This floral dress...

[MrsSeanBean]

see here
Could it look frumpy? If so, any tips for avoidance of this pitfall.

Afraid I think it'd look frumpy no matter what! But more stylish mners might be along soon!

I don't think its frumpy but I am very unstylish and not young. I wouldn't wear it as I need to wear V-necks for my norks, that style would be matronly on me.

If it had a v-neck I would wear it with a tiny shrug/cardigan and Birkenstocks.

It reminds me of curtains or a tablecloth. Its not working for me. But I am no oracle. My rule of thumb is.........if its doesn't look great on the model, it isn't going to look great on anyone. I don't think it looks great on the model.

It might work with really short hair and leggings, almost student-y from a vintage shop...........

Oh it's lovely but that high neck would look awful on all but the flattes of bust lines. Worn in a 50s style with a clashing little cardigan and pumps it could look gorgeous.

I don't get the 'high neck not for large bust' mantra. Won't the darts (or whatever they are called these days) accommodate the average bust? Or is there a school of thought that says it gives you a double chin or something?

Has Maria been running up dresses for the Von Trapp children again?

Seriously though, I think you'd have to be very slim to wear that big pattern well. It would look less frumpy if it was a skirt worn with a plain white fitted t-shirt. Not sure how you'd avoid the frump factor in the dress. Maybe a little denim jacket?

could look okay, but yes, you'd have to be super-slim, almost boyish. And you'd need ultra-fabulous shoes to avoid the frump-factor.

MrsSB, if you have a large bust you need to break up the expanse of flesh, otherwise you look like your chest is an extension of your chin (and as if you've got puppies up your jumper).

And darts are more likely be straining than accommodating the boobs - they need a scoop, sweetheart or a v-neck (although I always need a round necked t-shirt to soften the v), which flatters the shape and doesn't look as if you're trying to hide what you've got.

High-necked cardis with a few buttons saucily undone are also flattering.

I think it's the colour combination of tfhe floral print with the white background, it makes it look like it should be for interiors. Re the neckline, my opinion differs, I think the right bra and if it fits across your chest without straining the fabric it will look fine. It's asking to be worn with a string of beads and a little fitted cardigan, and er even with wellies, it isn't quite moving away from frumpdom for me.

Would be fab with four inch mary janes and a great figure. If you have neither of those then yes, frumpy.

If you are lean (of waist, arm and leg) then yes, especially if you go for birkies or mjs as suggested & little cardi like thisin the right colour.

If you have hips then no, as it will look matronly rather than free-spirited wild-child.

I thought it was very pretty.

I never bothered about not wearing high necks lines (I am an E cup) and then I saw myself in a round necked jumper and then bought a v-neck and the latter is much more flattering. The former made me look enormous.

I have this dress from Joules which I wore with a cream cardigan and a string of beads to dinner in a country house hotel (get me)!

I'm a (very recent) size 16 with sizeable norks and think the high neckline worked OK.

I think its lovely Have been considering that one myself. I think the key to making this dress look chic instead of frumpy is your confidence and attitude when you wear it. Go for strong accessories and have fun with it.

Can someone tell me what is considered a 'large bust' these days?

I am slim so am glad to hear I am 'allowed' to wear the dress

Your dress is very pretty Norkybutnice

I am 34E although quite slim generally. It would look awful on me.

i really like it