’d tied a curtain voile around my neck.

I normally wear a lot of seasalt but my aunt is already wearing that dress- and it’s halter neck anyway.

I have worn collectif to weddings before but can’t wear the 50s length without tights - and I can’t wear tights in 40 degrees!

Still awaiting delivery of a few bits - this is going back but is todays offering. The elastic in the middle is a bit weird.

I probably do dress frumpy and mumsy usually to be honest!

Seeking opinions on whether this is too frumpy?
OP posts:
Original poster
Namchani · 22/07/2023 13:19

Gingerboy22 · 22/07/2023 10:50

Those ruched bodices are not the best when you have boobs.

Show quote history

Sorry I just can’t stand lurid pink. I don’t have the skin tone for it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Namchani · 22/07/2023 13:21

The evidence that halter necks are absolutely awful on me

Seeking opinions on whether this is too frumpy?
OP posts:
PumpkinsAndCoconuts · 22/07/2023 13:53

Namchani · 22/07/2023 13:18

The Cos dress- I can see how it would be dramatic on the right (willowy) person but I am not that person. I would look and feel as I’d tied a curtain voile around my neck.

I normally wear a lot of seasalt but my aunt is already wearing that dress- and it’s halter neck anyway.

I have worn collectif to weddings before but can’t wear the 50s length without tights - and I can’t wear tights in 40 degrees!

Still awaiting delivery of a few bits - this is going back but is todays offering. The elastic in the middle is a bit weird.

I probably do dress frumpy and mumsy usually to be honest!

This looks great! Really flattering, nice and summery 👍

LiloP · 22/07/2023 14:04

If the wedding is in Italy, don’t do big patterns. Italians wear mono colours, the patterns look so English (and frumpy sorry).

Mummyoflittledragon · 22/07/2023 14:08

I am a size 20… down from a 22. I had real issues with going up a size from 18 and never bought anything in a 22. But I wear stretchy stuff so could get away with it even if it didn’t look the best.

I think you should consider looking at dresses a size bigger. All the dresses in the pics only just about fit. Some styles are supposed to be skin tight. But others need a bit more fabric. Have a look at how the models wear them… sometimes I think there’s too much fabric. But not always.

sunglassesonthetable · 22/07/2023 14:18

Love the shape of the green pattern one on you though. Think it's flattering.

Keep on OP. You'll get there. 😀

Mercibuckets · 22/07/2023 16:24

Agree the waist is v flattering and it’s a pretty shape and believe it or not it’s quite trendy. I don’t think the colour is great on you though. I know you don’t like strong colours but I think these kinds of colours wash you out (at least it appears so looking at small pics on my phone).

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 22/07/2023 18:11

Yes, the shape is super-flattering, especially the top. But - sorry but you did ask - the pattern and colour are so dreary, and make you look like a sister wife. You have a fabulous figure and could do so much better.

ExPreschoolTrustee · 22/07/2023 18:34

How about these from H&M

chiffon so thin but "covered"

wrap dress

maybe too floofy?

Julietta05 · 22/07/2023 20:31

I guite like this dress. I think it suit you.

technotstarnotechstar · 22/07/2023 22:54

Not a fan of the dress, it looks dated. You have a fantastic figure, the green jumpsuit listed above would look amazing on you, jumpsuits need curves to look good. Pair with wedges and you'll look great. I think stronger colours suit you.

TopMog · 24/07/2023 05:28

ExPreschoolTrustee · 22/07/2023 18:34

Good grief - black, lots of fabric, long sleeves, polyester, linings!

It's 40 degrees. Linen or Cotton, no sleeves, pale colours to reflect the heat. Black absorbs!

Original poster
Namchani · 24/07/2023 10:38

The Anthropologie dress has arrived and I’m a bit underwhelmed
it’s so madly low cut that I’m going to need some sort of crop top underneath

Seeking opinions on whether this is too frumpy?
OP posts:
Saurus72 · 24/07/2023 11:02

The Anthropologie is by far the best you have posted! Really flattering - a plain silk camisole underneath would solve the low cut issue, you look lovely!

sunglassesonthetable · 24/07/2023 11:32

Love the shape on you. But I think you'll die of heat stroke with something underneath.

It's really low cut!

Grimwood · 24/07/2023 12:23

I think the Anthropologie dress is perhaps a size too small on top and that’s why it appears so low cut?

GoldDuster · 24/07/2023 13:17

That shape is ace on you, can you size up and pop a couple of stitches in the v neck where you're comfortable with the low ness? I've got a similar issue in that I look best in a v neck but hate having it all on show, also don't like a high V because I feel like Simon Cowell, so end up altering a low V most times. That's your neckline for sure, every time.

Original poster
Namchani · 24/07/2023 14:23

Grimwood · 24/07/2023 12:23

I think the Anthropologie dress is perhaps a size too small on top and that’s why it appears so low cut?

There’s so much fabric elsewhere (the sleeves are huge!) that if I sized up I would be swamped - I think it’s just a bit inevitable when it’s cut down to the waist!

Someone else on the thread said I was buying things too small but honestly I ordered some in next size up too and then I looked ridiculous and would have to have the whole thing altered. I think clothes that fit my body just then tend to accentuate the chest!

OP posts:
Grimwood · 24/07/2023 14:31

I’m also a curvy hourglass so do get what you mean - particularly with dresses that are also tiered. I don’t think it’s having a waist that’s fitted that’s the problem, it’s probably just the cut/shape of the top.