Wedding Outfit Help Please!

[WishICouldThinkOfACoolUsername]

Bear with me, a bit of a long post!

Basically, I need an outfit to wear to DP's brother's wedding. I'm extremely nervous about the whole event as DP's parents are not my biggest fans, for reasons unclear to both DP and me , so I really want to make sure that I pick an outfit which will look like I've made appropriate effort whilst not being over the top.

Added to this is that after battling with being overweight and managing to get from a tight size 24 refused to try a 26 I was a much happier and more confident size 18, to then be hit by a serious medical issue and have ended up back at a size 20/22 - although I am now back on the diet and at the gym, and making progress again. I have nothing in my wardrobe that's suitable (got rid of all my fat clothes and can't fit into the new ones ) so need to buy something. I'm pretty down at having gone back up a size or so, and feeling fat and frumpy, so when added to the first bit, I'm completely unsure as to what to pick.

I really fancy this dress elsiesattic.co.uk/shop/dresses/blue-polka-dot-ophelia-dress/ but just would appreciate a few opinions - positive or negative - and also thoughts about the net underskirt issue - do I get one or not? I'm tending to like this style as I think it might be quite forgiving?

Thanks in advance.

[LettuceLaughton]

I like it! Thing is, I suspect, that it being an not entirely mainstream look might attract the negative notice of the unpleasant relatives. It is nice though although the quailty of Lindy Bop's dresses is variable.

this is utterly lovely, it's a bit pricier but not more than adding a petticoat and cover up to the 50's dress would be.

[WishICouldThinkOfACoolUsername]

Ooh! That is indeed lovely! Not too concerned about the price, I was expecting to have to pay about that anyway plus DP will DEFINITELY be forking out . I'm a wee bit concerned that it will be too clingy, but I'm definitely up for trying it, and will be ordering online.

Totally understand your point about the other dress being a bit less mainstream, that's one of the reasons I was looking for feedback. Really appreciate the response .

[LettuceLaughton]

Glad to be of some use

The one I linked to could really easily be given a pleasant hint of 1940's without unnecessarily upsetting any professionally offended types, I think. Is structured and lined so I'd not expect it to be clingy - y never know thougH!

50's wise, this is a great dress and could never look at all costumey. It also comes in red and in black but those might be best avoided as plain colours.

[WishICouldThinkOfACoolUsername]

I think the Phase 8 is definitely worth a try, I really like prints like that. I also have a lovely feathery hair clip that would look great with it and that I've been desperate to wear again ever since the one and only outing at a previous wedding!

The focy dress is lovely, and although I LOVE the red, I'm pretty sure it would attract some disapproval, but that's a great shade of blue, and I have some silver accessories which would look great with it. Definitely another worth trying on I think - I can see a living room fashion show taking place in the not too distant future!

I'm pretty new to mumsnet (not actually a mum...) but a friend suggested I'd find great advice here, and so far, she's been spot on

[LettuceLaughton]

You have a wise friend! MN is the friendliest nest of vipers going

[polyhymnia]

Think the advice to avoid anything too unconventional is good given the circumstances you describe. Phase 8 generally would be a good place to look and if as it sounds you can get into a reasonably generous size 20 you'll find you have a much much bigger choice than in a 24.

[WishICouldThinkOfACoolUsername]

Thanks. To be honest, I've always loved the clothes in Phase 8 but always thought it was a shop for women much slimmer than me, so I'm really excited to be even looking there! If the sizes are at worst "standard" and not skimpy then I should be fine - I've still got time to lose a wee but more as well.

So glad I asked now!

[LettuceLaughton]

Phase8 are usually pretty generous in their cut, certainly never skimpy. I'd honestly not have linked if their sizing was mean, that'd be unkind

It's always nice to have something with actual sleeves rather than faffing with some irritating damned cover up, I think. As far as I can see it's the sort of dress that should be simple to take in, which is a another bonus.

Do you have shoes and a bag that'd work?

[LovelyBranches]

I love the phase eight dress and like the blue polka dress, but I don't think the latter is perfect for a family wedding.

I think if you did go for the phase 8 dress you could go quite bold on accessories.

[LettuceLaughton]

Yeah, I'd agree with bold accessories. Well, not too bold. It'd be nice to pick up the coral and/or turquoise a bit though.

[Dowser]

If you do go for the polka dot dress I would go for the next size up. Im a curvy size 14 and got an 18 in the one I bought.

I like both dresses.

[BackforGood]

To be honest - I love the one you linked to, and the other tow links - lot of help I am!

[WishICouldThinkOfACoolUsername]

I think I've been talked out of the navy dress for the wedding (although I do have a couple of other opportunities coming up that may be more suitable so it may be ordered yet! Lettuce didn't think for a moment you were trying to suggest something that wouldn't work, I'm just delighted you've pointed me in the right direction!

I have a hair clip that would work with the black dress, I might need to buy shoes and a bag though

[WishICouldThinkOfACoolUsername]

All thoughts welcome Dowser - and thanks for the sizing tip!

I love accessories...

[LettuceLaughton]

what sort of accessory budget are we looking at? I saw some beautiful earrings.

Have you maybe got a link to your hair thing, or something like it?

[WishICouldThinkOfACoolUsername]

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This is the closest I can find, I can't find a photo of the one I have, and it's currently packed as I'm in the middle of moving house!

Budget total (inc dress) probably has to be £150, although I'm sure that could be stretched if necessary!

[WishICouldThinkOfACoolUsername]

Mine is all cream and not quite as big I should have said!