Where do you buy your "occasion" dresses?

[missyB1]

So basically i will be mother of the groom in September, and have no idea where to even look for an outfit never mind what to pick! Im not intending to buy just yet but i need an idea of what websites / shops to browse, as it will take me forever to get organised! I dont shop for smart clothes very often and certainly haven't bought any "posh frocks" for a few years. Im a young 48 and want to avoid looking frumpy!

Oh I guess a rough idea of budget might help! thinking up to £200 for the dress / outfit, will pay extra for shoes.

Monsoon, phase eight, John Lewis

The Outnet for designer bargains or vintage from Etsy or local shops which I then get tailored. I have seen multiple people turn up in the same Coast dress and I have the fear badly!

I like Phase Eight, John Lewis, Debenhams (I find more online than in stores) and of course Ebay. I recently tried on a beautiful Phase Eight dress in store then managed to find it for peanuts on Ebay!

Reiss has some beautiful stuff too.

For that sort of occasion I tend towards LK Bennet, Planet or Hobbs.

The last one I bought for a wedding was from Ted Baker (i am a bit older than you, but not frumpy I hope!)
what about this?

Personal shopper in John Lewis. Book an appointment, tell them what you want, and your budget.

LK Bennet or Hobbs

Reiss!

Id second Greentea about booking an appointment with a personal shopper. you have lots of time yet. I used one in House of Fraser years ago after my ds was born, she was brilliant, kitted me out from top to toe and did all the leg work, just kept bringing me outfits.

I'm only a couple of years younger than you, and I just bought a "black tie" dress from Phase 8. I'm not suggesting you want a black tie dress, but Phase 8 seem to fit the gap between muttony and frumpy, and also fit me well.

Phase 8 and Monsoon were my first thoughts. Also House of Fraser.

Ted Baker, Hobbs, Jigsaw

Dd got married last year. I went to John Lewis and had a personal shopper. I was a young 48 too and wore Hobbs.

I'm getting married in September and spend most of my time looking at occasion wear for my mum and bridesmaids! John Lewis currently have some bargains by Adrianna papell, Gina bacconi, phase 8, jacques vert and the same goes for Debenhams and house of Fraser.

If you want a typically mother of the groom outfit then all the bridal ships have a section.

You will absolutely pay through the nose for this though

I'd blow the budget and go to these two. I've seen their stuff worn by a couple of mother of the brides and they both looked stunning.

charlotteandjane.com

I'm embarrassed to say I was thinking about this only today even though my son is barely an adult and there's no sign of a partner.

Anyway I decided I would try and bag some Vivienne Westwood from the Outnet or possibly a touch of judiciously chosen 50s or 60s vintage.

Forever Unique are amazing but mucho pennies

Yes phase eight, John Lewis, Monsoon and Hobbs are all on my list, forgot about Jigsaw! I'm going to look at charlotteandjane now.
Definitely don't want typical mother of the groom outfit as they tend to all look a bit "old" for me.

Personal shopper is a very good idea actually.

Just checked out charlotteandjane, stunning dresses!!

Karen Millen, though I also like Phase Eight.

www.adolfodominguez.com/uk/

Some things on here are fancy! I love Adolfo Dominguez. Great quality.

Debenhams or tkmaxx

Jacques Vert can be OK (and Précis if you aren't tall in my case)

I'm 47, and if had a suitable occasion and a budget around £200 I'd look for 2nd hand Vivienne Westwood on ebay.