Dress for a 41 year old bride...on the beach.

[MrsWinnibago]

getting married to "DH" in December 2015....in Oz. What the hell do I wear?

I'm 41 and a size 12...small bust, small waist, bigger hips and bum.

I am pale...5.6 tall.

The necklines which look good on me are high ones...no strapless numbers as I can't abide them.

I like 40s style stuff...vintagey....I also like lace but feel that I don't really want to be all in white. I might if the dress was the right one though.

Horrified at it all really....not much good at being the centre of attention!

White is a No, No- on all levels - pm me (I'm a Wedding Planner).

Hmm. I don't like the idea of "no-no" at all frog. I think one should wear what one likes. For me, there's nothing worse than doing things because they're "the done thing."

I like what I like!

Budget?

She probably means no because of your paleness and brightness of the background. You'll disappear in any photos.

what about a pale blue or coral colour?

Filo I hadn't even thought about that! I suppose not more than 800 pounds. I want to buy it in the UK though we'll be living there by the time we get married...I don't think I'll have as broad a choice in Oz.

Gallic I don't like coral or blue....I don't know what I DO bloody like! I like red...I look good in red...also look good in some oranges and possibly tealish colours. I like vintage looking things. But not those 50s things with full skirts. I like a 40s cut or even 30s.

I'll have to wear flat sandals or no shoes will I? I'm SO not knowledgeable about this kind of stuff!

With your budget, I'd get something vintage or made up. Have a look at The Frock for vintage, and The Vintage Dressmaker for made-to-measure.

Also this is nice.

I do love wiggle style dresses tethers but in my experience a lot of the actual vintage ones are teeny tiny and made of silky fabric. I wonder if it would be bad to have a cotton one? It's so bloody hot where we'll be...I'll need something that not only looks nice but isn't going to kill me as I try to have a nice time.

I like this type of thing Is that totally not ok as it's quite casual? In Oz, on beach weddings some people go for a big formal gown but I can't get with that at all silky fabric and lace just don;t go with beaches do they?

I just can't do with anything like that Tethers I see it's a nice dress but it's so serious looking. I'm not very serious.

Ah, so you want something less formal... Do you want knee length?

I like that dress.

Some interesting ideas here: wardrobeshop.com/catalog/new-arrivals
but after seeing the dress you like, I suspect the vintage is too old.

you could easily have something made to measure for tgat budget. What area of the uk will you be in?

Tethers It's nice isn't it? Plus that sort of neckline has long suited me....I might choose different fabric than that....but bright is good I reckon.

Gallic I'll be in the North West when I order it...I'd better not put any weight on once it's done though....I think getting something made could work out.

If I had something like that...what shoes?

I should add, take a look at ghost for 1930s style long gowns.

Flat ballerina pumps?

I like your dress. It has a WW2 Pacific feel about it.

I know a great dressmaker but in south east so not much good for you.

I'd try and get vintage shoes like this

But year, beach... Ummm... Pedicure?

What about an actual cheongsam dress? The vintagey one in your link, OP, (which is gorgeous) is based on a cheongsam dress cut. They have high necklines and can look stunning.

You'll want something simple and cool. You don't want to be covered in sweat patches with your make up sliding off your face. Pick a colour/ fabric that doesnt go dramatically darker if it gets wet. I agree that having it made it a good bet.

Selks I just don't like the shiny factor and they all seem to be shiny. I'm glad people think it's suitable. My sister says I should have it long...but I dont know...

20th Century Foxy

Thanks Lass some of those are gorgeous but I don't like any of the prints and the ones which are plain aren't the right neckline.