Please, please help me style a Toast Bryn dress so that I don't look like a sack

[helpmestylethisdress]

In a moment of madness I bought a Toast Bryn dress. Photo attached for those unfamiliar (it isn't this exact dress but the same style). I'm not sure what possessed me, the only time I wear dresses is in 35+ degrees heat on holiday, but I have it now and I want to wear the bastard thing for a special occasion I have coming up in a few weeks. It does fit well and I think is as flattering as a dress is going to look on my lumpy, untoned size 12/14 middle aged body with zero waist (thanks HRT).

The trouble is I have no idea whatsoever how to style it, in particular shoes/boots. Toast is no help at all because they style these dresses with socks and sandals, which I am not courageous enough to even consider.

Would slightly chunky leather boots work? Can I wear tights to cover pasty legs?

I think I'll need a coat of some description. I have an oversized boiled wool coat in a similar shape to the second photo, but the fabric means it looks less formal. It would probably come to the same length as the dress though, which might be a bit awkward?

HELP ME!!!

@helpmestylethisdress
You could also try a pretty cardigan in the right shade of green if you'd like!

Tights or leggings and comfy boots if you are walking. Enjoy your new dress and your day out at a museum.

thats a really pretty dress btw.

Looks lovely!

I think the OP should go for it - if only to see her friends' faces when she arrives for lunch in pointy heels & a fascinator ...

I have this dress in another colour - two in fact. I always get comments about how well it looks, even though I am short and roundish (large size dress). 5'2 11.5 stone.
I wear mine with opaque tights now, coloured, and either boots or trainers. Yes to cycling shorts, even over tights - v snug.
In winter (still now) I wear an M&S or Uniqlo thing, long sleeve thermal top underneath in a dark colour (olive, navy, claret, brown) and push the sleeves up a bit.
Last week I wore it with a navy cord shirt, open like a jacket. I also chuck a super woolly jumper over it.
Basically - you will look great.
Get these boots - in sale, in three colours, bit of height (but flat) and two zips.
I wear these under my wide leg jeans and they look brilliant!

And yes, in summer I wear them with bare legs and shoes like this! In silver, velvet - anything. V ankle slimming and foxy.
And the dress has pockets - style it out, however you choose.
Report back!

I haven’t read all the comments/advice so apologies if I’m repeating suggestions but the dress is lovely and would look great with fisherman style sandals in the warmer weather (Toast do some lovely ones). Simple and comfortable.

@PeonyBlush10 , I agree. Far better than the RI horrors shoes.

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@helpmestylethisdress - did you find a suitable way to style your dress - & did you have a good day out? Btw, this thread "made" me buy another Bryn dress on Vinted ... 😬!!