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Original poster

Is this dress too casual for a wedding? (Sorry, yes... it's yet another flaming wedding outfit thread)

42 replies

CaptainNancy · 16/03/2011 23:29

I only go to weddings about once every 5 years or so... so I have NO idea what guests are supposed to wear, it is a minefield.

Our closest friend is getting married in April (still fairly chilly). It will be a civil ceremony in a hotel, reasonably informal I think (1 BM/MoH and 1 flowergirl -our DD) definitely not black tie or morning suits.

I am currently a 12, 5'0", not very toned atm (usually a 10 tbh). Too old for strapless (late 30s), and am quite norky (32 E) so need to be careful with top half.

I have no idea what colours suit me Blush; I like grey, navy, and black usually hair is non-descript brown and grey in a short layered bob, skin is pretty pale.

My day-to-day wear tends to be from Gap, M&S, White Company and a little select White Stuff/Fat Face.

I like this, but I'm not sure it's smart enough, though it is very 'me'- boring, plain, down-to-earth.

This is smarter but I'm not sure as it seems very low cut- will be below my breasts for sure. (v short back)

I am not sure if the print on this one would be too much for me, though it seems more weddingy.

I like the colours in this but not sure if it will be okay norkswise.

This is nice and simple but is it formal enough? And I would need something under that chest crossover...

Would love to splash out on something of this ilk but cannot really justify the cost, as cost per wear would still be about £200 after 5 years Grin

Any ideas please?

Oh- and I have 2 very small children, so ideally (ha ha) washable.

OP posts:
MsHighwater · 16/03/2011 23:35

I like the Joules one best of all, though it's difficult to know if it would suit you. I'm a bit norky myself though (34F) but a little taller (5'4") and slightly bigger (12/14). It's the one I'd mostl likely go for of them all (except the sold out one, which I can't judge).

Original poster
CaptainNancy · 16/03/2011 23:38

Oh weird- wasn't sold out earlier... it;s this minuet one

OP posts:
Original poster
CaptainNancy · 16/03/2011 23:39

What would you wear with the Joules dress please?

Nude shoes maybe?

I have no idea what is fashionable these days... [dinosaur]

OP posts:
Alibobster · 16/03/2011 23:41

The phase 8 one is lovely and very suitable for a wedding regardless of how informal it is.

Original poster
CaptainNancy · 16/03/2011 23:42

Could I wear a cardigan or jacket over it do you think? I get very cold v easily...

OP posts:
Alibobster · 16/03/2011 23:45

I would either wear a very fine knit cardi or a pashmina

cat64 · 16/03/2011 23:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
CaptainNancy · 16/03/2011 23:56

I know... I haven't set a budget, as if I find something that really really suits me I will buy it anyway, and wear it to other occasions... though they are few and far between. Having said that, I am not usually this big, so would probably like to spend a little less (bearing in mind I will probably have to buy new shoes/accessories too). I do want to look lovely though...

The main problem I have with dresses like that is that even when they fit nicely on the waist and chest, they gape above my shoulders Sad - I am really very short on the top half. The print may allow the shoulders to be altered though...

OP posts:
MmeLindt · 17/03/2011 07:53

Oh, I love a good wedding dress thread.

Ok. I would avoid big prints - wee folk like us can be overpowered by them.

The episode one is nice, but not weddingy enough.

You need to be careful with wrap dresses if you are uncomfortable showing off norks, as I find they tend to gape. I have one that I put a small safety pin in to stop this happening.

this is pretty, and would go well with your colouring, I think

this is pretty but not sure of the bow.

love this - but sleeveless?

MmeLindt · 17/03/2011 07:54

Or go with separates, unless you really want a dress?

nickschick · 17/03/2011 07:59

I kind of think its not what you wear its how you wear it and whilst the top one is a little boring with some simple accesories it could look 'weddingy' although its never going to be 'glam'.

I think youd have to try it on.

JennyPiccolo · 17/03/2011 08:07

www.coast-stores.com/MOLINA-SPOT-DRESS/Dresses/coast/fcp-product/2143409489

this is nice, and the bow makes it wedding-y

JFly · 17/03/2011 08:37

OK, I'm short and norky, like you, but fat. So I can see your dilemma.

Don't be shy about having something altered to fit, BTW. It is money well spent.

Stay clear of anything high necked; it will just make your boobs look bigger. A v-neck is better, but yes, you may have to put a camisole under or tack it like MmeL said.

I like Bravissimo dresses. This one is nice because it's a smart cut, but cotton, so it's not over the top fancy. Could bling it up with shoes and accessories.

This is pretty but the colour might wash you out.

If you are pale with mousey brown hair like me, then you need a bit of colour, otherwise it will definitely make you look a bit ill.

JFly · 17/03/2011 08:42

BTW, LOVE that V Westwood one. I tried on a similar one last time I had a wedding and it was lovely. Great style for you, I would think. Or, this one?

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 17/03/2011 08:44

I like either the Joules or Phase Eight ones, both lovely with heels and a pashmina or very fine knit cardi for a wedding, and then you could dress them down with ballet flats and a chunkier cardi and wear them other times (out for dinner or whatever).

Drizzela · 17/03/2011 08:45

The phase 8 patterned one is the nicest IMO. I like the Joules one but not sure on big norkiness....

The westwood is my fav but it's mega expensive!!!

MmeLindt · 17/03/2011 08:55

JFly
I have been trying all morning to get on to the Bravissimo website. Never seen the Pepperberry one. Love their dresses.

I have just spent ages trying out the new Boden outfit maker. Oh, that is dangerous for my visa card.

I do like [[
outfit.boden.co.uk/MME/boden/home.aspx?outfit=8055,8368,8557 dress and jacket]]

or this but might not be formal enough?

Original poster
CaptainNancy · 17/03/2011 10:53

Ooh- thank you, lots more suggestions!

Mme- I love those first 2, will definitely try those on. I can't open the boden link for some reason- could you tell me the name of the dress and jacket?

Jenny- will check your link later (on phone, can't C&P)

Jfly- really like the first one, and would be easy to find a cardigan to go over too.

I love VW, but am avoiding red (both families are of chinese origin, so it has cultural connotations)

OP posts:
MmeLindt · 17/03/2011 11:00

CptN
Can you PM me your email address and I will email the outfits?

animula · 17/03/2011 11:55

Goodness- that VW one is great. Would you not be able to wear it for other occasions/and out and about?

With a cardi, couldn't you (just about) wear it to work? And definitely on any nights out/shopping trips?

then you could justify the expenditure ...

Original poster
CaptainNancy · 17/03/2011 12:23

Hmmm animula- nights out? shopping trips? Not sure what they are... Grin

I only really wear trousers tbh... though I did try last summer to wear a skirt/dress one day a week, it lasted 3 weeks I think, mainly due to the fact that I am always cold, and the no pockets issue... I need clothing with pockets.

Obviously I can manage an afternoon at a wedding without though Wink

But yes... the VW one is calling me... Grin

Mme- have PMd

OP posts:
MmeLindt · 17/03/2011 12:52

Agree on the VW one (although I wondered at the fact that Volkswagen were making dresses when Animula praised it).

The Boden ones you could definitely dress up or down. Most of them were sleeveless though.

Original poster
CaptainNancy · 17/03/2011 21:31

Oh dear... what do people think of this VW one?

OP posts:
Original poster
CaptainNancy · 17/03/2011 21:37

The Boden ones are nice Mme, but I think navy is probably a bit too sombre (though completely up my street normally!)

OP posts:
BelligerentGhoul · 17/03/2011 21:46

Hello you, you VW fan you! :)

I think the Linea one (2nd of your list) would be too long for you tbh and the neck maybe a bit too high on the first (Episode) and it looks very casual.

The Phase Eight flowery one would be lovely on your colouring - you'd have to try re: the neckline though. I've got one with a similar neck from there (and have similar nork issues!) and it's fine with a jacket, which cuts into a v on the chest a bit iyswim, but a bit too high without.

The Joules one would be lovely on you too.

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