Please help me find something for son's wedding.

[mumblechum0]

So, my darling 23 year old baby son is getting married in August. The wedding will be in a teepee in a field, so think wildflowers/poss sitting on haybales/poss rainy & muddy - you see why I'm nervous....

I think DIL to be is thinking of a purple theme, but not sure whether that means bluey or reddy end of the purple spectrum.

So I need to find something suitably dressy, but not necessarily high heels & hat dressy iykwim.

Ideally in purple.

I'm a large 12, 5 foot 4, not bad torso (hourglass) but my downfall is my arms which are about the size of most people's entire bodies. I really don't want them on show.

Also I'm 55 so can't wear anything too muttony. Hair is just past shoulders, darkish with highlights. May or may not wear a hat or fascinator. I also like wearing my hair high up.

So darling S&B people, please can you help me find:
A dress/dress & jacket combo
OR (if not too unconventional) a really nice trouser suit
Plus accessories. Would silver be a good thing to wear with purple??

Any advise much appreciated.

[Shockers]

Love those first two, Lady! The second one would look gorgeous with a wrap. I’m tempted myself, for my niece’s wedding.

[Shockers]

Oh my gosh, that website is ace! I love this one...

[EggsonHeads]

What about one of these paired with a really nice jacket? Wedge heels are a good shoe option. When we were at school we were always told to opt for wedge heels when we were invited to formal events that involved lawns. Lots of good stuff on eBay-it's always better to spend little on the dress and more on the accessories. You have more control over the look that way.

[EggsonHeads]

Found one with sleeves

[EggsonHeads]

Or this one of you want something brighter

[Gonegrey31]

What about a nehru coat from Shibumistyle ?worn over some floaty trousers and a camisole. Glorious range of silk colours and prints to choose from.

[SchoolNightWine]

I adore the grey trouser suit! Where is it from?

[Shockers]

Those jackets are beautiful Gonegrey.

[mumblechum0]

GoneGrey I absolutely love those jackets!,

[goose1964]

This? You could easily get a jacket to go with it uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.2/3433671912?itemAddedToBasket=true&basketPageLabel=basket

[Christmascardqueen]

ohhhh the Hobbs website does have some lovely formalish dresses that would look lovely at an outdoor tent ceremony.

[weaselwords]

Nancy Mac have got loads of purple. I’d quite like to waft around a field in this www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/midnight-mermaid/products/leila-dress-in-emerald-and-blackcurrant-lace

[kaytee87]

I wouldn't wear the wedding colour unless DIL has asked you to. We might end up with a 'MIL wore the same colour as my bridesmaids to my wedding, even though I told her that was the colour' thread on AIBU Id also avoid the same colour as the MOTB.

What colour is your hair, eyes and what's your skin tone? I'm thinking pink or blue would tone nicely with purple (depending what shade of purple)

[kaytee87]

https://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/hobbs-tea-rose-dress/d875593.pd#286651409

https://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/hobbs-penny-dress/d867560.pd#284602315

[weaselwords]

Those Shibumi Style jackets are making me drool. Very expensive though. Has anyone got one?

[Zapdos]

www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/berries-roses-and-violets/products/gabrielle-dress-in-purple-candy-floral-silk-cotton-1

Lovely!

[mumblechum0]

Thanks ladies! OK so I've ordered this:
On the ipad when I ordered it it looked purply, now on the lap top it's more a navy. I think I'll call the supplier today and ask for a swatch, as it isn't cheap.
Thinking of teaming it with a pinky/lilac shift dress, and try to get shoes to match either the jacket or dress.
Thanks so much for linking to Shibumi, I love all their stuff!

[BoredOnMatLeave]

I would go with something blue or pink as kaytee suggested. Everyone I know who has told their MIL the colour scheme so that they wouldn't wear that colour and look like an extra bridesmaid. Maybe best to check with bride.

[mumblechum0]

Good call Bored! I guess the main thing s that I don't wear something which will clash. Or be black. Or white

[Gonegrey31]

Hi OP, I am so pleased you like the jackets. Shibumi’s customer service is excellent so ask for swatches before making your final choice . I have 2 of the Nehru coats, both in the wool/silk mix fabric ( it is very light weight), one in a turquoise, the other a beautiful grey/silver shade ( matches my grey hair). Both prompt so many compliments!

[partypooper40]

Try Gina Bacconi ginabacconi.com/mother-of-the-bride.html?p=3

[oliveoil54]

Would definitely suggest matching separates, then you can layer depending on the weather, especially if it’s going to have an outside element. Will also depend on size of Tepee and whether if weather is good they open it up to the out doors. Sitting on hay bales is not the most conducive to being comfortable and looking elegant. Would suggest if you get on well with DIL ask her advice, or at least how they envision the whole wedding to look like. Agree would definitely avoid purple unless DIL wants most main members to have some element of the colour? Unless your pencil slim avoid really tailored outfits esp if you are sitting on hay bales. I wore Jaques Vert tailored two piece for my DDs wedding and heels which although elegant (I usually wear flats and trousers) felt very restricted. Plus it was boiling hot all day, so the tailored jacket - which hid a number of faults had to come off, and a few glasses of champagne later I wasn’t too bothered what I looked like, till I saw some of the wedding photos taken later on - not quite as elegant as before, but hey ho did have a brilliant day and it’s really about your DS and DIL anyway. I did take a pair of light flat comfy shoes for the dancing and was v glad I did. If you do go for the tailored smart look, would def suggest taking a more relaxed floaty type outfit, so you can chill out once photos and formal stuff is over. But most of all just enjoy the day, it usually only happens once. My DS got married in a wedding barn, which had 2 heating problems - was boiling for everyone up and dancing, so doors were opened to cool down, which left non dancers and older folk quite cool esp later on, so emphasis on layering aspect of your outfit. Their wedding was in May and although we had a glorious day it had been wet and cold previously and most of us ladies wearing heels spent most of the day either standing lopsided as we gradually sank into the ground, holding onto partner for balance. Or going bare footed - was a wee bit cool under foot but far less irritating, wish I’d taken spare pair of comfy shoes that don’t have a heel which will sink!

[mumblechum0]

Good point Olive, I'm thinking maybe 2 pairs of shoes and a wrap too, we're walking distance from the hotel so I may even change for the evening into something more relaxed and with dancing shoes. Still looking at some of the things pp have linked to, I love that Nancy dress which Weasel linked to; again very "me". Good incentive to lose that half stone which has been hanging around for far too long!

[oliveoil54]

If it’s only 1/2 a stone your lucky! Dress looks lovely and not too purple, plus when standing up and in heels will look elegant and slimming. However what will it look like when your sitting down? Which you will be for quite some time and they will be taking lots of photos and probably being on top table, you will be on view quite a bit, especially during the speeches, will you be able to relax in it? It was far too hot to wear my jacket for meal and speeches, so spent quite a lot of time trying to sit up straight and pull in tummy, not the most relaxed or comfortable position! Plus you may be sat on a hay bale?

[weaselwords]

You are going to look great!