Help! How to style dress so it looks a bit edgy/not like a bridesmaid?

[vandubby]

Going to a September wedding (where there are no bridesmaids) , and love this dress, but feels a bit frumpy. Dress code is 'extra/ott' and frankly this colour is as far as I'm prepared to go! Just wondering if there's a way to style this so it looks a bit less bridesmaidy? I was thinking maybe metallic accessories? or something more clashy? But not sure if it's a goer at all? Whistles Dress

It doesn't look remotely like a bridesmaid dress to me tbh.

If you find it frumpy, do you want ideas for alternatives you might actually like?

i agree, definitely not bridesmaid like at all

This is a lovely non-frumpy frock IMO:
https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-lula-lace-dress-red/p113086330?s_share=jlappdroid

Or this:
https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-twist-neck-crepe-midi-dress-red/p113579448?s_share=jlappdroid

This is fab:
https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-claudette-ruffle-mini-dress-red/p113455974?s_share=jlappdroid

Or this:
https://www.johnlewis.com/never-fully-dressed-may-lace-trim-dress-red/p112788376?s_share=jlappdroid

Looks like a nice dress (I dont get bridesmaid vibes TBH).
I think you could be right regarding metallics, thats probably how Id go.

Thanks so much! That Never fully dressed one is gorgeous but sadly sold out! I think the problem is I've ordered it, it fits beautifully but I'm a size 14 and mid 50s so maybe it's me that's the frumpy one! Thanks for the non-bridesmaidy vibe reassurance everyone!

https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/red-may-dress

The same dress is available on their website directly in a size 14 if you want it!

Oh gosh that's gorgeous in the green but sold out! Just one in my size in the orange.... Is it fate?

Definitely doesn’t look bridesmaid-y. However, it’s pretty uninspired and unexciting (and way overpriced for that fabric mix).

I doubt polyester lace, or shiny satin (the NFD) are ever going to look wow, in a good way. I’m a few years older than you and would honestly never look at any of the brands so far mentioned.

Actually - the red one IS available - that's my mid 50s eyesight failing me! Thanks @ButtSurgery for all your suggestions!

Have you ever looked at

Alemais?

It’s mostly above the Whistles price point. (Considerably above NFD.) But lots of the dresses can be found on sale at the moment on multi-brand sites.

You might also look on

The Outnet

for a properly special dress very much reduced.

You could also consider renting a dress?

The high street really is not good value at the moment, even in the sales.

Do you have any reccommendations for other brands? I'm not much of a dress person really so struggling a bit. More of a chunky boots goth girl.

See my post above yours!

I'm seeing gold block heeled sandals with these selections - lovely! https://www.next.co.uk/style/su549546/au0329
(Or similar upmarket/lower heel etc.)

I bought some silver platform sandals last week and they're surprisingly comfortable.

Thank you @ANagsHead !

If you are a chunky boot goth type then that is extra/ott - no? The last wedding I went to I wore linen trousers even though everyone else was in beautiful dresses because that was me. I went to a wedding before that in a dress and I just did not feel comfortable.

You used the word edgy in your title … It’s widely derided nowadays - but if you actually meant it you might join the very exclusive club of posters who don’t rip me to shreds for mentioning:

Batsheva

If you want a different kind of ‘extra’ you could look at

Kemi Telford

whose clothes are fairly purse-friendly.

If you want something glossy, why not silk rather than polyester?

Realisation Par

makes some very wearable pieces (the Gia is very popular with grown up women) that only need a bit of shapewear (or a lot of gym) to look perfect.

Is that enough?

Actually think it’s very nice indeed, not at all bridesmadesy and very wedding appropriate.you could go metallic or clash with bright pink.

So can you stay true to your Goth style? Given the dress code, it sounds like anything goes as long as you make a real effort.

That does look sort of frumpy and not at all ott.
Given the theme I’d lean it to the goth look.
Disturbia have some nice dresses. This is a favourite of mine https://www.disturbia.co.uk/products/zarina-velour-applique-midi-wrap-dress?variant=43915828396189
and either chunky platform heels or big chunky goth boots would look great with any of them.

Lovely dress and doesnt look at all like a bridesmaid.

I'm with @Bearinthesmallmessyflat I love Disturbia dresses (I feel too old to wear most of them) but this one is ageless IMO and it's my favourite.
https://www.disturbia.co.uk/collections/occasion-dresses/products/glimmer-embroidered-sequin-lace-angel-sleeve-midaxi-dress

Definitely try Disturbia. I see they are doing 25% off at the moment (code on the website).

Absolutely love this.

The one in the OP is far nicer than anything else posted on here imo.

I’m never quite sure what people on here mean by edgy tbh, but I think that dress could look good with suede heeled sandals and a stand out bag of some sort.

Have a look through Wolf & Badger, they usually have some quite different styles.