One day to get a wedding outfit - where to go?

[Wanda354]

I am getting into panic mode now. Am going to a wedding in under 2 weeks and still have no dress. Have bought and returned 3. I am planning to take a day off work to go shopping to find something, and can't decide where to go. I live in the south east so one option is Bicester Village. Alternatively I could go into London.

Have already been all round my home town, which has the usual range of High Street shops (Reiss, Jigsaw, French Connection, House of Fraser, Debenhams, Whistles) and found nothing suitable/flattering. Reiss is too work-y, Jigsaw doesn't have anything smart enough, ditto French Connection, House of Fraser all just a bit boring. I returned the dress I found on The Outnet as it just didn't look nice on me. It was this one.

If any of you S&B ladies feel inclined to suggest anything, I'm in my 40s, size 12 with a bit of a tummy and big boobs. So I steer away from anything too clingy but nor do I want to wear a sack! I'd just like to find a nice midi dress in a fabric that doesn't stick to me.

Bicester Village I feel could be great but then sometimes I go there and find nothing at all. London I would definitely find something but possibly not in my price range (which is £250 or less), as have already looked in all the chain stores. Help!

Book a personal shopper at one of the big department stores, they are a free service with no obligation to buy, but it is soooo much more effective than browsing yourself

Go to Oxford st - you have your pick of department stores.

I'd go to London too - I found one a couple of weekends ago in John Lewis.

London it is. Have always fancied the idea of the personal shopper but also quite scared of being pressured into buying something I don't really feel comfortable in, or can't really afford.

They honestly don't pressure you. And just like any other purchase, if you really struggled you can return it

I was skeptics but it was fab

Much as I love BV, you cannot go there with a particular dress/outfit in mind because the one you love won't be in your size! However I would look at the sales. You have Oxford Street but also nice stores like Fenwick in Bond Street and St Christopher's Place just off Oxford Street for a bit of an alternative. I would definitely hit Selfridges as it has so much choice. LK Bennett will have great wedding wear and their sale is on. Ditto Hobbs. You could also go to Westfield in Shepherds Bush. There is a lot to choose from in air conditioned comfort!