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Original poster

Is DD right about this dress? (Light-hearted)

262 replies

ShiningShimmeringSplendid · 20/09/2025 11:57

https://joanieclothing.com/celia-birtwell-x-joanie-golden-slumbers-flared-sleeve-ruffle-neck-wrap-dress.html

I bought this for various Christmas parties. I love it, having a weakness for hippyish, Stevie Nicks-in-the-1970s getups. My daughter (8, sarcastic, only prepared to wear black leggings) made a horrified face on seeing it. Which of us is right? (In case it helps, I'm slim and pretty flat, so the volumising effect of the ruffle isn't too problematic to my eye).

OP posts:
IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 21/09/2025 10:19

PeanutGallerist · 21/09/2025 09:01

@Pinkclarko - actually I’d say that’s an easy dress to throw on and look good! It doesn’t need decorating, or a special hair do, or make up. Pretty much any ankle or knee height boots. Would look great under a big wool coat.

(And I completely don’t understand all the stuff about having to be tall, or thin, or this or that chested; it’s a dress that deflects attention from the body underneath.)

Agreed. I don't get the "have to be tall/slim, blah, blah blah " objections, which get trotted out so often on here.

The whole point of dresses like this is the dress is the thing.

Thelankyone · 21/09/2025 10:21

BunnyLake · 21/09/2025 09:56

The ironic thing with people saying they hate it, have you seen some of the stuff that gets offered up on S&B? A more hideous collection of suggestions you’d be hard to find. 😁

I don’t disagree with you there, there seems to be a lot of very frumpy clothes that belong in the back of a Sunday catalogue recommended, I find it surprising, but I guess to the people posting them they do like them and see them as fitting, if I’m brutally honest, I’m not sure anyone would see these folks as stylish on real life. But then what do I know, like many others I find Joanie clothing frumpy and cheap looking, but some said they actually get endless compliments when they wear them, which quite frankly makes me wonder who from really.

DiscoNights · 21/09/2025 10:25

I really like it

Pretendingsleepingtigerrrrr · 21/09/2025 10:31

i'm sorry but I burst out laughing. I wasn't sure if it was a joke. I agree with your child. I gave my son context, he looked blankly for a minute and said "No. It's not a nice dress." His look of concern...

jacksonlambsregulardisorder · 21/09/2025 12:18

I'm old enough to be able to picture Stevie Nicks in her hey-day wearing this. I'm also old enough to think that it's the kind of dress I would never pick up, but then see someone else wearing it and envy their style. I think if you love it then it'll be great on you.

Loving your 8 year-old's reaction though - just wait until she's Edge of Seventeen 😂

ruethewhirl · 21/09/2025 13:36

I love that! Not sure I could pull it off, definitely one to be worn with confidence, but I really like the styling and patterns.

ifionlyhadacat · 21/09/2025 13:37

I like it . If the colours suit your skin and hair, it'll be great. If it embarrasses your daughter, even better!

Pinkclarko · 21/09/2025 16:45

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 21/09/2025 10:19

Agreed. I don't get the "have to be tall/slim, blah, blah blah " objections, which get trotted out so often on here.

The whole point of dresses like this is the dress is the thing.

Show quote history

Yes I completely agree about that. I just meant that it demands a lot of attention and you run the risk of it wearing you, so to speak. Others may be able to throw it on and look ace of course-Don’t think I would, I’d have to have a bit of makeup on or I don’t think you’d notice me under it 😁

Clarabell77 · 21/09/2025 16:57

I’m with your daughter but each to their own and it sounds like you’ll carry it off.

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 21/09/2025 18:03

Pinkclarko · 21/09/2025 16:45

Yes I completely agree about that. I just meant that it demands a lot of attention and you run the risk of it wearing you, so to speak. Others may be able to throw it on and look ace of course-Don’t think I would, I’d have to have a bit of makeup on or I don’t think you’d notice me under it 😁

Show quote history

Well for me the point is that what I'm wearing is what I want to be noticed. I don't wear make up.

It's not even a particularly outlandish dress.

whatsit84 · 21/09/2025 18:06

I actually think it would look better for everyday wear/smart lunch etc than Xmas parties

Lornacranium · 21/09/2025 18:07

I think it’s fab!

Violinist64 · 21/09/2025 18:08

I wouldn't normally act on the opinion of an eight year old but on this occasion I am definitely team DD. I cannot see who it is aimed at. Everything about it screams seventies school curtains. Sorry.

ChocolateCinderToffee · 21/09/2025 18:34

It's odd. I've seen so many threads on here talking about what is 'frumpy'. Well, to me that dress is the epitome of frumpy, and I wouldn't wear it if you paid me.

There's no disputing taste, is there?

BettyBobble · 21/09/2025 18:41

Not to my taste but please check feedback, particularly in relation to laundering

catmothertes1 · 21/09/2025 19:27

Puppylucky · 20/09/2025 12:21

Your daughter is 8! Why are you even considering her opinion when deciding what you want to wear?

I was going to say this but I'm glad someone already said it! I don't remember my mother asking me for my opinion when she wanted to buy new clothes.

TheGrimSmile · 21/09/2025 19:31

I like it OP

LadyRoughDiamond · 21/09/2025 19:41

I love it and could see myself wearing it with a pair of heeled black suede boots to elongate.

TyroleanKnockabout · 21/09/2025 19:43

Puppylucky · 20/09/2025 12:21

Your daughter is 8! Why are you even considering her opinion when deciding what you want to wear?

Yes! What do 8 year olds know?!

ChipsAndSaladCream · 21/09/2025 19:56

Wowzers, that is some dress. And I don’t mean that in a good way. 😧

Your DD is definitely right about this. 🙌

PyongyangKipperbang · 21/09/2025 20:01

I love it.

I have a dress I bought years ago from Monsoon very similar but with cap sleeves and I still wear it!

Original poster
ShiningShimmeringSplendid · 21/09/2025 20:02

catmothertes1 · 21/09/2025 19:27

I was going to say this but I'm glad someone already said it! I don't remember my mother asking me for my opinion when she wanted to buy new clothes.

Show quote history

DD doesn't really have to be asked for an opinion to offer one. In this case, it was more of a horrified recoil. It hadn't really occurred to me that it would provoke such a visceral reaction but this thread has confirmed that she is not alone!

OP posts:
Beenthroughit · 21/09/2025 20:15

Ooh, I looked at that dress online, temptation to buy was stymied by it not being available in my size
If you like it just get it!

henlake7 · 21/09/2025 20:17

This is an entertaining thread, thanks OP!😀

I love how nobody is going, 'eh....it's alright'. We all seem to be either loving or hating it.
It kinda makes me wonder what the opposite version of this dress is?

Pinkclarko · 21/09/2025 20:27

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 21/09/2025 18:03

Well for me the point is that what I'm wearing is what I want to be noticed. I don't wear make up.

It's not even a particularly outlandish dress.

Show quote history

I never said it was outlandish. It was a throwaway comment, wear it however you like! I’m sure it looks very nice.

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