Oh wise MNers, speak to me of wedding clothes (specifically, a dress and coat to do double duty for two weddings)

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

I have two family weddings in late winter/early spring next year. Weather is therefore unpredictable. Am thinking that most practical ensemble is a dress with some sort of very smart/pretty evening type coat. Does anyone have the foggiest what I mean? Any suggestions (other than net a porter because frankly I can't afford that sort of level) gratefully received.

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

Please?

[BunnyLebowski]

How's this for a start?

this is nice and dressy and would go with lots of different colour dresses

I need more info before I go looking for a frock!

What size/shape are you? Colouring? Likes/dislikes, good bits/bad bits of body etc!

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

Oh good, someone wants to play

I'm five nine, size 14 top and sixteen bottom (am hoping that will be more like 12 and 14 by February but must be realistic). Small waist for my proportions so clinched/belted waist is always a good thing. Nice calves and small of nork which makes my top half look slim but heavy thighs and big bum!

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

OOOh, I like that coat. That's exactly the sort of thing I meant.

[InTheseBeautifulPurpleShoes]

I wore this to DS1's holy communion with the matching coat - loads of compliments and it's now in the sale and only 14s and 16s left.

I know people slag off Simply Be but Anna Scholz actually knows what she's doing and her stuff is fab!

[InTheseBeautifulPurpleShoes]

I had the dress in Flame and the coat also, the coat is only available in steel now, but would still look nice.

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

I know there is some sort of loathing of Coast dresses on MN (God knows why as far as I can see they do lovely stuff) but I do like this:

www.coast-stores.com/fcp/product/coast/Dresses---view-all/ESTELLA-PRINT-DRESS/2143395598

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

What's supposed to be wrong with simply Bee?

[InTheseBeautifulPurpleShoes]

Some people have said that the sizes and quality etc are rubbish, but the Anna Scholz stuff I have had from there is really nice. I love that coat linked above (also like Coast. And Planet..)

[BunnyLebowski]

Lots of coats here!

Do you mind me asking what age you are? Some of these I think would be more suited to a mature lady!

If you're hoping to be a 12!

this is different

love this

this is lovely but a 16 so probably won't fit

Indigo Moon

bit more colourful

lovely colours in this one

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

I really like the shape of that dress but not sure about such a large print on me.

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

Oh, I'm 30. And I have short (chin length) curly hair. I'm white with green eyes and brown hair.

Style me!!!

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

I hadn't thought of ebay (no objections to it but would prefer to be able to try stuff on). I love the ivory coat but it's got short sleeves - I am thinking of coldness in photos which will (at first wedding) be outside.

[BunnyLebowski]

Hmm think some of my coats would me too old for you then!

Will go looking for something much more young and stylish!

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

I'm not that young and stylish!

[BunnyLebowski]

I think you should concentrate on finding a dress you love and then worry about the over garment!

You'll be able to find a coat/cardigan/wrap thing for almost any dress. Unless you want the coat to be the main part of the outfit. But I really struggled to find any that weren't a wee bit mother of the bride

Anyway dresses - some of these have been linked to before on different threads but I think these would all suit you shape!

this is just gorgeous and I think would really suit your colouring!

so glamorous and again would look really good as you're not too busty for it and your chin length hair would show off the detail at the top of the frock. Fab colour too!

same goes for this one!

not my usual style but the colour would be lovely for a wintery wedding

this is so different! A bargain if you're sure you'll be a 12 and again would be good on your figure!

[BunnyLebowski]

Erk! Wrong link for first one!!

Try again!!

It's this one. The more I see it the more I like it!

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

Yes that Drew one is incredibly lovely. I am sorely tempted by that I have to say, but what kind of coat. There is no way I am standing in a churchyard up North in February in that, and my usual coat although perfectly lovely would look a bit boring in the photos.

[BunnyLebowski]

The cream one I linked to earlier would look gorgeous over that dress.

Would be a bit pricey to buy both though!

Although the cream coat would be an investment as you could wear it over anything to any posh do!

Will also look for a cheaper option but will be tomorrow as I'm off to be buxom serving wench at my local hostelry right now

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

TBH as the one outfit is going to do 2 weddings (and potentially future evenings out - the dress anyway) I was prepared to spend about 400 quid on the entire outfit (incl shoes, bag, new undies if needed). I think you have done it bunny!

Oh, shoes please. Size 8.

[IdontMN2makecopyforlazyjournos]

Thank you by the way .

And everyone else. Will let you know when I have bought and tried on!