Please help me decide if I want to keep these dresses?

[youngblowfish]

Mumsnet jury, please tell me if I need to keep this dress.

I ordered both red and black and really like them both - mostly for casual wear, lunches, maybe for work if I keep a blazer on at all times (the back is a bit risqué). Have a few family parties coming up which it might be good for as well.

I am blonde and the black suits me better but red is more festive and a bit more unusual. Do I keep them both? Or would that be extraordinarily extravagant? TIA!

[bishboschone]

What will you wear on your feet?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Don't like the red at all, sorry. It looks a bit tacky imvho.

[Helltotheno]

I like em but would only wear them if I had legs to die for (which I don't :))cos those are some short dresses!

[DerbyNottsLeicsNightNanny]

I like it, infact have just ordered the black for myself. Dont know if it will look right on me but worth a go! :)

[youngblowfish]

Ankle boots? Or tan knee-high boots? With opaque tights of leggings.

Yes, the red lace number is definitely tacky, but I sometimes quite like tacky. Possibly not quite as work appropriate as I first thought then ;), but something tells me DH will love. The poor chap has, erm, interesting taste.

Hell, the dresses come to mid-thigh on me so not indecently short, I hope?

So far the consensus seems to be that the dresses are, dare I say it, a tad sluttish? I feared as much.

[youngblowfish]

Derby, there is a discount code for 20% off, check out Twitter. I hope you it when it arrives!

[youngblowfish]

Derby, there is a discount code for 20% off, check out Twitter. I hope you will like it when it arrives!

[youngblowfish]

Maybe I could wear these ankle boots with them as well?

Sorry for posting twice and apologies for numerous typos - I am on phone, typing with one hand and trying to soothe DS to sleep with another.

[JaxTellerIsMyFriend]

the black one is ok, but red definitely tacky looking. (sorry)

[shrimponastick]

I love the black, not so keen on the red.
l
However, I was more putout by the sizings.. I would have to order a XL for a 14?? No way would I buy anyitem of clothing that says XL!!!

[WayneDeer]

you don't need that dress

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

The boots might be okay with the black one, with opaques and a casual blazer to dress it down. But tbh I think if you're going for that 'sexy' a look in a dress, you need black platforms or stilettos and aim for the full on Robert Palmer video effect. And I don't think the red one is dress downable at all tbh.

[youngblowfish]

Remus, what if I styled it in a similar way to this?

Googled Robert Palmer, the models look like they are having so much fun. I have never seen any of his videos before, but now have fancy dress for the next 80s shindig sorted .

[BaublesAndCuntingCarolSingers]

Oooh it's a bit Kat Slater... I am old though so I clearly know sod all.

I would keep the black one and send the red one back.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

No, I don't think so. Hers is a loose and relaxed jumper dress, whilst yours is a bodycon thin fabric thing. I really do think the red one should go back.

Glad to have helped re fancy dress. :)

[youngblowfish]

I am getting an education here, had to google Kat Slater as well. Nice.

Oh well, since I am waiting in vain for someone to come along and tell me that the red dress is charming, I will have to send it back and wear my red dress from last year instead.

I appreciate your honesty, even if my inner tart is disappointed.

[bishboschone]

That's why I asked which shoes . I think they will decide how tarty it looks . Not keen in either but black better IMHO

[UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea]

You have a baby and will still look good in that dress?

Respect

To hell with it, just go for the red and the black. In too short a time you will be heading towards elasticated waists, mum boots, practical short hair and sequined jumpers at Christmas time like me

[notMarlene]

Send 'em both back, I get the idea but it's just a bit teenagery. Last years one is positively middle aged

So, sexy red dress? this, this. Seamed stockings. Heels. Bam.

Or, if you really want 80's tacky this?

[polyhymnia]

Whole effect high risk of tackiness IMO - the red one in particular. Not possible to dress down.

[youngblowfish]

Unexpected, what a kind thing to say. I hope I look OK in the dress, but don't really want to channel Kat Slater. Still, I love your idea of throwing caution to the wind and keeping both. What a shame we seem to be alone.

Marlene, I love my dress from last year, it makes me feel great. Besides, it is too late to return it now anyway .

The dresses may have to go back. Before I slink off and admit defeat, I just wanted to share with you my Christmas day outfit, which I have in dark green. There is no hope for me, is there .

[casper91]

Well I like them both OP!
What is wrong with red dresses? Am I missing something?

[shrimponastick]

Ooh OP last years dress is lovely.

Still sexy, but a bit more tasteful ;)

[polyhymnia]

Agree last year's red dress lovely - can be sexy and is very feminine, but more subtle and verstile.

[JaxTellerIsMyFriend]

I like last years dress too.