Should I buy this dress?

[MissyB1]

I would get it in the red I think, and wear with black tights and black ankle boots or kitten heels. I'm 56, 5ft 3 and slim (size 8-10), and looking for an autumn / witner dress for nights out or lunches out with friends. A night out for me is couple of drinks at a gin bar, followed by a restaurant. I can't wear low cut (including most V neck) dresses because of breast cancer surgery.

One of my concerns is the material. it looks quite thick? Great for witner in theory, but in some bars and restaurents it can be quite warm, on the other hand short sleeves in winter doesnt work.

Amyway, what do you think of it, and is it worth the money? although I have a 15% off code

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/ellen-ottoman-dress-salsa/sty-d1068-red

Do you like it? Can you afford it?

If yes and yes, buy it.

It doesn't matter what a group of random internet strangers thinks.

If you get it home and its too thick, send it back.

I think I like it but I have a definite habit of choosing frumpy dresses! I am a frump magnet.

Yes. It looks nice and you'd probably wear it lots.

This is just my opinion (random internet stranger) but I think its plain enough that it can't really be frumpy in and of itself.

You can frump it up or down with your choice of accessories and shoes.

I don’t like it, I’m a similar age to you.

I wouldn’t say it’s frumpy, just incredibly plain.

That’s a lot of polyester, I wouldn’t. It’s unlikely to feel nice and even if it does smells will cling to it. Style wise it’s ok, but a bit meh.

I have two of those dresses from a couple of years ago, still look like new. Smart/causal, not frumpy at all.

I've got a very similar Boden dress that I picked up in a charity shop and tbf Ive struggled to wear it because the length feels awkward and old fashioned.

I had this dress years ago! It was an easy to wear dress, I don't know how it would look on someone very slim, ( looks a bot ordinary on the model in the photo) but if you are at all curvy it is flattering.
I'd say maybe a daytime dress unless you can bling it up enough with heels, lippy etc.
It is a heavier fabric, but that does mean it hangs well. I don't think it would be too hot unless you are menopausal!

Goodness, @MaxEye - have you lost your way en route to an entirely different forum?

I wouldn’t choose it myself, @MissyB1 - but then I wouldn’t be looking for clothes on the Boden site anyway. (I’m rather older than you and, while I value simplicity, I prefer clothes to have a bit of coolness and swagger.) To me that dress seems weirdly dated / retro - is it supposed to be ironic?

Have you looked at Zara?

I like it op very versatile, I say buy

I think it looks quite versatile - useful for work as well as drinks, but if you are 5'3" it might possibly fall below the knee. Easy enough to take up though if that doesn't suit you,

I notice that every single colourway is styled with a necklace breaking up the neckline. Might be that it looks a bit too high across the neck without accessorising

Oh just noticed there is a petite options so shouldn't need length adjustments

Since you ask: I think it looks boring and dated, and the black tights and kitten heels approach will only make that worse.

I think it’s more of a work dress than a going out dress tbh. It’s a bit dull for going out. I do like it though, but for work not cocktails.

Not a dress, but this co-ord set looks more 2024 lunch out with friends. Would only need a vest underneath and your favourite footwear. (Flat gold Mary Janes would be good.)

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/cropped-button-jacket-p08655527.html?v1=388654651&v2=2469837

And this outfit looks more autumnal but is absolutely what I’d be happy wearing for lunch or a casual evening out:

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/chunky-knit-cardigan-p01957101.html?v1=374748807&v2=2469837

I suspect comments on it being a work dress are probably right, and i do think finding the right footwear would be an issue. Its just that I struggle to find dresses that arent huge and volimonous or low cut and skimpy! I like dresses because you dont have to put different items together.

I think you could find something nicer!

It’s a bit too classic I think - perhaps a little 80s?

Go for it

It's ok if you jazz it up with a bit of jewellery or some leopard shoes (I love leopard or zebra with red)

otherwise a bit dull but lovely colour

edited to add I'm 52 and a little chonky

Well I can only try I guess. Why is dress shopping so bloody difficult?!

Well I’ve found something different (from M&S), and ordered - glad I didn’t get the Boden one now. This is the one I’ve gone for.

It's nice. Buy it. You like it.

I went to find it on their website to see if there were any pictures of someone posing in a less awkward way in it, but her other pose is even more peculiar.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/printed-round-neck-midaxi-column-dress/p/clp60686969?prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r2c1