Evening dress for a wedding?!?

[nancy75]

This is for my mum, she needs help!
Wedding in the summer in a castle. The invitation says black tie / evening dress. My mum is 5ft1, size 10, she is 61 but looks about 40. Dark brown hair olive skin. She has looked and looked but can't find anything to buy, so, style and beauty gurus, can you find my mum a frock?

Right, I'm telling her to get the blue one! I love the black too but she won't wear black to a wedding. If she doesn't like it she's on her own! (I'll probably be back tomorrow when she says she doesn't like it )

Thank you all for your googling skills, there are definitely some sights she won't have looked at so its a massive help

I like this too

Sleep that's the kind of dress she would wear, but to go out for dinner ( she's dead posh, I'm not sure that we are really related because I am a total scruff in comparison)

this too, but maybe too black again...I think black tie definitely gives permission to wear black, though of course she may remain unconvinced

Vivenne Westwood but black/ midnight blue

The Vivienne Westwood is more the shape she originally had in mind, it's a shame it's so dark. Mum has dark hair and olive/ tanned skin so she can carry off colour, I will show her but think too dark will be vetoed.

or red? May as well order a few to try if ordering one!

Sleep when I give her the links to all these dresses I'm going to tell my dad you made me do it, you are going to cost him a fortune! The red dress is lovely but I think she already has something very similar, I will certainly show her it because red really suits her

She's probably seen this but lk bennett

Hi,
This could be an option. She can have it taken up if it's too long and the front might come below the knee on her if she's petite. If she has a small bust but good arms this is a great style for her. If she has dark brown hair and olive skin she would suit any earthy, autumnal colours so if she wants to stand out she could go for corals, forest greens, turquoise, peachy colours , if she wants to just fit in but look beautiful, navy blue, chocolate brown, warm purple. See the link below. I'll keep looking for you!

www.harveynichols.com/150926-cobalt-asymmetric-crepe-dress/

Ooh has anyone suggested Reiss? Lots of lovely dresses, always used to be my go-to for wedding outfits, amd like your mum I am small and suit fit and flare.

Tell him I'm very sorry

Reiss dress red

Reiss dress orange

Reiss dress green

Reiss dress blush

Karen Millen is worth looking at too

www.little-mistress.com/clothing-c9/black-and-nude-rose-print-maxi-dress-p4380

This seems to have more structure than most petite ballgown types.

www.chichiclothing.com/products/Chi-Chi-Petite-Corinna-Dress.html
www.chichiclothing.com/products/Chi-Chi-Petite-Cassandra-Dress.html this one is like the orange Karen Millen one posted earlier.
www.chichiclothing.com/products/Chi-Chi-Petite-Orlaith-Dress.html
www.closetlondon.com/gold-2-in-1-yellow-floral-jacquard-full-skirt-dress.html

Harvey nicks dress is lovely, especially the back, she already has the orange reiss dress but thinks it's not dressy enough, the little mistress dress is a bit too much pattern, shape is nice but she prefers plain really. Lots of good ideas so thank you everyone

this could be lovely if the lengths work, but watch out for sales taxes (tick the box to pay on delivery because sometimes it doesn't happen ) and be aware that returns are ££ and a PITA because to US. I normally only buy from there if I've tried something on here to get size right and there's a significant saving (mostly applies to jeans).

No gravy that last one would be perfect in different material, that is the kind of shape she first had in mind but in all one colour, on the plus side there is a nice denim dress on there that I might buy!

Oh there are some great dresses on Closet, thanks gravy for the link I'd never heard of them.

this one is stunning

Or how about a midi skirt and top ted baker skirt with matching top

or ted baker skirt 2 - bit tricky to find a coordinating top for this one I suspect

Or this dress which is like the Closet one but not yellow

I know your mum's petite, but how about something like this?

This has sleeves, I know she has great arms, but it may still be an option.
www.terijon.com/shop/mother-of-the-bride-/navy-tea--length-shirtdress/pid/2045/14

Alternatively, may I suggest a seamstress? Vogue has lovely 1950s and early 1960s vintage patterns that are an excellent match for the structured and polished style your mother desires. A substantial silk taffeta or dupioni would be a great choice.