Another - I need a dress for a wedding thread

[mrsmortis]

Hi, I'm hoping that the hive mind can help me.

I've just received an invite for a wedding at the beginning on June. And I 'don't have a thing to wear'...

In the last 9 months I lost about 2 and a half stone. I'm now a size 16 and a 32G/34F. I am hourglassish but the widest part of my hips is just below my waist so I generally need a high waist (but not in a style that's going to make me look pregnant...). I'm very pale and pastels, particularly yellow ones, make me look ill. I'm 42 and don't want to look like mutton dressed like lamb.

I don't want to spend a huge amount of money as I still have another 2ish stone to loose. But it's going to be an affluent wedding so I also need to look well put together in order to fit in.

Any ideas? I've no idea how to dress myself appropriately any more...

How about hiring something? Is often the best thing when one needs an utterly temporary, posh frock.

Oh but wait, when people say 'don't want to spend a huge amount of money' I take that to be 'as little as possible, certainly under 60 or 70 quid' but I've had people come back and say 'Oh, under 200 is fine'.

What budget?

If I could get an outfit for 60 -70 I'd be happy. I could go higher but I'd rather not. If I'm going to spend more on part of the outfit then I'd rather it was on shoes so that I can wear them for longer...

I've had a quick look at Pepperberry today and nothing appeals...

How about something like this?

www.asos.com/Lipsy/Lipsy-Belted-V-Neck-Pencil-Dress-In-Full-Bloom-Floral/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5912692&cid=8799&Rf1012=4461&Rf-300=1992&Rf-800=-1,99&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=204&sort=3&clr=Bluebasefloral&totalstyles=697&gridsize=4

Or are you after something a bit floatier? Or something with a full skirt?

I'm a bit wary of a dress in that shape because having had 2 children and lost the weight a have an 'apron' of tummy. Is it likely to be OK?

Maybe my first step needs to be to get to Rigby and Pellar and try on 'foundation' garments...

To answer your other question - I think I'd like something with a bit of structure, rather than floaty. And pencil skirts are definitely better than full ones with hips the size of mine.

Do you like 50s style dresses? They'll nip you in at the waist and hide your belly

So, you need everything for the outfit? Also jewellery, a bag and maybe even a hat?

How tall are you?
What length do you prefer?
Colours? Pattern?

It'd be wise not to consider anything without sleeves 'cause a cover up would really squeeze the budget too far!

I think this would work on your shape how far away is that from something you'd be happy wearing?

might this be better? More structure but more £ too. Possibly too much to get the accessories in under 70 but maybe not

What about something like this? Xx

I am laughing as I was just going to suggest Phase Eight when I realised MrsLettuce got there before me! They often have fab sales and have a category called Dresses With Sleeves so you can narrow the choice down really easily. Just be careful of the fabrics - some are fantastically stretchy but others aren't. Also some last for years and will shrink with you as you lose more weight, whereas others aren't as versatile/accommodating or durable. ALL of my favourite dresses come from them.

Oops did not mean all the love of ️xx

Have a look at Lindy Bop - I know you're conscious of your hips (I am too, they're out of proportion to the rest of my body!) but a big skirt and a petticoat will hide them rather than enhance them as it shows off your waist. Sadly I am not blessed of boob so can't quite fill out these dresses (I've tried!) but I think they'd be flattering on you.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll have a look this evening when I have a bit more time.

MrsLettuce - I have jewellery and bags. I may even have a hat if needed (I've asked some of the other girls who I know are going if they are going to wear hats or not)

The shoe issue is because my nude heels did not survive storage over winter. They are sling backs and the elastic between the buckle and the rest of the shoe has fallen apart (am I right in assuming this is not going to be fixable?) so they won't stay on my feet.

Phase eight was definitely the way to go, thanks for the suggestion.

I bought this one: www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/dresses/prudence-fit-and-flare-dress/203360000#dvt_pha178#dvt_pha178_2

More than I'd planned but it is gorgeous and was in the sale...