Help sought please! What do we think of these dresses?

Hello There Everyone!

I have an urge to buy a super comfortable and breezy dress and came across these 3 casual dresses whilst racing through the shops doing errands today. I didn't get a chance to try them on as I had crying children (fun) and was unsure whether this style of dress would flatter or be appropriate for a 36 year old, (nearly) 5'4" tall, pale skinned, hourglass primary/pear secondary figure type, mum of three young children. Given my confusion, I thought the smartest way to work out if these dresses were worth trying on was to ask my greatly valued style counsel - all of you(!) for your opinion and advice.

Two out of the three styles are very loose and surrendering the waistline - a veerrrrrry different look from what I have tried before. The other dress has thinner straps and more of a tiered look (the green dress). I must say all three dresses looked extremely comfy and breezy in the shop to wear on a hot summer's day. I like to think that either the green colour, or the pink colour would be flattering against my skin tone. Here are the three dresses:

1. http://www.sussan.com.au/Cloth.....ion_11.htm

2. http://www.sussan.com.au/Cloth.....ion_12.htm

3. http://www.sussan.com.au/Cloth.....ion_13.htm

Soooooooo - what do you think? Are any of these three styles of dress are worth trying on? (PS - I'm pretty certain in my local store, the orange dress was also available in the bright pink shade.)

Would this style look like a shapeless sack on me, or would it give me a funky, casual MOTG edge? Are they too young/too old in style for a 36 year old to be seen out and about in public? I honestly, truly have no idea as it is a big departure from what I have tried in the past!

Thanks in advance for being my style critic and for helping me to stretch my style boundaries or saving me from myself!

Katiepea
x

15 years ago

stringy

Veteran

I like the crinkle sun dress - it seems more versatile than the others. It'd be lovely in summer, but in spring you could wear it belted with leggings and a cardi. And I think the volumne is in a nice, swingy way rather than looking like a big billowy sail.

The tiered sun dress seems like it's a bit long without being easy to shorten, and the linen eyelet dress looks a bit short for anyone over 25. If you have time to try on all 3, go for it, but if you've only got time for one I'd definitely stick to the crinkle sun dress.

And wow, Sussan's website is so much better than it used to be. Lovely big photos now!

Lynne

Hi, KP! FWIW, I think it will depend on the length....I love the greek and imagine it will suit your colouring, but it looks a bit too long..... if you chopped off the bottom and hemmed it below knee then it could be good...the pink is FAB and I think it will suit you, it also looks versatile enough to go from day to night with different shoes....the orange looks pretty short in the photo but the model is probaby amazonian, so worth a try! Don't you just love the crying kids in shops scenario ? Have had a few of those...

Looking forward to seeing what you decide!

Sveta

(website)

Katie, I found that sack dresses need to be above the knee to work so my vote is for ##2 or 3 - depending how long they on you. I definitely think there is nothing "not age appropriate" about them at all. I enjoy wearing this style now and I would never even consider them for my curvy body before - and I also older than you so go for them!

puffenstuff

Oh dear doesnt sound like a good shopping experience! Honestly I think the only one which may work is the Linen Eyelet Dress. Basing it on personal experience and being the same shape as you, I find that any garment that falls from directly under the bust (green dress) just creates a tent like shape which makes it terribly unflattering. The pink dress may work but I would be concerned about the way the dress flares out at the sides a bit, although with your height you might be able to get away with it. The orange dress has more of an a-line shape that more closely follows your curves even though it is looser and keep a bit more definition happening - it does look a tad short though but I think on you it would hit at a nice spot above your knees.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news! Have you tried Target they have some nice dresses at the moment and I think they're on sale this week?

Jonesy

I prefer the shape and style of the third dress, and I think it could work for you, but hard to say without trying them on :).

celia

How exciting, you have about the same age, height and body shape than I, I'm just two kids behind
Based on this I have to say that #2 or #3(if not to short on you) would be the better choices.

Queen Mum

I'm wary of the first one. The detaling at the bust will just add volume and there is nothing to give any hint of shape through the rest of the dress.

#2 and 3 are distinct possibilities. The gathering above the bustline in the third will add curves there though... so if that is not your goal that one may not work for you.

chewyspaghetti

I'm with Puffenstuff- I think we are all three similar in shape. I'd pass on the first two and try #3.

Scarlet

I would vote for 3 and 2 in that order. The first one is cute but might be too long.

RoseandJoan

I love the second dress, I can see it with your long turquoise beads and a simple metallic sandal, you could add cheeky denim jacket in the spring or a chiffon floral scarf.

Anonymous

I like #2 and #3.
The first one seems too long and it also seems like this style has been done over many times, or is it just me showing my age?

Katiepea

Wonderful! Thank you ladies for your great advice. I shall avoid dress #1 like the plague and shall try dress 2 and dress 3. I sure hope that they look nice, because I'd love to try a style like this over summer.

Vani

I'm with Khris & Kim, Dress #3 seems like it might have great potential.

Reneeb

I love both 2 & 3.

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