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Original poster

"Summery and elegant" for a wedding.

173 replies

AYD2MITalkTalk · 10/07/2016 17:46

Help!

My brother is getting married in a month, the dress code is as stated, and I have no idea where to start.

I have broad shoulders, large boobs that require a full cup bra, a fat belly thick waist, and no hips or arse. I'm flabbier than I'd like. I'm maybe a 16 to 18 on top, 12-14 bottom.

My current "style" is unfashionable jeans, a t-shirt, and a hoodie with trainers, every day and in every situation.

I don't wear makeup, ever, have no idea how to wear it or put it on, and don't really want to change that. Short hair. Can't show my arms, don't want to show my legs. Don't like skirts or dresses and would spend the whole time self-conscious if I wore these.

And it has to be something I can take with me on a plane.

I have no ideas. Do I need a hat? Do I need to learn to walk in high heels, in a month? Trousers and jacket, or something else? :(

I'm flailing here and would be really grateful for help/opinions/tellings-off.

OP posts:
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Original poster
AYD2MITalkTalk · 19/07/2016 21:27

Oh God. I might just have to go with the original one I already have. My brain is hurting and I hate clothes and waaaah.

OP posts:
Original poster
AYD2MITalkTalk · 19/07/2016 21:28

But then I'll have wasted all your time and I'll look terrible.

Grrr. I hate weddings and elegance and just general life right now Grin

OP posts:
minipie · 19/07/2016 21:29

Ok so here's what I think looks good on you:

  • v neck/wrap/cowl neckline or something else that breaks up the bust a bit
  • defined waist
  • a high waistline with a long line to the skirt (either slim or swishy, but not sticky outy)

What do you think of this kind of thing?

minipie · 19/07/2016 21:31

Sorry cross posting. The one you have is pretty good, best of the ones you tried imo, and if you hate shopping so much then stop, and enjoy the sun instead Smile

Gruach · 19/07/2016 21:32

Terrifically sleek and easy to dress up.

The red comes in a 16. I don't know how generous their sizing is.)

Original poster
AYD2MITalkTalk · 19/07/2016 21:34

They're both nice! Oh gods. I'm no good at this.

OP posts:
Original poster
AYD2MITalkTalk · 19/07/2016 21:36

It's okay. I'm just having A Moment.

Normal service will be resumed tomorrow.

OP posts:
minipie · 19/07/2016 21:45

Don't blame you OP, a day of shopping in 30+ degree heat would be enough to kill me and I like dress shopping!

Enjoy your evening Smile

Lucked · 19/07/2016 21:48

Did you try on any maxis?

This Eliza J dress from HOF belts under the bust which can be flattering.

Donthate · 19/07/2016 21:49

[http://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/scarlett-jo-black-multi-coloured-floral-print-midi-dress-p This]] is lovely. If you are worried about the low v wear a black spaghetti strap vest underneath. I go a size down on the vest to smooth any lumps and bumps too

Donthate · 19/07/2016 21:50

This sorry!

Gruach · 19/07/2016 21:52

Ok. There are a couple of other dresses on the same site that might suit. All come in a variety of colours and most are in stock up to size 18. They're nicely simple - good for experimentation with jewellery and belts etc.

(And if too sober for a wedding they might be useful for normal life?)

minipie · 20/07/2016 10:32

Yes I agree Scarlett &Jo has some really good options.

You could order a whole load and try them on in the comfort of your own home. Looks like you have 21 days to return and can return for free via Asda stores or Collectplus stoes.

Do you see anything there you like OP?

Personally I like the ones with black V neck sleeved top and floral skirt (like this one or this one)

this is a lovely elegant maxi dress, with a v neck again, also in this colour

this is a comfy swingy option which can be dressed up or down

this is retro style, also comes in green, keyhole detail to break up the bust line

Gruach · 20/07/2016 15:36

I've hesitated to link this because I'm not certain I like it myself - but it's a great cut. Might be better if silk and with a quieter print - or might be nicer out of the box.

Have you glanced at Toast btw? Much derided on MN but a couple of their dresses (currently on sale!) are lovely. Their sizing is enormous but there isn't much left now.

Original poster
AYD2MITalkTalk · 20/07/2016 15:56

Thank you!

Today I am having a day off even though I said I'd be back… clothes shopping is distressing. I WILL be back, though :)

OP posts:
minipie · 20/07/2016 16:02

It's ok OP it's not compulsory Grin

Original poster
AYD2MITalkTalk · 20/07/2016 16:53

It's all useful, though! I just Haven't. The. Brainpower today Grin

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Original poster
AYD2MITalkTalk · 21/07/2016 15:20

Right. After all the brilliant feedback, information, suggestions, advice, and links to lovely outfits…

I think I'm going to stick with the first thing I picked up when I walked into a shop and then bought Blush

It's such a massive stereotype, going back to the very first shop you tried, isn't it? But as a very much non-shopper, I haven't yet found anything I preferred (the black and white flarey one I tried on at Debenhams, on reflection, has something of a 1950s little girl at a party outfit vibe, I think), and, since I can't bear to order anything else online and have to send it back (returns distress me inordinately) and that one is, at least, in a bag in my living room, there it is.

What an anticlimactic end to the story Grin Now I just need HH width elegant sandals with no or very little heel…

OP posts:
polyhymnia · 21/07/2016 16:30

If you are only an 18 and with that budget Hobbs would be well worth a look, I'd think.also Phase Eight and Jaeger.
Of the two dresses you posted, second pretty but too casual I think. First looks nice and summery but I wouldn't be sure of the quality if it's Asos.

FlindersKeepers · 21/07/2016 16:33

Hey, I'm in Germany (I live here) and just wanted to reassure you that virtually no-one* wears a hat at a wedding in Germany. And people generally (big generally) wear fewer cosmetics, so being make-up free won't stand out either. You'll be absolutely fine.

And flat/flattish sandals will also be more than alright, you might even get a pair here? Where in Germany are you off to?

*I do. I like hats.

Original poster
AYD2MITalkTalk · 21/07/2016 17:32

The first dress I posted is Phase Eight Grin I hope the quality is okay; and if not, I'll only have to wear it once or twice.

Flinders, that's good to know! I knew it was a good idea for my brother to marry a German Grin The wedding's in Bavaria and I don't have a clue when it comes to the dialect my soon-to-be-family speak, so my meagre German will be no use for eavesdropping and I guess social norms vary a bit across Germany. But I'm not sure everyone will be too polite to say anything if I get it wrong ;) (SIL is blunt - very blunt.) I'm hoping to get the sandals here as I don't think we'll be going to any large towns there before the wedding.

OP posts:
minipie · 22/07/2016 20:36

Saw the phase eight dress in the flesh today OP, it's really nice - lovely colours in the print and the black lines are very elongating and elegant! Have a lovely wedding (let us know if you need shoe help Smile)

Original poster
AYD2MITalkTalk · 22/07/2016 21:27

Hi minipie, you've been really helpful on the thread, thanks for the good wishes :)

Shoes are making me wibble at the moment Grin I may be back… (possibly with a fresh thread so I can put the trauma of The Dress out of my head Grin)

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