White dress for size 12-14

[SqueakyFreesia]

Have an event abroad where we have all been asked to wear white. It will be super hot. Love this and it’s in the sale - just struggling to picture if it will make me look like a big fat square or not? Size 12-14, 5ft 8. Average medium build? I just feel like the way it’s been styled on the model has made it really hard for me to picture?.

(I leave in 10 days and the dress I was going to wear I can’t find anywhere! Alternative suggestions welcome)

Silk mini - costlier but would wear lots again?

https://www.thereformation.com/products/jessalyn-silk-dress/1319065.html

Oh I love this!

OP, it looks like one of those dresses you really have to try. In the picture it looks a bit like she's wearing a sandwich board but it might be great IRL.

https://www.meandem.com/crease-less-embroidery-stitch-detail-maxi-dress-soft-white This is nice and something you could wear to all sorts of things, but not cheap.

Ah - so you're a sucker for bows! Did you look at the ASOS & Coast ones above? They have bows too.

I'm a lover of bows too - but I agree with @Calliopespa that you run the risk of looking overly-girly/childish if you overdo it. Same with tiers & puffed sleeves - treat with care. Though at 5'8" you're taller than Twiggy! I think, whatever your size - & you're a 12-14 which is slimmer than average - having fairly slim arms & legs does complement that look best.

The older I get the more I think "Would I look like Grayson Perry as Claire in this outfit?" Or an ageing Shirley Temple (I have curly hair)? Or Bette Davis in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane"?

I really like it. It’s interesting and pretty. And could wear lots of different shoes too. Where’s it from?!

The original choice?
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/rozo-heidi-jacquard-woven-mini-dress_R04525365/#colour=GOLD

https://www.johnlewis.com/ro-zo-heidi-jacquard-bow-detail-mini-dress-gold/p114288299

I still like it more than any other suggestion. The Selfridges link shows it better.

I think I actually like it best too - I love metallics & jacquard/damask-type fabrics. And yes, it looks much better on the Selfridges website, as you can see the fabric properly.

The shoulder bows are a flat epaulette style that are a very classic late 50s into the 60s detail, so on this one I don't think they make it too girly - whereas the Sister Jane one could be (well, definitely on me!).

I also like some of the simpler ones - but I think the OP wants a bit of glitz ...

You original choice will look fine as long as you are not big busted, if you are it may not hang quite right

https://www.harveynichols.com/staud/wells-appliqued-stretch-cotton-midi-dress-68756-whit-white-embroidery-247948/?source=shoppingads&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20513540809&gbraid=0AAAAADiGUecC4HTOqPv_Upm1XhK6IiLPR&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn8qgsNq7lAMVOmSRBR0vPgPNEAQYAyABEgKU0fD_BwE

If you have a local Waitrose you could click and collect it tomorrow from JL and if it doesn't suit still have plenty of time to get something else

Would I look like Grayson Perry as Claire

😂

Always a worry!!! (Though I like Grayson!)

Though I did look at that photo of Bette Davis & think "Actually, I rather like that dress"! Maybe I should just concede that I'm old now, & not give a shit!!!

(Did you know Bette Davis was only 54 when she made that film? I'm now older than that!). This is the ad she put in Variety magazine (only semi-jokingly) that got her the role ...!

I love your original choice, it's cool and funky. I'd order it ...

I think it depends on your body shape.

Personally, I'm not keen on it. I think a figure skimming cut would be more flattering to any shape.

It is reminiscent of the clothes that Twiggy was photographed in, in the 60s. At the time she was considerably smaller than 12-14. I'm afraid that you are right, but won't look good on you.

Your dress looks fun and quirky sranding but will look dreadful when sitting, it'll just bunch up and drown you. The other suggestions are more flattering

This is lovely 😍

It's cool and I get the sixties vibe, but the shape is totally off if you're a pear or hour glass because it hides the waist completely. Depending on your figure could look awesome or could look dumpy

That's an odd objection.

Well I love the dress but I know that style is not flattering for my shape 🤷🏻‍♀️

Im not loving it.
I had similar maternity dresses.
It is shapeless and IMO unless you have the figure if someone that can look fabulous in absolutely everything I would give this a miss.

Why is hiding the waist a problem? I have dresses that are fitted at the waist and dresses that aren't

@PhaedraTwo good for you if you can pull them off.

Depends on your overall build, not just size but bust specifically, the short dress you originally posted and the Sister Jane one will only work if you are fairly flat chested and not curvy, some of the others work with curves better. If you have much of a bust, v neck or crossover just is much more flattering

I think she means it is a dress designed for an less womanly shape.

Women tend to look better with bust, waist or hips defined - doesn't really matter which, and no, need not be the waist - except for a generally floaty overall feel, which this isn't.

It is designed for a body type like the model who is extremely thin and is also reminiscent of styles chosen for very small girls who are yet to develop a female shape.

The reason it works on Twiggy types is their figure were not as classically feminine as a size 12-14 woman.

Both body types can look lovely, but they call for different styles.