I wonder whether they are a bit formal for MOTG? x

The first one - the check print - is great! Feminine, flattering, sharp, classy, cute, flirty and respectable. I would keep it.

The second one, not nearly so much.

But I can hear wolf whistles on the first!

Louise - I picture myself primarily wearing them with flat boots from Banana I bought a few years ago - cognac colored - with buckles ( sort of equestrian looking) and maybe opaque tights to make them more fun and casual. I will also probably pair a jacket, scarf or cardi over them most days, and perhaps a turtleneck underneath the checkered one.

With that styling in mind, do you think they are too formal? I'm definitely after practical!! But at the same time since I am on a tight budget I like things that can go dressy or casual to get more wear out of it. These are not the only dresses in the world though so if they aren't great, I'll keep looking. I'm after 1 or ideally, 2 sheath dresses that can be layered and worn to death!

The first dress is nice, and fits you well, but I agree with Louis, the cut might make it a bit formal.
However... the black one seems to have alot of possibility for versatility. Probably not your daily MOTG grocery store wear, but depending on what your life involves...
I see that black dress with dressy or casual boots, flats or heels, worn over straight leg or skinny jeans, put a jacket over it, or a cardi, or a long sweater coat, belt, no belt, scarf, leggings, come summer put on a cute silver belt and pewter sandals... the possibilities are endless. I bought a black sheath dress last May for my MIL's funeral, and I've just started to discover the possibilities myself.
My vote is keep the black. Not sure about the other...

I always think of MOTG dresses to be perhaps jersey or knitted fabric couple of examples of the fabrics and possibly style i'm thinking of
http://www.marksandspencer.com.....amp;page=2
http://www.marksandspencer.com.....amp;page=1
so they are easy to move in. I'm not a mum but i work with kids and i'd feel rather too 'trussed up' in those sheath dresses. I could be way off here so hopefully someone else will chime in x

Louise - I love both those dresses, particularly the second one. I had a dress like that as a maternity dress (the second one) and I wore it literally daily! It was so comfortable and versatile and I have been on the hunt for a workhorse ever since. Thank you for your thoughts - that is why I am posting these on here. I come from a work background of 4 inch heels and suits (sales) and so I LOVE to dress up and sometimes need the voice of reason to help bring me to reality! Thanks!

The first one -- what a great fit! Almost "Mad Men" ish to me.

The second one -- I like the fit at the top, but not the flaring at the bottom as much. But it seems like a more versatile dress than #1, to queenie's point.

Can we see them "dressed down" as you would wear as a MOTG? How old are your child(ren)?

I think Cathy makes a good point about the age of your children, my MOTG dresses have to pass the following criteria:
*Can I wear the dress to toddlers and not feel overdressed
*ditto the park
*Am I able to bend to change nappies whilst remaining decent and not having to worry about seems.
*Would it matter if Emmy is sick on my dress

Personally I prefer the versatility of the second dress, I could see it worn with docs and a denim jacket for a dressed down look.

Thanks you guys - I do think these are too dressy for MOTG wear but maybe the first one will work for other occasions. Right now I am on the hunt for MOTG day dresses so they may both go back to use my money for more versatile pieces. Thank you for all the help! RoseandJoan - your dress with the scarf and boots was so pretty on you btw!

Get yourself to Macys! They have the best frock collection.

Agrace, these frocks can be dressed down and they look wonderful. Someone like Laura would absolutely wear this level of dressiness with her two boys in tow, so it’s a personal thing. Just something else to think about :0)

Angie, Thanks for giving your input! I am still undecided about the grey checked one but the black one is going back. I live in the mid-south so becoming one of your IRL clients is pretty much out of the question but I wish it could happen bc my style is all over the place right now! Am feeling like a hot mess in the wardrobe dept but the MOTG posts and all the advice on here is helping! I'm getting there...my goal is a streamlined wardrobe where 75% of the pieces are workhorses and maybe the rest is for special occasions.

Thanks everyone!!

Fellow MOTG here!

I love the dresses and think you can dress them down enough for MOTG, just as Angie said. No worries! Tights/leggings, maybe a boyfriend sweater over them or a thin layering turtleneck under them, flat slouchy boots, a cross-body bag or hobo (those styles of bags can add a casual look), and you are in business.

I love the first one, too. If it fills a gap in your wardrobe, then keep it even if it wasn't what you were looking for.

Hey Laura - thanks for your input! After Angie mentioned you I was curious what you might think. The black is definitely going back for sure bc I just don't feel great in it but I do like the checkered one. However, as I do a lot of squatting and bending over to pick up a certain little 10 month old dumpling and chase a 3 year old I'm not sure if I can pull it off....but I'm encouraged to know you do tend to dress in this manner as a MOTG. I definitely like to dress up more than dress down, a lot of people want to wear jeans every day - I'd wear heels and a dress everyday if I could. That is how I feel my best.

The Banana Republic site has some styling ideas for playing around with a sheath dress--dressing sheaths down as well as up--you may find it helpful:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....o?cid=5002

I’m so glad Laura chimed in! (Hope you don’t mind me speaking for your fabulous frock style). Love your suggestions on how to dress them down!

No worries, agrace. We’ll sort you out from here :0)