Thoughts on this dress for engagement party lunch?

[BlueRaspberry7]

Would this work for a fairly relaxed family engagement party (lunchtime) in an Italian restaurant? Wondering if a bit formal / workwear-ish...

www.shopcider.com/product/detail?pid=103176151&style_id=1159653&sku_id=1279782&currency=GBP&local=en&country=GB&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_campaign=pla-gb-cate-dress-mbtb&link_id=a19ee0f34a994088885f045c1d194880&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtsa9BhAKEiwAUZAszaGYz75JWTgglMwh6J3wbQigZBNRLbBWKL920t7R1hScCbH-wpcf5BoCtaEQAvD_BwE

It’s a bit too much like a French maid costume for me I’m afraid.

@AngelaMerkin1 lol I didn't think of it like that

It's fine but would wear black opaque tights and flat shoes

It's a bit too mourning for me for engagement celebrations. And yes very French maid too.

It's really nice and smart, quite chic, but black isn't quite the right colour for the event in my opinion and I can also see the french maid vibes as pp have said.

This! ^^
Nailed it.

All valid points!
Any suggestions/alternatives please?

What do you reckon to dresses by Roman. I have a few and could be worth looking at.I do not have anything to do with the company by the way!

I think it's gorgeous!

Depends on what colours and shapes suit you but I would probably choose something like this

https://www.boden.com/products/button-through-cotton-dress-chalk-pink-cherry-cascade?variant=42471551205585&code=6TG7&tc_ch=ps&tc_ve=goog&tc_so=pmax&tc_me=cr&tc_ca=drop-offer&tc_au=&tc_cr=na&tc_campid=UK+-+Performance+Max+-+Priority+-+Active&tc_adgroupid=&tc_kwid=&tc_matchid=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtsa9BhAKEiwAUZAszR7M_IEcUKBWcvVYOJg4W6vMqNA4caYmK2suR3ox3iyGW-5ulmbznRoC5e0QAvD_BwE

I like it! Would look good with black tights and ankle boots or flats.

This is not necessarily a bad thing but with black opaques and flats it would give a strong Zooey-Deschanel-in-2012 vibe. Again, not necessarily a bad thing but most definitely a recognisable look.

Whats the budget? You might like Coco Fennell’s dresses. They are much more expensive but you might be able to hire.

It's not remotely mourning. It's not a dress for a funeral.

It isn't funereal. If anything the length makes it not suitable for a funeral.

I don't see anything wrong with it or with wearing black but if you do, try it with coloured opaque tights and shoes - red, pink or green.

What about this OP, very similar but with a bit more colour

www.monsoon.co.uk/dion-lace-collar-jersey-dress-black-10016580001.html

Sorry, I agree its a French maid look and very short. I doubt you could bend over without flashing something!

I think it’s lovely.

Are you the bride? If so, you might want something different, but as a guest - and at a lunchtime family event - I think it is perfectly suitable. The Boden one posted by @AngelaMerkin1 is lovely too, and yes, more celebratory, but there is nothing inappropriate about the outfit you suggested. I like it.

It’s a cute little dress but it definitely gives workwear, imo.

This has a similar vibe but more appropriate for the occasion, imo, and comes in different colours.

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/black-striped-starlight-long-sleeve-mini-dress

If it was me, I’d maybe do one of these with wide leg trousers or jeans, or a maxi skirt.

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/black-tailored-crew-neck-waistcoat-o250955blk?queryID=750f89615a1b21a8f8e802dd79007eae

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/cream-crew-neck-longline-waistcoat-o242701bge?queryID=56920ce1325f585a749bbed00851768f

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/mid-wash-denim-waist-coat-t250241blu?queryID=ec353afbac9f396978d497992ddd484d

It's a relaxed engagement lunch?

I love Cider but not this dress for a lunch celebration. Definitely looks maid like possibly waiting staff - you might be asked to clear a few tables on your way back from the loo!

@AngelaMerkin1 love that monsoon alternative, thanks.

At 100% polyester all i can think of is how much i would be sweating!

Wear it with plaits like Wednesday Adam's

That’s the least formal /work wear dress I’ve seen 😂

if you like it wear it op, it is a bit French maid /school girl, but everyone has their own tastes.