I love it on you. I'd like to see a photo without the belt & with tights (something lighter weight) & a pointed toe shoe.

Thank you all so much for your feedback on this dress.

So, here is the background : My mum gave me this dress! And unfortunately I have certain associations with how my mum dresses:) She actually dresses very well, is more on the classic side and in my mind dresses 'very differently' to me. So I guess what I am saying is that I don't want to 'look' like my mum (with respect). The dress is new and mum has worn it twice and feels the neckline is too low for her. It is a good quality garment from a store that caters generally to 'older' ladies:)

For those who suggested that a more abstract floral might be better, I think I agree with you. The floral is not 'in your face' but it's still a little traditional.

As far are style evolution goes, I do feel in some ways this is a step backwards (for those who don't know my previous employment dictated a more conservative and classic wardrobe) however as I mentioned 'classic' is still required for certain occasions, and I wont deny classic still figures subtly in my style persona.

Angie, if I may single you out, thank you! I am quite fascinated by what makes a look 'ours'. So playing with this dress which is so not something I would choose for myself was a fun challenge.

Given the positive support for the dress, I will hold on to it for the moment and I will try some other stylings. Diana I have a drapey black jacket that I will try with it. Golden and Caro I will try with nude hose as I think that might create a better balance, but maybe still wear the booties?

And Lyn now all I can see is the flower LOL.

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. This has been an interesting exercise and I may now post some alternate stylings before making a final decision on the dress. This iteration, as some of you picked up doesn't quite 'feel like me'.

xxx

Guiltily slinking back.......... It was my way of saying that I felt it isn't completely YOU Deborah, but you set the bar so high that anything less than perfection is picked-up by those of us who have the pleasure of knowing your Fab style.
For work-needs it is absolutely fine of course, and a thoughtful gift from your stylish Mum. xx

Lyn no need for guilt at all. And we have met in person and I think that adds an additional dynamic to understanding someone's style as we have experienced an extension of what we know of one another's character and personality on line. The dress still has a question mark over it for me:)

I think the fact that you felt this dress wasn't you, yet you styled it so stunningly, is a real testament to your fashion sense.

Ah interesting Deborah - I did get that you weren't convinced about the dress for you. It is very flattering & I would love to see you make it yours, but if it becomes too hard then I'm sure you will let it go The flower placement doesn't bother me personally, but you could look on it as an opportunity to change your name to Eve

Thanks Dana, and I really appreciated your earlier comment too.

I thought it was an interesting departure for you and really liked how you styled it.

I like the dress! It's not your usual style, but that's OK - it's good to switch things up now and again. I think I would prefer it with lighter stockings, though.

Without reading other comments, I feel this is styled to be you as much as possible - but it doesn't have that sense of ease I associate with your aesthetic. It looks a little more contrived than I'd expect. That is not a bad thing at all, but it is something I noticed - perhaps I'm wrong?

Off to read comments now!

Una you have hit the nail on the head. The styling is contrived Maybe I need to try stying it without too much thought and see what happens?