Mumsnet Talk

We have been invited to a wedding reception at a posh country club place in July. My dilemma is that I never ever wear dresses or skirts. The reason why is I live in my jeans and don't feel comfortable wearing anything that shows my legs off. Is it acceptable to turn up on smart jeans, heels and 'posh' top? My DP says yes (he had seen me in a dress only once) but everyone else will be dressed up to the nines. What do you think?

What about smart trousers, posh top and heels?

Personally I don;t think its ok to go in jeans.

I would wear nice trousers rather than jeans, but would you wear a dress with opaque tights?

No to jeans. But yes to dressy trousers and a lovely top and heels

LOL @ x posts

Can you get a maxi-dress to hide your legs? TBH, if I were at a wedding in a posh place, I'd be a bit at someone in jeans. Sorry!

Nope, sorry, but I don't think jeans would ever be acceptable at a wedding. But other trousers would be fine - can't you find some nice tailored trousers that you can wear?

I still remember one person who turned up looking quite scruffy at our wedding 13 years' ago. It felt rude.

Personally id say no to jeans, you might feel physically comfy but uncomfortably underdressed on the day? Loads of gorgeous trousers suits out there, have a look on the Coast website

Trousers, floaty top, heels, big hat.

I really really struggle to find a dress to fit me, same with trousers. To be honest, I am just dreading going

Thanks for your responses. I sort of knew it was a no no really. Hmmm. What to do, need to start looking now

Can we help?

Tell us your colouring, size, height...............

If you have jeans that fit then you can find trousers to fit! And there are dresses for everyone

These trousers from Monsoon look good with heels and posh tops.

Sorry no jeans, even at DFs very relaxed wedding I don't think their were any jeans. DSs in beach shorts, but no jeans.

I thought the shorts and T shirts were a bit off, £10 would get you a pair of school shorts and a checked shirt for a boy that size.

Anyhow, nice trousers yes, maxi dress or long skirt and nice top yes, jeans no.

If you can find jeans to fit you will find trousers more easily.

You'll feel daft in jeans.

Maxi dress?

Thanks Mustafa. I am 5'2", dark colouring, size 4 dress, but everything in my size seems to be for teenagers and I am early forties. Every dress I try on just seems to hang and never looks fitted. I never feel tall enough for maxi dresses even though I love them. Any help appreciated

Why don't you like your legs - do you think they are too thin or bony? Given your dress size I bet they are legs lots of women would envy!

What's your budget? A quick look on the Outnet now shows a decent number of grown up looking dresses available in a size zero. Stock turns over very fast on there so if it was me I would just check the new in every so often til I saw something I liked and also be prepared for the fact I might end up returning a couple of things along the way. I think designer rather than high street is a good bet as sizes tend to be smaller and go smaller. Massive generalisation but it may also be that European designers are a better bet than US designers in terms of cutting small.

Assuming weather is actually summerlike in July I wouldn't think you are likely to want to wear opaques. I would plan to get legs waxed the week running up to the wedding, if your legs are unlikely to be tanned either plan for a spray tan or make a resolution to build up some subtle fake tan in the couple of weeks before and make sure you are booked for a pedicure so your feet and toe nails are at their loveliest as this'll probably make you feel more confident about getting your legs out.

Reiss also have size 4 now, if you have the money to spend! How about something like this? although you may need it taken up. Lots of lovely shorter dresses too and smart trousers.

ASOS have a Petite section which have well priced clothes in a size 4 designed for ladies under 5 foot 3.

Do avoid all the "skater dresses" and "body con" stuff as you risk looking like a teen!

They have smart black trousers and some fab "grown up" dresses eg

This with bright orange bag and shoes?
www.asos.com/ASOS-Petite/ASOS-PETITE-Midi-Dress-With-Gathered-Front/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2602048&cid=4177&Rf-300=1878&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Green

This with Navy accessories
www.asos.com/ASOS-Petite/ASOS-PETITE-Exclusive-Wiggle-Dress-In-Ombre-Leaf-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2666945&cid=4177&Rf-300=1878&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Print

These trousers, big heels, a blazer and a cami top?
www.asos.com/ASOS-Petite/ASOS-PETITE-Basic-Peg-Trousers/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2523787&cid=4177&Rf-300=1878&Rf900=4033&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Black

Who's wedding is it? If you where my friend/ relative, would i expect to see you in jeans....
otherwise how important is it to conform? hippie/eco do wear jeans .., uptight lawyer thing we'll help you 'conform'.

That asos ombré leaf print dress is beautiful! But they only do it it petite! <stamps foot>

how about this?

I am a size 6 and often struggle too, people think everything will look good on you but actually a lot of clothes drown me and look ridiculous. If you find something you love that almost fits I would suggest you buy it and take it somewhere to be altered, it's amazing what they can do. I normally only pay about £7 or £8 and it's worth every penny.

Jeans? To a wedding??? This isn't Texas! Put a pants suit on. You will look idiotic or rude otherwise, of which I sincerely doubt u are either in RL and everyone will talk about you ALL day. U would b better refusing to go tbh if u really feel that strongly about it.

Is anything here making you feel more positive about going, OP? I must say I think that the ombré wiggle dress in Mustafa's link would be a really great choice - that, or the black trousers which would also be lovely. Neither are too fussy or girly and the dress would be gorgeous on your frame. Keep an eye on ASOS petite to see if there are size 4 trousers - perhaps even in a more summery colour than black. They'll probably get more summery stock in soon.

If it helps, nobody will really be looking at you- unless you wear jeans, agree that that's not on. But a nice pair of trousers or a great dress - honestly, the only one who'll focus on you will be your DP! Everyone else will just be looking at the bride.