I've seen 5,000 dresses and I don't suit one of them!

[SecretLimonadeDrinker]

I'm throwing myself on the mercy of S&B.

I've got a wedding to go to in three weeks and I need a dress. It's the first wedding I'll be attending with toddler DS so it needs to be pretty and practical. None of my dresses work, either too short to run after DS without risking flashing the other guests or because my bust is now shirk so much that I don't fill an A cup I'm 5.9' size eight, chest like a boy, stomach is not quite as flat as it used to be. I tend to suit blues and greens. I've been told no black, white/cream, yellow or navy.

Budget is around £100 because the hen party has eaten up most of my money. I've spend the past week looking online and tried on most of Coast, Debut and Monsoon, it end in tears.

Please help.

How about a jumpsuit instead of a dress?

I love the sound of one but sadly I've been told they are also on the 'No' list.

In your mind, what do you want to look like? And what height/shape are you?

Who says its on the no list?!
Jumpsuits look more stylish than an identikit coast wearing guest.

Not sure jumpsuits would fulfil practical criteria? I am exactly the same dimensions as you OP (height, dress size, only slightly more generous of boob) and find that Baukjen's dresses are really flattering on me. I, too, love green and would deffo buy this if I had somewhere to wear it; likewise the Compton version in the same print. Right now, there's 15% off dresses, too, on a "beat the clock" promotion, so it would bring the price more or less to budget for you.

Curious, also, as to the embargo on certain colours. Is everyone going to be dressed in a certain palette???

How about a shift dress? Will try to do a link.

Thanks everyone for you replies, I do appreciate it.

The embargo on colours/jumpsuits has come from the B&G, they have also sad they expect DS to sit still and quiet for five hours.

I basically need to be able to do a mad dash after DS, he has a short attention span.... like his mother, running in heels is fine, it's the flashing/practicality of it I'm worried about.

Thanks for the link Wagon, I will have a look.

Open to shift dresses, I have a beautiful one but it's black and white and my fail safe, feel fab dress is navy.

Blimey! I know it's their day, but embargo on colours, and no jumpsuits. There are some really nice shifts on the Oasis website. You could wear tights if cold, with stylish flats if you are running around after a small child!

I cannot understand the nerve of anyone dictating to their guests, their guests, what they can and can't wear. Let alone expecting a toddler to sit still for 5 hours, but at least - I would hope - you can take him out to run around occasionally (or is that forbidden as well? )

Honestly, the bloody nerve. Did they actually produce a list of guidelines as to what was and wasn't acceptable?

(Sorry, I know this response isn't much help!)

What's your fail safe navy dress like? Then perhaps we could find something similar but in a pre-approved colour?

pale blue
teal
blue floral
leopard
red floral biba (am always linking this because i want it myself! )
pink
botanical print
blue
pink

On the plus side you are obviously v. pretty for the bride to be soooo interested in what you plan to wear!

Have you looked at Phase Eight?

I have similar figure to you and find their ruched styles very flattering for adding chest volume and simultaneously disguising not-so-flat tummy. Sorry I don't have time to search the site for you but if you haven't looked it may be useful. Good luck!

(My favourite dress from there is a sleeveless one from two years ago, it hides the above-mentioned bits while showing off my best features - my arms and legs. I realise this might be pointless for a winter/spring wedding when arms are likely to be hidden though).

Ooh I LOVE that teal one!

I also have a beautiful ted baker dress from a few years ago with, well, frills around my not-so-large chest which is really flattering. I need a wedding to wear it to! (Where it hasn't been seen before)

How about trying Oasis or Warehouse. Oasis in particular are great at dresses for weddings on a budget. Go for a high neck style either fit and flare or more straight.
Soft shapewear from M&S is always good under a dress and as for a bra even if you feel flat chested you may still be a B or C cup. Being a size 8 your back size will likely be a 30 . So try the wonderbra strapless in a 30 c or a 32b.its a great bra under dresses and gives you form.

Hope this helps. Some dress suggestions best worn with support underneath.

I think this is a real problem for many of us.
I hate the style at the moment for no sleeves, and a high neck! Who wants a high neck in summer?