Here’s one for those of you who wanted a more affordable take on the “floral noir” trend; a delightfully frippy little number that’s almost more lingerie than it is clothing, thanks to the pretty lace trim and tie-front. Obviously it must be balanced out with black tights and boots, to give it that cooler, harder edge, but if you’re on the hunt for something quite graphic and punchy rather than Laura Ashley pretty, this could be your bag. (Dress.)
The length and style is, I have to say, rather out of my comfort zone. I don’t tend to go short these days, neither am I inclined to reveal very much cleavage, but as I was trawling the virtual aisles at Missguided a few eye-catching prints jumped out at me and I thought, why the hell not? Short things worn with tights and boots used to be my going out winter uniform (daytime uniform was always skinny jeans, vest top or t-shirt, leather jacket, like an extra from Grease) and you can get away with quite brow-raising skirt lengths so long as you’re wearing your 100 deniers underneath.
I know that I sound like a Victorian (“brow-raising”! “comfort zone”!) but I do think that having babies does that to you – it takes a while to get back into the swing of things when it comes to clothing. I see myself swerving towards the mid-shin dresses, the weirdly-cut jeans that flatter nobody, roomy tops, things that I think I should be wearing but that do me no favours. And then I try on things I have in my wardrobe already, pre-baby things, and they don’t look half bad. So sod it – I’m wearing what I want this winter, and that’s going to involve quite a lot of leg. Not least because I have these slouchy Hush boots and don’t really want to take them off…
So, plunge-necklined Missguided dress could be the start of something new. I had better get myself some bras that fit properly, though, if I’m going to be flashing the old decolletage – I have visions of myself looking like Eva Herzigova from those old Wonderbra ads, but in reality I have to forcibly scoop up my baps and push them skywards to get anything remotely resembling uplift!
You can find the Missguided Floral Lace Trim Tea Dress here – it’s £20. If you want 20% off your Missguided shop then there’s a code on every can of Colab’s new GRL PWR dry shampoo – it’s our latest collaboration and the scent is fruity with a gorgeous sandalwood base. The usual award-winning no-residue formula, of course. You can find Colab (I am a founder of the brand, for those who are new here) at Boots.com here – it’s £3.49.
I love the black opaque tights look. You really rock them.
What a style? It looks cool. I just wanna know what is the comfort level. How you feel after wearing this?
It’s vanderfull look. All on one side strictly, but sexy.
I just love you so much, Ruth
I hope if one day I’m a mum I can be as cool as you’re
Haha, thank you x
Hmmmm its got a cut out bit on the stomach…. i think its for teens :-)
Quite good for stomach mass overspill though. #escapehatch
I actually wear a lot more short dresses than I did before the kids, mainly because I switched jobs after having them and wear more dresses in general. Thick tights and boots are my work power uniform.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
The title sounds like an indie/action movie!
I love the print on this dress – very rock chic with those boots.
Also I’ve heard Colab is being discontinued in Australia – can you confirm? It will be such a shame as it’s one of the best dry shampoos I’ve ever used.
Eek! I hope you didn’t scratch the windowsill with those heels, lol.
I think if you want to show off a bit of leg and some scooped boobage, you go girl!
What a lovely dress!