Mumsnet Talk

Title says it all really. I've looked at hundreds on line, they are all shiny taffeta, pastel chiffon or floral . Its not my style - I like simple but dramatic shapes in bold colours. On the very odd occasion when I get dressed up.

Wedding is in May, a civil ceremony in a country house hotel. I don't have to match or avoid any colours ( apart from white or black obviously ) . I don't even need to wear a hat or a fascinator

I'm a size 10, 5'5". Reasonable budget. It should be easy. Sigh

my mum wore a bkack dress, with a long orange coat thing, plus black and orange hat. She looked ace.

My mum wore white linen trousers with silky tunic top from monsoon, plus a hat. It suited her and she looked fab, relaxed but stylish.

PS I didn't wear white but even if I had, I don't think the trousers would have looked strange next to me as the top was the focus point of her outfit.

Me too kristina Was looking online over the weekend and while there are no shortage of outfits available, they are virtually all vile. So will be watching this thread with interest. I don't need any headwear either thankfully as also civil ceremony.

Was her top coloured, citizen?

Phase 8 often have lovely dresses.

Great that you dont really have to BE in a mother of the bride outfit.

My mother wore a bright orange dress, it was a beautiful cut and she looked amazing she was worried that she may stand out to much but it was fine, i was from Reiss

it was very similar to this she wore a black fasinator, shoes and jacket!!

She to, hated all that floral crap style!!

Mum wore black and white and looked chic, not fussy, and great Iin all the photos.

My mum went to Hobbs both times (me and DSis)

She looked fucking amazing. Appropriate for MOB, stylish, trendy, demure and damn well better then both of the MOGs

Actually thinking now she had a bit if a theme for both - very flattering swishy knee length expensive looking dress. But with AMAzing shawl/jacket, fascinatior, bag, shoes, jewellery etc

Have you looked at anglomania by Vivienne Westwood . Lots of beautifully cut clothes which are not flouncy in anyway.
www.net-a-porter.com/product/337387

How about this dress with silver strappy sandals?

My mum wore a dress and jacket from Hobbs and looked beautiful.

X post cat in boots

I know I'm starting to sound like an undercover John Lewis personal shopper but my Mum used their service for my brother's wedding and she looked stunning She is quite short and busty and finds it tricky to get dresses and jackets to fit but they made her look amazing and not MOB-ish at all.

Pressed send too soon - she looked v fresh and modern

oooh, I know nothing about fashion.

But I'm going to vicariously enjoy this wedding so am shamelessly nosying on this thread [excited]

I hate mother of the bride/groom outfits with a passion.My DS2 has been married twice, first time I wore a lovely emerald green dress with no hat as I hate ''formal'' hats.Facinators are silly looking things.
I cant remember what I wore for his second marriage, I'd been through it all before.
Mother of the bride outfits with lampshade hats make me cringe.

I think avoiding overly MO the B dresses is probably a good start. I am not overly keen on hatstand fascinaters either but it depends on the wedding.

Linen always looks lovely especially in plain colours.

I love some of the suggestions so far.

I think my mum's outfit was from Jaques Vert. She also declared she hated Mother Of The Bride Outfits. Although we did go into one shop and as soon as we got in the door she was asked "Mother of the bride or mother of the groom?"!!!!!!!!!

Just wear something you like and feel comfortable and confident in, and enjoy your daughters big day! Congratulations to all.

I second the option to book a John Lewis personal shopper session (earlier in the morning the better) It will give you an idea of the high street options (they carry most labels) and if you don't find anything at least you'll know you've exhausted some options and they do all the leg work. Don't only let them go out on the shop floor/ half way through the session go out and pick what you like, it will focus you more

The more options the better are you near a Westfields or Bicester?

Have a look at Coast.

I'm mother of the groom later in the year and can't abide the shiny, ruffly, floaty, big bows, bright splashy outfits with teeny tiny bolero jackets.

I bought a fitted dark blue 'cocktail' type dress and am going to wear cream accessories and a cream and navy hat. I trying to channel my inner Audrey Hepburn!

My mother wore a black and white dress to my wedding! And MIL wore Jacques Vert. They both looked lovely and neither looked mother of the bride/groomy!

www.net-a-porter.com/product/339706