Is this dress frumpy? Please help !!!

[Notcontent]

I have quite a lot of nice clothes for everyday wear but don’t have anything that is particularly “dressy”. Part of the reason is that I don’t really go out much, except to work or the occasional casual dinner, etc. I would like to get a slightly more dressy outfit to wear to e.g. my work Christmas drinks. I am in London so it’s more of a casual vibe anyway.

I am 50, short and very slim. No bust to speak of sadly.

I was looking at this dress, as it’s available in petite and I think the bright red would suit me, but I am just not sure if it’s really me:
https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/elise-velvet-midi-dress-red/sty-d0810-red

maybe could look good with chunky boots?

Alternatively I was looking at the silver faux leather skirt from Wyse but I think that looks better styled more casually with a black top - but it’s an option…
https://www.wyselondon.com/collections/leather-etc/products/lateisha-faux-leather-skirt-silver

this dress is also gorgeous I think but I suspect it would swamp me!
https://www.wyselondon.com/collections/dresses/products/ari-smocked-dress-leopard?variant=40487396999257

I do look a bit like a younger and skinnier version of the older model (who I think is the co-owner of the brand )!

thanks in advance!

I don’t like the leopard print dress but I do quite like the red Boden dress and silver skirt.

Have you considered silver trousers which are more on trend now?

First dress - lovely IMHO.
Skirt - also lovely, but harder to pull off because you're going to need the right top, too.
Don't like the last one as much.

Thanks - that’s really helpful. Glad you don’t like the leopard dress as it’s rather expensive!! That’s a good thought about silver trousers.

Consensus I see!!! So helpful. Might order and try.

The leopard dress 😱 have you been on the wine?!

Love the red dress, love the silver skirt.

Sadly not, but can I blame menopause? 😂 You’re right - I think it’s my penchant for leopard print, but it’s strangely shiny…

Boden one is gorgeous

Never thought there would be a time when Boden was the best choice, but yes - the red dress is the only acceptable option.

The faux whatever skirt is just dowdy.

The other dress is deeply, deeply confused and needs putting out of its misery.

Another vote for the Boden. However I love the deep green colour, gorgeous. But OP you say you would suit the red colour so go for it, it is very nice.

I love the red dress.

£255 for pleather!! I don’t even think that’s flattering on the model tbh.
The red dress is the only nice item, the leopard print is just hideous.

Another vote for the Boden red dress

Op, I personally kind of love the leopard print dress! It's very different and I like things that are a bit out there! So it's up my street!

I also really like the red dress and the skirt so basically I'm not much help but will help you spend all your money!

Going to be controversial and say the Biden one only doesn't look frumpy because of the shoes, bare legs and general gorgeousness of the model. I wouldn't put it with boots.

@Notcontent - particularly as you are in London, you really don’t need an embarrassingly shiny dress with cringe making frills and furbelows if you’re not confident in your choice.

Why not simply look for upgrades of your day to day wear? Silk instead of cotton, say. Metallic Mary Jane shoes instead of loafers. More precious jewellery. New hair if that’s a thing for you.

With the budget you have available you could step away from Boden, etc and maybe browse Net-a-Porter or Matches for something that’s actually … fashionable and stylish.

Love the red dress, my boobs would unfortunately render it ultra frumpy so definitely a yea for a flatter bust

The skirt is gorgeous!

The red dress for sure!

The red dress is gorgeous!

This is so helpful - thanks everyone. Might try the Boden dress just in case it looks amazing on and have a look at some other options.

Being short is tricky at the moment because skirts and dresses are either very short or very long…

I like the leopard print dress! The red dress would look nice enough if you’re waifish. I also really like the silver skirt.
I love leopard and shine though.

I’m loving the red velvet dress 💯

Unfortunately the red dress wouldn't suit me - but I love it. It's by far the best from those options.

I only like the silver skirt. With a black polo neck.

@CharlotteRumpling we must have similar styles as that’s exactly how I was imagining it