Can I get away with this?

[IdealisticCynic]

I’m normally of the belief that one can’t really dress too young. But I’ve seen a dress I really like and for the first time, am worried I’ll look too old for it. I’m not worried about the colour, but in my mind think this is sort of a “young woman’s shaped” dress, IYSWIM.

For context: I’m early 40s (most people think I’m mid to late 30s) 5 ft 3 and a size 10-12. A bit pear shaped but slim arms and legs.

Will this dress look ridiculous on me??

I don’t know that it would suit anyone! It’s giving me halloween pumpkin costume vibes - sorry 😊

Don’t apologise! Opinions welcome. Maybe I am unknowingly feeling Halloween-y!

I thought pumpkin too.

No it's a pumpkin!

I loved it until I saw the bottom. It looks like a flower pot. I think you would have to be quite tall and willowy to pull it off.

Do you have a photo of what someone would look like wearing yet? The top bit is nice but the bottom bit is so strange.

18-21yo Halloween ball only

I don't see your age as a reason not to wear it but honestly, anyone other than a supermodel would look like a pumpkin in it.

For anyone wondering, this is what it looks like on a human:

It's giving Japanese paper lantern?

It’s definitely more suited to a young , tall 18 year old attending a Halloween 🎃 party !

I'm not a fan at all and I don't think it looks good on the model. It looks like something a first-year fashion student dreamed up. And from a practical perspective, wouldn't you find it awkward walking around with your knees being squeezed by that tapered elasticy hem?

Oh my god, bubble hems are back? The poor kids of today, I thought they'd escaped the madness! I don't think it's too young per se OP but on someone your/my age that style reads more 'just rooted through my teenage clothes while clearing out my parents' attic' than just being a statement dress IYKWIM.

I like it OP! It's so cheerful. If I met you wearing this I would expect you to be great fun!

I like it OP. It's not for me but that's just because I don't like strapless dresses but if you do, there's no reason why you can't wear it.

I like the hem too. I hate dipped hems but bubble/ cocoon dresses are always interesting.

OP , I'm on a mailing list for Cecelie Bahnsen and this has just popped up. Your dress isn't dissimilar but is a helluva lot more affordable.

Cecelie Bahnsen

I have a H&M summer dress with a bubble hem from a collab they did ( it has ribbon straps) and it makes me feel good when I wear it. If you like it and have the confidence to wear it, go for it.

Like a peach

I like it! And think you should wear it.

I like it too!

I like it. Quirky but not ridiculous.

It’s gorgeous!

This is the kind of thing I should hate but it's growing on me. I do really like the colour. I am definitely not thinking pumpkin. More Japanese lantern as you said.

The only thing I would say is that volume around the hips can be unflattering on even the slimmest woman. I have very narrow hips ( my fat has rushed to my tummy) and even then had to send back a dress with volume around the hips, because it made me look bottom heavy.

The dress is clearly divisive! I have just spotted that all the nos are from last night and all the yeses are from this morning. Which is fascinating.
I still like the dress but I think some of the concerns like comfort walking and how they would look on bigger hips and short women are valid though. Might go to & Other Stories and try it on…
Thanks everyone!

The dress is hideous and looks like a costume.

OP I could see Jo Whiley rocking that dress keeping everything else very simple. Maybe a chunky heel so it's not too 80's .

Love everything Jo Whiley so it's a big yes from me. 😁