Is this dress nice?

[CluelessStyle]

I bought this dress to go to a formal occasion. I was happy to get something I felt relatively good in but my daughter (16) thinks it's horrible so now I have second thoughts. I usually trust her judgement. What do you think? I am in my 40s, size 12, pear shape.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/amelia-ditsy-shirt-midi-dress-221466493.html#q=Amelia&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221466493&pos=4

Of the suggestions that's the winner for me, in either colour.

This is nice too, comes in petite sizes
https://www.boden.com/products/cutwork-detail-midi-dress-navy

I like it. It sounds really suitable for the occasion.

I quite like it OP. Definitely more than any of the other dresses that have been linked in this thread. I think it’s perfectly suitable for a retirement party and you would probably looked embarrassingly overdressed if you rocked up in evening gear.

I would be more put off my the fact that it’s 100% polyester but if it’s decent quality and you’re comfortable in it then go for it.

Its sold out so it can’t be that hideous!

I really like your original choice op, nice dress and appropriate to the occasion imo.

That's nice. The magenta is a lovely colour.

Wow looks so much more interesting. I actually really like it now. And perfect for someone who is petite

This one is nice. I suspect that those Jollie Moi dresses might look a bit cheap in reality.

I like it too and think it sounds perfect for the occasion. Bemused by some of the responses on here tbh!

I really like this one, I am worried it might not be dressy enough though as it looks like tshirt material, is it more if a daytime dress?

It's cotton and Tencel. Tencel is a brand name for a make of viscose. Tencel is a lovely fabric and has a silky, drapey feel to it. It's not t-shirt material.

I feel like I've been to a million of these dinners (or half a million at least) over the years.

Is it in a private room at the hotel OP? Most of them are - usually one or two rooms, with drinks and mingling and then in to a seated dinner. And is it a weeknight or a weekend? If it's a weeknight at 7ish, a lot of people (most) will be coming straight from work, so will be decently but not overly dressed. If both those things apply - private room and after work on a weeknight - your dress is absolutely fine, although I agree with others that it's not wildly exciting. What's your budget?

I think your dress is fine OP - and most of the suggestions have been along similar lines to the one you’ve posted . Do you like it enough to want to wear for other occasions?

Private room, Saturday , drinks and mingling then seated dinner. Budget £100-£200.

I did like it, I have a few weddings this year and thought it would work for one if those too.

Like the shape but not the colour mix.

Your choice is perfect, pls stick to your instincts. You are happy wearing it, it’s a nice dress, suitable for the occasion and many others. It’s grown on me too and I may go and buy it now too :)

So, I would say your dress is fine. I liked it better when I clicked on it and went through all the photos than I did from the initial one. But since it's on a Saturday, people will be more dressed up than if it was a weekday, so if you do go with that one, I'd pay attention to accessorising it in a way that dresses it up. Did your DD see it on you? What did she not like about it?

I put size 12, max £200 into The Outnet and saw a few potential options, if you're inclined to look around more.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/diane-von-furstenberg/dresses/midi-dresses/erica-pintucked-cotton-blend-poplin-midi-dress/164759735854697

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/vince/dresses/midi-dresses/berry-blooms-pleated-floral-print-satin-midi-dress/1647597349053435

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/diane-von-furstenberg/dresses/midi-dresses/erica-pintucked-cotton-blend-poplin-midi-dress/1647597358546979

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/derek-lam-10-crosby/dresses/mini-dresses/christina-satin-jacquard-mini-dress/1647597357850456

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/maje/dresses/midi-dresses/tie-detailed-cupro-satin-midi-dress/46376663162835928

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/stine-goya/dresses/midi-dresses/veroma-printed-crepe-midi-dress/1647597352355987

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/farm-rio/dresses/midi-dresses/bead-embellished-printed-cotton-twill-midi-dress/46376663162913050

If you feel good in it, OP, you’ll look great. It’s definitely appropriate for the occasion. Glam it up with jewellery, make up, heels, hair or whatever if you want.

Gosh. Not really looked at Phase Eight clothes before. Quite a few of these dresses really do look quite old-fashioned.😮

Stick with your dress OP! It’s much better than any of the suggestions posted here.
I actually really like it. It’s tricky with dresses, if it suits your body shape and you feel confident in it then wear it.

It’s very old fashioned in its style and material. Something I’d expect to see on someone much older.

What does your daughter suggest you wear? If she comes back with something suitable for a teenager you know you can disregard her opinion.

I think it's fine. It's not the most exciting or fashionable dress, but it's completely suitable for the occasion and you will absolutely blend in.

One thing I wondered, though, was whether it suits your colouring? That might be why she's saying she doesn't like it? And do bear in mind that while you've put on a bit of weight, many women in their 40s would be delighted to be a size 12 and would be wearing something to show it off. I'd love to be a size 12!

I think the fact that holly willoughby is wearing it to work sort of proves the point that it’s not really a party item doesn’t it?

It does look nicer on her than the model.

I don’t like it, sorry, but I don’t like anything else suggested either. The plain navy ones make me die a bit inside.

Then again, if you like it then just tell your dd and us to naff off,