Mother of the Groom

[Grandadwasthatyou]

My ds is getting married in a hot country at the beginning of June and I am dreading outfit shopping. It doesn't help that the mother of the bride is petite, slim and stylish and bought her outfit months ago.
I have been putting it off as despite my best efforts I can't lose any more weight. So I have resigned myself to the fact I am going to have to do my best with what I've got. Which is a 5'4 barrel, size 20 with a fat tummy. Am blonde, blue eyed with not bad legs. Will pay up to about £250, which is still a lot for me as I am not normally a dressy person, much prefer dressing for dog walking in the woods!

Long or short dress?

I would wait a few weeks until the Spring?summer collections are out and perhaps try somewhere like Phase Eight
Does this sort of dress appeal? ( it can come with a matching jacket)

Short dress.
The Phase eight dress is gorgeous but I have no confidence in anything tight and fitted as all you will see is my big fat tummy!

Have a look at Chesca on the John Lewis website? I love the shape of them.

I'd make an appointment at either a big department store or one of those independent specialist MOTB type shops and get them to help you pick lots of things to try on.

Or how about a Bombshell dress they are really flattering and go up to 22

here are some real people wearing those bombshell dresses . As you can see they look good on all shapes and sizes

Poetry Fashion go up to size 22. Not much in the sale but there might be more coming along in the next few weeks. Their dresses can be quite flattering for larger sizes. Some designs would be too casual but I think good jewellery and shoes would help a decent dress.

www.jacques-vert.co.uk/lace-and-chiffon-dress-a41cc5

not available in your size but it is a popular MOB style, it might just hide all the right spots.

My mum sounds similar and for my wedding she wore a silk skirt suit that she got quite cheap and spent about £100 having it tailored to fit, she looked amazing. I think the tailoring was key though, they got the jacket to nip in and smooth over in just the right places without making her look like she was as wide as her widest place if you see what I mean.

Have looked at the Bombshell site. The dresses look amazing. And I particularly like how you can see real women wearing the dresses. Their returns policy looks quite straightforward too.
The Jacques Vert dress...love the way your tummy would be partially covered, shame it's an ivory colour, a little bit too close to the bride's colour I think.
Keep the ideas coming. I've just no confidence when choosing " grown up" clothes.

I would second, going to a large John Lewis and having a personal shopper help you.
A friend of mine, with a similar problem, did and she looked fabulous at her daughter’s wedding.
The experience was so good that she bought a second out fit for another family event.

Going to go slightly against the grain here... there’s no style a MOG/B should wear.

What kind of styles do you like to wear? You say trousers etc for dog walking. How about a beautifully cut trouser suit? With a silk camisole or blouse?

I always prefer to see people dressed in a way that looks natural, as opposed to what they think they should wear.

Laska2meryls, thank you for the mention of Bombshell. I hadn't heard of them before but, having had a look at their website, they have exactly the kind of dresses that would suit me.
I've saved it to my "favourites" ready for when DS1 and his fiancée name a date.
Good luck with your hunt, Grandadwasthatyou.

Agree with SinglePringle
Especially if overseas, you can wear whatever you feel good in and dress up with eg fabulous jewellery. Something light and loose and bohemian would be my go to.

Thank you all for your different suggestions.
I feel a lot more confident now and will start my search in earnest next week.

Take yourself off to a specialist MOB shop. Tell them your requirements and budget and they will find you something wonderful.

I love he pictures of real women wearing the Bombshell dresses. They all look so happy!

Personally I would avoid all the Mother of Bride (or in your case, son) dress and jacket combo’s, just frumpy in my opinion. Dress and coats are elegant, as are dresses and pashminas. I like Issa at House of Fraser have a look they have beautiful dresses and accessories.

Oh those Bombshell dresses are gorgeous and I'm not a 'dress' person!! 😀

Agree with pp who said the photos of real women wearing them look amazing, so happy - great to see.