Skirt/ jumper look. Am I too big for it? Or doing it wrong

[pontipinemum]

Honestly, I like how this looks on other people but I am not sure if I am doing it right.

Pics are bad, we only have 1 proper mirror pushed into the spare room at the min. That's just the dress, jumper tucked and jumper untucked. Then in the wild.

I'm just not sure I pull it off.

Well I honestly think the red dress looks great.

I think, like some posters the colour of the dress is good, but in the photos it makes you look much bigger than your measurements / actual size.
The Weird Fish midi length posted above reminds me of similar styles in White Stuff, I would go for this type of shirt dress type style which is slightly less gathered around the waist, but nips your waist in, but also covers the tum and hips more smoothly. These also have a slight v neck and you can unbutton them so accentuating your curves/bust a bit. This one is the one I was thinking of https://www.whitestuff.com/p/5994/rua-jersey-collared-shirt-dress/GREY_MLT

The white stuff one above ( I have this one) also have pockets - always a bonus with kids! I wear mine with a thin knit longer line tank top , which isn’t too bulky.

I think the suggestion of real life shopping and trying on lots of different styles is the best idea, but try things you wouldn’t normally try , you might be surprised.

I agree with you and I think I read that the dress is one of those with a ribbed top then the voluminous bottom. That style is not flattering on many people. I don't know why they came up with this style. I also agree the waistline is too high. Mistake purchases can always be sold on Vinted.

I think though that a better bra will help with that?

@pontipinemum I think both dresses are useful & versatile. I didn't like the green striped cardigan until you wore it with the navy dress - but ONLY in the photo where it's unbuttoned & left loose - definitely not tucked in or shortened in any way! I also don't think that cream does anything for your colouring - the rusty plums/greens/navy colours look good on you though. The jeans - are they kick flares? They make you look a bit knock-kneed ... sorry! It's just the shape, I don't think it's flattering. Well-cut wide (but not too wide) jeans would suit you I think? Also classic straight legs with a deep turn-up? Shoes-wise - a chunky Chelsea boot would go with most things, including straight jeans & your dresses.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su692001/g00110?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=7934165445&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UVSKH6EhgME5HJj01J22uxX3&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9obIBhCAARIsAGHm1mRYw-R0RUJfKbH6XVbKSmXf9uyPAQ3IVvDaaosHZP4vSqJqDJq98LIaAsp4EALw_wcB

These boots are in the Forever Comfort range, & are quite chunky. Lots out there, so depends on your budget. But not too short, & not too polite-looking! Chunky sole & slightly higher up your leg than usual for a Chelsea boot.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/high-waisted-straight-leg-jeans/p/clp22600238?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I'm only using what's available on M&S as an example, as you said you can get to one easily. These are fairly classic. I'm not dissimilar to you shape-wise, & a slightly higher waist is best for me.

Lots of wide jeans on M&S too. These are simple & classic, not too flared. Stick with indigo denim too. It won't date (in the five years you'll be wearing them!).

https://www.marksandspencer.com/high-waisted-wide-leg-jeans/p/clp23017761?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Dress-wise, how about this sort of thing in cord/denim/jersey? This is a Kate Barton one I spotted on Insta. Bit pricier than M&S or Next, but this shape is easy to wear & with a bit of a V-neck & slight A-line is lengthening.

Get the M and S version of the wide leg jeans. They are fab and believe it or not slimming ! The dark indigo with a cardi -guarantee you will love it.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/high-waisted-wide-leg-jeans/p/clp60585450?color=BLACK#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r8c2%7Cprodflag_plp_ts_CBS_8

I agree. The russet dress only looked good initially because it hugged your upper body and showed off your waist but in other pictures it was a cheap looking cotton blob from the waist down. We are tend to be over conscious of our bulging middles and wear stuff like that but your legs are great too OP. The jeans really slimmed you down. I think slimmer and shorter skirts or dresses with such are what you need. If you have slim sage skirt, the green striped cardigan or sweater could still work.

I think you look very good in just the dress , lovely figure , but not that jumper, maybe try a different one, nice dress though.

Looks nice with the cream cardy, I'd give the other looks a wide birth though.

I really can't get onboard with the short/cropped jumpers. It is hard to think of anything less flattering on a curvy figure.

I agree with everything Otter says here. The slightly high waist makers your tum look bigger, and cropping a jumper at that point emphasises that. The waist of the jumper or cardi needs to be an inch or two lower. The stripes on the cardio also make you look wider, and the colour doesn't go with either dress.
(I don't like the dress in the navy either, once I got the nun in my head I couldn't unsee it!)
White tee would look better an inch or two higher, it's a bit tight around your hips, but ok everywhere else.
The jeans look great, they are slimming. I don't know why people are suggesting wide leg.

Could not disagree more. A tweed ‘well-shaped’ jacket would date this horribly. It may be okay for someone 60+, but my thinking is OP is a lot younger.

Totally agree with above posters who say there’s too much fabric. Shorter jumper with the dress, or a short skirt with a baggy jumper.
This particular jumper just looks too big in general.

Op your thread title says ‘skirt/jumper’ look but your photos are of a dress with a big jumper over it. It’s just too much bulk. Why don’t you try an actual skirt with a waistband at your waist? I think the look will be more streamlined and flattering.

Don’t get a skirt which gathers around your waist as they will make you look bigger. Look for one that is fitted and lies a bit flatter.

I have a large cream vintage cable knit Irish jumper - its quite "oversized" on me now.
I wore it on the weekend with a cream fleece thermal underneath, and jeans. I pushed the sleeves up & they went very puffy & created a great shape balanced by the more fitted jeans.

My teen DD's gave my look a thumbs up & even thought I looked "cool" (high prise from them).

Sorry OP but I think the dress is doing you no favours and making you look like an exaggerated pear shape. Sell it on and put the money towards flared jeans (not boot cut like you have) and tucked in tops. You genuinely look fab in the jeans and top, as someone else said four sizes smaller than in the dress. Getting a flared hem on the jeans will balance you out more and be flattering.

I did a bit of shopping today

The buttons gap a small bit but IDK about going up a size. Need shape wear too. Altho I was ideally trying to avoid it for day to day

I do like this dress with the denim jacket I had above but IDK if any jumper will suit it.

There are loads of messages here which I will get back to.

Yes whoever said it, I was looking up Shirley in Blanchardstown. I looked at Arnotts but they don't seem to have any spaces ever! And with BTs I could probably afford 1 sock and that'd be it.

I like the black skirt with the blue jumper and the cream jumper. Those all work with your lovely figure. I’m not sure if the rust coloured dress can be saved though. You’ve done so well with your shopping!

I like the cardi but definitely not with the dress. It would look great with jeans and a white v neck tee underneath to mirror the neckline of the cardi. A high round neckline underneath a lower v neckline doesn't really work.

You have been a great sport taking on board all the constructive criticism and suggestions, fair play to you OP!

The bias cut skirt is nice. I’d lose the red jumper though.

Try the blue cardi over a scoop neck t shirt - unbuttoned but tied at the waist - think it would work well on you.

The blue cardigan is good, as is the collared jumper.