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Original poster

Help! Parisian wedding.

352 replies

Xiaoxiong · 07/05/2019 09:32

My DBro is getting married in Paris to wonderful and impossibly gorgeous French SIL. I love them both but they and all their friends are very image conscious. I always feel like a giant pale galumphing hippo when I am over there and unfortunately I can't hide this time. There is no way I won't stand out like a sore thumb among their slender tanned petite friends so I am thinking instead try to go very fashion forward (which they will all recognise and appreciate, SIL reads French Vogue cover to cover every month). Like some kind of mad jumpsuit or giant Villanelle pink tulle dress or something.

Unfortunately very fashion forward seems to be made for sample size people and I'm 5'6", 11st, short waist, big bust and wobbly belly but good legs and relatively good arms. Looking through fashion editorials for ideas has terrified me (like this - eek: www.theguardian.com/fashion/gallery/2019/may/05/rainbow-warrior-bold-colours-for-spring)

Any suggestions? Budget up to £800 for the whole outfit.

My usual style is more along the lines of cigarette trousers, striped top, blazer and converse...

OP posts:
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Ninkaninus · 09/05/2019 09:36

Good luck!

notasgreenasiamcabbagelooking · 09/05/2019 09:42

In case the Westwood is no good I tried this on the other day to wear to a Spanish wedding and it was rather fab. I'm a curvy 10-12 and the 38 was too big so I'm sure a 40 would fit you. They didn't have a smaller size in the shop and in the end I found something else. www.skfk-ethical-fashion.com/es/mono-largo-alizia Looks better with the top few buttons undone.

Ninkaninus · 09/05/2019 09:53

Will you be going out today to do a try on session?

(Not desperate for more vicarious dress up at all! Wink)

WokenUp · 09/05/2019 10:44

Ooh ooh what about this one

Help! Parisian wedding.
Original poster
Xiaoxiong · 09/05/2019 11:20

I love the colour of that but I'm not great with high necks/boat necks? I always feel like it makes my boobs look like the jutting prow of a ship, there's just sooo much fabric up there...

nink I'm probably heading into town for a lunchtime try-on sesh.

Also, this thread is also giving me ads down the side for "clothing for the menopause" GrinGrinGrin

OP posts:
Original poster
Xiaoxiong · 09/05/2019 14:14

Ok chaps I promised you the good, the bad and the ugly so here we go. Phase Eight first.

Help! Parisian wedding.
Help! Parisian wedding.
Help! Parisian wedding.
OP posts:
Ninkaninus · 09/05/2019 14:21

Oh I really like the second one! Green is one of my favourite colours, and I think it’s a little more interesting than navy.

Original poster
Xiaoxiong · 09/05/2019 14:22

For some reason the app isn't letting me upload the last 3 pictures but I can describe them - a wrap dress that bared my boobs (the whole shebang), a truly depressing and cheap Monsoon horror, and a jumpsuit in French Connection where I could have climbed out of the armholes and had a swim in each leg and yet it still didn't cover my boobs.

I am pinning my hopes on the VW (possibly needing to return and order a size up) but I think the first navy Phase Eight one is reasonable? It fit my boobs and my waist at least. Especially if I Audrey Hepburn it up with heels and hair and red lipstick. I also have a Bombshell dress coming which may work.

OP posts:
Ninkaninus · 09/05/2019 14:22

But the navy one is a lovely design too, and suits you very well. Which one do you like best?

Ninkaninus · 09/05/2019 14:24

I think the design of the first one is much nicer than the second one. And I think you could definitely make it look really elegant with a pinch of British punch to go with it. Maybe a fabulous hat in a bright colour?

Ninkaninus · 09/05/2019 14:29

I’d buy that navy one as insurance in case the VW isn’t right. And if you end up going with the navy one I would totally buy myself a fabulous bag with the remainder of your budget. Something like this:

www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/mini-hat-box-bag-in-deep-shine-amber-small-croc

Orange would be my definite first choice. Purple, Teal or Red as other possibilities (but I sometimes feel red is a little bit cliched with navy).

Original poster
Xiaoxiong · 09/05/2019 14:31

Ok I have bought the first one, the navy. The green one is almost hilariously comfortable, like a heavy stretchy green sack (a good sack!), but I fear it lacks the structure/scaffolding I need.

I'm thinking I could accessorise it with bright red lips and shoes? Or maybe snakeskin?

I will pit it against the VW and the Bombshell shirt dress when they arrive!!

OP posts:
Ninkaninus · 09/05/2019 14:39

In my head I would do navy/white hat (do people wear hats to weddings in France? If not I guess that’s one less thing to buy!), the orange bag I linked to, plus gold shoes to match the hardware on the bag.

Gonegrey31 · 09/05/2019 14:39

I really like the navy one, it is elegant and looks fabulous on you. Simple and chic. Try silver shoes with great make up?

Elllllle · 09/05/2019 14:41

I totally love your shoes!

Ninkaninus · 09/05/2019 14:42

Red shoes would obviously go, but I tend to avoid with navy. That’s just a personal thing, though - I think it looks great but it’s just such a classic pairing that I prefer to avoid, just to mix it up a little.

Definitely a red lip to go with it though!

Silver shoes would look lovely. Purple, pink or orange also looks great with navy.

I would also happily do leopard print shoes. Red bag.

Original poster
Xiaoxiong · 09/05/2019 14:50

Elle I love my shoes too but unfortunately they are also navy! I will try and find some in the same shape though, pointy stilettos. I take the point about red and navy being v predictable and I LOVE that orange bag!!

I don't think a hat is really the done thing at a French wedding but I kind of want to wear one anyway. Or a fascinator. How about coral? https://www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2713072c316/orange-bow-fascinator-orange?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI88WuvsuO4gIVQyjTCh36lw8yEAQYBiABEgJgzPDBwE

OP posts:
Ninkaninus · 09/05/2019 14:52

I think navy shoes would be just fine, actually, as long as you go for something bright and a proper ‘pop’ with your other accessories.

Elllllle · 09/05/2019 14:58

@Xiaoxiong where are they from? Are they comfy? And do they come in any other colours?!

Smellbow · 09/05/2019 15:12

That first dress is a nice shape, glad you got that one. I still have my fingers crossed for the VW. I don't think I've seen many hats at French weddings, but do what makes you happy!

Starbonnet123 · 09/05/2019 15:14

Love the navy , its a beautiful shape on you

Trumpton · 09/05/2019 15:15

The “ suggestions to go with “ on the phase 8 website look bang on !

HERE

It looks wonderful on you .

Help! Parisian wedding.
Elllllle · 09/05/2019 15:16

Nope to the hat. It's a very British thing to wear hats to weddings, I think you will feel out of place.

Starbonnet123 · 09/05/2019 15:19

M&s have some gorgeous orange sandals that you might possibly like , i cant find the link though