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Original poster

Help!!!! Wedding outfit needed urgently

51 replies

Matlow · 06/01/2011 15:20

I am going to an old friends wedding in 2 weeks time and desperately need help with the outfit. I will see lots of old college friends that I haven't seen for ages and really want to look ok. Since having children I have put loads of weight on and feel embarrassed having to face people I haven't seen since I was thin. I am 5ft 10 and a size 16/18. I am in proportion (big all over!). I would rather not wear a skirt or dress so ideally a trouser suit. I would love to look stylish and money is not really an object. However if I am spending a fortune it would be nice to get something that I could wear again.

If any of your fashionistas could help me out I would be really grateful. I should also point out that I am happier than I have ever been and have a wonderful partner and 2 gorgeous children and wouldn't change a thing. I just want to look stylish for this xxxxxxx wedding!

OP posts:
Gillybobs · 06/01/2011 15:52

Im a 16 and 5'7" and just went to a 20 year school reunion so I feel your pain! Someone talked me into trying on a jumpsuit (no, really, dont panic). I was totally amazed, it looked really good and they are so "now". There are some great ones around with cross over/wrap fronts which are v flattering to the boobs. I tried mine on with nice high heels and some blingy jewellery and loved it. I'd steer clear of a trouser suit. imo they are a bit Alexis Carrington iykwim....

tethersend · 06/01/2011 16:40

I am of the 'nonsense, you need a dress' school of thought, I'm afraid. What's your budget?

tethersend · 06/01/2011 16:48

Something like this would look stunning- incredibly well cut and v v flattering.

tethersend · 06/01/2011 16:55

Or this

Swedes1 · 06/01/2011 16:58

What's your colouring? And what sort of things do you normally wear/ what do you look good in?

Do you have good boobs?
Do you have a waist worth showing off?
Do you have a tummy?
Do you have nice legs?

Ewe · 06/01/2011 17:02

Agree with teth, you def need a dress, trouser suits are generally Not Good in my book I am afraid.

Dress and VERY good underwear will do the trick! Love the Anglomania one linked to. What is your hair colour?

Original poster
Matlow · 07/01/2011 10:56

Thanks so much for suggestions, I tried to log on last night from home but couldn't connect. Anyway when the idea of a jumpsuit came up I must admit to being a bit dismayed but looking at the austin Reed one I must say it's surprisingly nice! I am not overly keen on bare arms though, so what could i wear with it?

The phase 8 dress is a better length but not sure it will come in my size (16 or 18 depending on shop)(blush)also I would need something to wear with it.

I love the Vivienne Westwood red dress but it is too short for me though perfect in every other way.

My budget is fairly open, my dp would probably be horrified if I spent more than £600 including shoes, bag, underwear etc but I could go higher for something special that I felt really good about.

I am blonde with fair complexion.

My waiste is not worth showing off, I do have a bit of a tummy,. not great legs (horrid big calfs) but my boobs are fine. Having said that it is a traditional church wedding then posh hotel, my friends Dad is a bishop as are half her uncles etc so my boobs should probably not be the stand out thing about my outfit!

Thank you so much again for taking the time to help me, i dress almost entirely in Gap with boots or converse, haven't worn heels for years and need guidance pretty much on everything from head to toe x

OP posts:
lal123 · 07/01/2011 11:54

Phase 8 do up to a size 20 - and their sizing is generous. I'm a similar size to you, and need a dress for an April wedding, so will be keeping an eye on this thread for any other ideas! The vivienne westwood dress is lovely - but too ££ for me to justify buying it Sad

tethersend · 07/01/2011 12:05

Phase eight go up to an 18.

The VW dress sits just below the knee IRL- not short at all, you could wear it with black opaques and heels to slim your calves. I am a 16 and VW dresses really are the bees knees for flattering in all the right places.

My worry is that if you go for a 'cover-up' outfit, it will look like you're covering up, not confident and sexy.

If you must go for a jumpsuit, I wouldn't wear anything over it- how about something with sleeves like this?

tethersend · 07/01/2011 12:08

They used to go up to a 20 lal, but seems like they only go up to 18 now.

tethersend · 07/01/2011 12:12

Or how about something a bit more structured like this?

Shhhh · 07/01/2011 12:20

another one here suggesting a dress..
Not keen on trousers suits imo..

tethersend · 07/01/2011 12:29

I'm not letting the Westwood go I'm afraid- I know it would look amazing.

How about this?

AngryPixie · 07/01/2011 12:34

She's got boobs Tethersend, that last one's a total cover up by the looks of it.

I have stunned myself by quite liking the silk jumpsuit though.

Off to have a look myself now, I think classy trousers are fine for a wedding.

tethersend · 07/01/2011 12:43

You don't have to have a low neck because you've got boobs! It's all in the cut.

Gillybobs · 07/01/2011 13:42

Sorry to keep banging on about Jumpsuits but I think your bodyshape sounds perfect for one, especially if you dont like your legs. I found the Austin Reed one on shopstyle.co.uk, you just go on and type in what youre looking for in the search bar and they will come up with every jumpsuit (or whatever) for sale in almost every shop in the UK. Brilliant website, so useful. If you would prefer something with sleeves there are plenty on there.

tethersend · 07/01/2011 13:47

Actually Gillybobs, that was the only one with sleeves which I could find on shopstyle in a 16-18. I'm guessing jersey not great for wedding, though.

Gillybobs · 07/01/2011 14:04

There was also this one?
www.johnlewis.com/164255/Style.aspx?source=46387

If you like the Austin Reed one you could add a little faux fur cape for the ceremony?

tethersend · 07/01/2011 14:08

I saw that but thought the sleeves might be a bit short.

Like the idea of a fur cape.

Original poster
Matlow · 07/01/2011 17:18

I really like the Austin Reed Jumpsuit but would definitely feel more comfortable with something covering my arms. Also what shoes and bag would I need do you think?

I also really love the first Vivienne Westwood red dress but I absolutely couldn't have anything above the knee!

I'm not bothered whether designer or not and would be perfectly happy with something smart from the high street.

Has anyone been to a formal winter wedding recently and if so what did you wear or did you see anyone else on the larger side looking fantastic?

OP posts:
rubyrubyruby · 07/01/2011 17:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

migola · 07/01/2011 17:47

that red VW dress is great and I LOVE the sleeved jumpsuit. couldn't wear it though as am too short

petitdonkey · 07/01/2011 17:56

Matlow - order the VW and try it!! I am a total convert to them and I hate my legs!! I have two and they are both under the knee (I realise you are tall but you still might be surprised). Wear one of these underneath, opaque tights, killer heels and I promise you will feel amazing!

petitdonkey · 07/01/2011 17:58

If you haven't worn heels for years these are super comfy.