Help me choose a Christmas dress!

[Rayi]

I’m a size 10-12, but petite at 5ft 3.

I usually love midi dresses but I’ve developed a bit of a belly over the last year so don’t necessarily want anything too clingy. I like these two dresses (Debenhams and M&S) but also don’t want to look too frumpy, my friend said the second one is. I’m in my 20s but don’t really like wearing anything too revealing but maybe that is me being boring.

Do you like either of these dresses?

I prefer the second one. You could dress it up a lot.

I've seen someone in the second and the way the bust and waist is done looks weird IRL. It's shaped round the bust AND it has an elasticated waist. I kept looking at her and being confused whether it was sitting wrong but it wasn't it's just styled weirdly

The first one is lovely

I think if you are only in your 20s, you could be more adventurous? Not necessarily revealing.

The photo isn't very good but I much prefer the first one.

The first one.

Oh god I missed that you're in your 20s. Wow yes you could wear something so much more exciting! If it absolutely must be between these two please do not choose the second, it is far too frumpy for your age

What event are you planning to wear them for? I think they are both lovely dresses but probably more for a sit down meal than a party or out-out, especially if you are only in your 20s.

This one from Oliver Bonas is in the sale, it' super comfy on (am wearing it now about to go to my work xmas dinner) and it's very flattering! I'm the same kind of size and height as you with a bit of a belly.

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/swing-green-mini-dress-362104#selection.color=16

It comes to just above the knee on me so it's not even that mini if you're on the shorter side.

I bought the M&S one last week, and returned it after trying on at home. There's just nothing about it, it's a boring length, a boring shape, a boring colour, and the PP is right about the elastic and the shape of the bodice just not working quite right. The velvet aspect is nice but that's about it.

Ps.. I'm 40 and pregnant and thought it was too frumpy for me! It's definitely too frumpy for you!!

It sits really strangely! I'm the same height and it was frumpy.

You are young and smaller sized, don't go frumpy!

Sorry to answer your question, I don't really like either of the dresses and I think the way they are cut would make a petite person look quite short. If I were to give a preference it would be to the first one.

Have you thought about a glittery wrap dress? IMO wrap dresses are quite forgiving on the tum.

https://www.riverisland.com/p/navy-sequin-tie-waist-shift-mini-dress-902698?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsvWrBhC0ARIsAO4E6f-EC0Q7CKxsaI31-LaCKt1PEB65mKDYLQC0THzs_PRliceqovyERRwaAsC-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.superdry.com/products/details/261903/products?sku=21442365005949LP017&utm_source=Lyst+UK%2FEU:2523611&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=15&utm_term=uknetwork&ranMID=44523&ranEAID=gcdL%2FATRVoE&ranSiteID=gcdL_ATRVoE-1HP.1zzKiKMW1IvZj2qDlQ

https://www.debenhams.com/product/liquorish-royal-blue-velvet-based-multicolour-sequin-mini-wrap-dress_p-002fe72e-80ff-442d-9717-9ad4310d315e?colour=multi&size=6&istCompanyId=76f7277d-6e78-4dc2-aaff-1eb77fae16b0&istFeedId=258a4886-8f3c-47ef-9369-d1eda8d84501&istItemId=lrliixrax&istBid=t&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsvWrBhC0ARIsAO4E6f8vocmIrAJw7BfRtZVGI4IE1n8Yd0Ilb9GVhFQbJumuQJ1Gt06FXn4aAsm3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I definitely think you can get something better. What’s your budget?

I don't like either of them but the metallic one on the left is horrible. The black one is ok, the metallic one is positively awful.

@rileybelle Thanks for sharing, I've just ordered that and praying it arrives in the week!

I've been looking for something for Christmas Day that will comfortably accommodate my small bump (and a Christmas dinner, and all the chocolates!) but isn't a maternity dress that I probably won't want to wear again after I've had the baby.

Love the colour and the style

I am the same height and I think those pouffy midi dresses are tricky to pull off.https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/green-sequin-mini-dress-362596#selection.color=16

Oliver Bonas is often good for something a little dressed up that doesn't break the bank. How about this one?

That second Oliver Bonas dress would be what my 20 something DD would wear.

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/animal-devore-purple-mini-dress-363083#selection.color=2003

This one is quite good too, I think - the ruching and pattern would be flattering if you are self-conscious about your stomach.

@AdoringDavidAttenborough The green sequin one is gorgeous!

Is it just me or does that green sequin one look like an oversized t shirt?

@CheeseWisely Also very tights-compatible. I'm 42 and I would wear it.

I agree. It’s also expensive!

In your 20s! Go for something more glitzy!