Mother of the bride - plus size. Please help!

[ForeverDolphinLove]

I'm trying to help my Mum find a nice dress for my sisters wedding. She found a lovely one after searching for ages but it's sold out and isn't being restocked

She's 55, a size 24, and wants a maxi dress with some sort of sleeve. Preferably to the elbow or just slightly above. Needs to tie in with the colour scheme somehow, which is blue and silver (I think any kind of blue will do as the original dress she found was navy and white).

Can anyone help? I've tried ASOS, Littlewoods and Dorothy Perkins but nothing is suitable. She usually shops at Marisota and other similar places so I thought you lot might know some shops we've not thought of

They are the sort of sleeves that are easily pushed up but she could have the shortened and / or ruched and still be well within budget. this would bring out the blue beautifully. Silver shoes and bag.

Lettuce she doesn't like it. Thinks it will look too old lady on her She will be going in a bin bag at this rate!

Oh, here with the hat, sorry!

Have you thought about arranging a personal shopper appointment at Debenhams/HoF etc for her? Debenhams in particular likely to have stuff in her price range and gives her good opportunity to try different looks without traipsing in and out of changing rooms.

Also, sleeves are so hard to find and still look dressy, would she consider a very light jacket/shrug?

It's not an old lady dress. The styling is dreadful though!

She needs to try some stuff on. Various thing, it so easy ot get disheartened.

Would she consider a suit? Camilla style?

www.shillas.co.uk/shillas-1640509.html

There's no chance I can get her in a suit! I may arrange a shopping day to try stuff on but she will be reluctant. She's very conscious of her size so usually just buys online.

Just sent her this one which I think is really nice www.yoursclothing.co.uk/scarlett-jo-midnight-blue-gold-foil-chiffon-maxi-dress-p

Mirror she has a jacket she can wear but is worried about getting too hot on the evening do as it will be early August when we go to the wedding.

www.very.co.uk/chi-chi-london-curve-long-sleeve-lace-maxi-dress/1600068768.prd how about this one? Or maybe this? www.yoursclothing.co.uk/scarlett-jo-blue-white-floral-print-kimono-dress-p

same cut different fabric here
better? I prefer it to ^ that one

If she is worried about getting hot why not wear one of those string cardi things that cover your shoulders and upper arms but feel like wearing nothing

x post. THat's nice OP. WIll she not mind the see through bit?

Jackets are awful when you absolutely want to stay covered. The (fake) option to take it of can be hugely annoying and frustrating.

Ok this is a bit over budget but so beautiful I had to post it - m.johnlewis.com/studio-8-neptune-silk-maxi-dress-green/p/2663231?sku=235938531&kpid=235938531&s_kenid=f095e42c-f317-4677-853e-aa22a6af9584&s_kwcid=403x2691217&tmad=c&tmcampid=73

Starry I've sent her the Chi Chi one already but she doesn't like it Love the second one and it's such a shame it's not a maxi as it would have been perfect!

I detest my arms and always wear some sort of cover up, you really can get some that are so light they don't affect your comfort

m.houseoffraser.co.uk/Grace+Made+in+Britain+maxi+dress/226180684,default,pd.html

Just sent her that one, thank you mirror

Also my colleague who is an26 has this one and it looks lovely - www.marksandspencer.com/plus-embellished-neck-maxi-dress/p/p22449219?prevPage=plp

Not blue but deep purple

I have this. It's quite plain but elegant (or as elegant as I can manage!).

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/joanna-hope-jersey-maxi-dress/sz984/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=3467#colour:,size:

Still pretty long though. Mid calf by the looks of it. Could she not have a sleeveless with a little shoulder cover thing.

Mardy that one is lovely. The one we originally saw but is sold out is that exact dress but in a navy blue and white floral print. That's the shape she likes. I'll send her that as not sure if she's seen the plain version.

Thank you everyone for your help. You've found so many options I couldn't find myself!

If you can't find anything with sleeves that is suitable then you can get lightweight arm covers that go underneath the dress, so it just ends up looking like sleeves. Worth a try?

Has she considered buying a sleeveless dress and getting sleeves added on by a dressmaker? The mother of the bride at my brother's wedding did this, adding some sleeves of a sheer type fabric that blended in really well with the fabric of the main dress. I think there were a few sequinned appliques added on to the shoulder to add more bling and blend in the sleeves a bit more. Also getting a matching bolero is easily done. Alterations needn't be too expensive and could really open up her options.

That's shops idea sesame. I was going to ask if she's thought of just having a dress made specially for her but the sleeve thing would probably my be quicker and cheaper.