Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Wedding attire - is this ok?

103 replies

Williteverrainagain · 06/08/2026 19:12

Hi, I have never been great at clothes. I often seem to get things slightly wrong. I am 56, 5' 6 and a size 18 currently (bloody menopause). We are going to a wedding in a two weeks time (family member) and the invite says "Dress to Impress". I am not that confident in myself at this weight but I do care what I look like.

I have ordered this dress:

https://katyawildman.com/products/the-always-zip-pocket-dress-in-charlottes-roses

And these shoes:

https://airandgracelondon.com/collections/flat-shoes/products/anais-olive-suede-and-gold-leather-pointed-t-bar-flats

I intend to wear a double-layered gold necklace (Mint Velvet) and have ordered a suede olive green clutch bag. I can no longer wear heels so shoes need to be flats.

Can anyone with advise me if they think this is a good combination.

Thanks!

The 'Always' Zip Pocket Dress in 'Charlotte's Roses'

Look and feel amazing in the ballerina length ´Charlotte's Roses' Zip Pocket Dress. With a cream base and subtle greens and warm reds this is a fabulous wear 'Always' dress. New for 2026 the ballerina length is elegant and flattering and perfect for we...

https://katyawildman.com/products/the-always-zip-pocket-dress-in-charlottes-roses

OP posts:
DeftGoldHedgehog · Yesterday 08:47

Gorgeous, OP.

The only difference for me is I'd get the shoes in red, as I don't need much excuse to wear red shoes. The shoes you have chosen are lovely though anyway, it's just my personal taste.

Original poster
Williteverrainagain · Yesterday 08:47

PhaedraTwo · Yesterday 08:44

The model is Katya Wildman and it says she is 5' 4". She's 2 inches shorter than you.

Show quote history

Oh thank you. I did google yesterday to find out who the model was but didn’t think to check her height.

OP posts:
DeftGoldHedgehog · Yesterday 08:50

Bikergran · Yesterday 07:11

I think it's a beautiful outfit, but see how the length looks when it's on. You may find that having it shortened slightly makes you look taller, especially as you can't wear heels. Ballerina length on a model is often too long for us smaller rounder women.

I'd say 5'6" and size 18 I'd think of as more statuesque than short and round!

Funderthighs · Yesterday 08:53

It’s perfect.

PhaedraTwo · Yesterday 08:53

Williteverrainagain · Yesterday 08:47

Oh thank you. I did google yesterday to find out who the model was but didn’t think to check her height.

Show quote history

If you expand the "description" section it says

New for 2026 the ballerina length is elegant and flattering and perfect for wearing both flats of heels. I am 5'4.

LadyRoughDiamond · Yesterday 08:55

As a fellow flats-wearer (can also no longer wear heels after an op) I think the dress is the absolute perfect length and that your shoe choice is great! Don’t be swayed by people suggesting a low or block heel - funky but elegant flats like these are far cooler. There’s something a bit aging about clinging to heels - especially a low block one.

RayonSunrise · Yesterday 09:02

Lovely outfit, OP. I have those shoes in a different colour and they are super comfy (wearing them today to commute!). I’ve not had plantar for a while though. I echo the previous poster who mentioned stretching and exercises, I found that helped mine considerably.

Pearlstillsinging · Yesterday 09:19

I think it's a lovely outfit, perfect for a wedding guest. I, too, can now only wear flat shoes but often put adhesive arch supports from Amazon in them for comfort.

Horses7 · Yesterday 09:26

Love it 😻

bt1234 · Yesterday 09:35

I love everything! But in particular those shoes!
I don't wear heels either and don't like showing my toes and these are perfect!
I'm going to get some, what colour is best for dinner, drinks etc - I'm thinking either the cream or the bright red?

Weeellokthen · Yesterday 09:41

Williteverrainagain · 06/08/2026 19:22

What is it about them that you think might not be great. I definitely need flats, and I thought ballet pumps are just too casual. The invite said a bit of sparkle wouldn't go amiss so I thought perhaps adding in the gold would work. Even though I am quite weighty at the moment, I have really slim legs and ankles so chunky shoes don't work - but open to suggestions.

Show quote history

Sorry, i just don't think they match the gorgeous dress. A wee wedge, maybe

Sparkletastic · Yesterday 09:43

Fabulous outfit!

OopsThatWasExcessive · Yesterday 09:47

That is a beautiful dress! She does it in block colours too - had to stop myself ordering in a block colour as it's insanely expensive for an impulse buy 🤣 but perfect for an occasion.

bt1234 · Yesterday 09:55

I've ordered the chocolate shoes! Thanks so much for sharing

Pushmepullu · Yesterday 09:56

Can I borrow the dress for next year please? It’s lovely. I like the shoes too but I think that you need to try the dress and shoes together to see if they work. Have a fab time, and don’t get any stains on the dress!

BCBird · Yesterday 10:02

Im.56. I.looove this dress.

YouSawBrigadoon · Yesterday 10:23

I think it’s a fabulous choice (and I hate prints!). It’s a shame you have to stick to flats, but the ones you’ve chosen are really nice.

Aco8171 · Yesterday 10:27

Epoisses · Yesterday 07:54

Well I wore a red dress when I got married!!!

Show quote history

As did some of my friends I’m not disputing that as an option!!!! Also when you’re the bride you can wear what the hell you want!!!

Thelondonone · Yesterday 10:32

I love the dress and the shoes. I also have pf and I would probably try to get a small heel ´bubble’ to stick on the sole in the heel area-it will help and shouldn’t be noticeable.

BippidyBoppety · Yesterday 12:15

I don't think I've ever seen such universal approval of a dress.

It's fab, OP. Have a great time.

Original poster
Williteverrainagain · Yesterday 12:17

Thelondonone · Yesterday 10:32

I love the dress and the shoes. I also have pf and I would probably try to get a small heel ´bubble’ to stick on the sole in the heel area-it will help and shouldn’t be noticeable.

Thank you, another pp suggested the same so I am going to look today and see what I can get. @Pearlstillsinging

OP posts:
Original poster
Williteverrainagain · Yesterday 12:18

Pushmepullu · Yesterday 09:56

Can I borrow the dress for next year please? It’s lovely. I like the shoes too but I think that you need to try the dress and shoes together to see if they work. Have a fab time, and don’t get any stains on the dress!

If you have seen the first episode of Season 4 of Ted Lasso you will understand when I say I am like Hannah Waddingham. I need a bib most of the time, so I can't guarantee the no stain approach!

OP posts:
Original poster
Williteverrainagain · Yesterday 12:20

Weeellokthen · Yesterday 09:41

Sorry, i just don't think they match the gorgeous dress. A wee wedge, maybe

Show quote history

Thank you, I will see how it looks when it all arrives and if it doesn't work then I have time to choose something else. I used to love my heels.

OP posts:
middleagedandinarage · Yesterday 12:20

Wow, love that!!

ImpossibleGermany · Yesterday 12:22

Love the dress. I like the shoes but don't love them. The front of the shoe is nice but I think that dress needs a bit of a heel. Other than that I think you've chosen well.