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Original poster

Elegant but flattering dress for a wedding guest?

117 replies

AnotherEmma · 08/05/2019 14:19

Help! I'm going to 2 weddings this year (May and September) and I need a new dress but I don't know where to start Confused

The problem is that I'm 33 and curvy and I want an elegant dress that isn't too MOTB...

Here's the brief:

  • Needs to fit a curvy hourglass with 32GG boobs and a bum to match (dress size usually 14, depending on fit)
  • Neckline not too high or low (due to boobs), ideally a shallow scoop or v neck
  • Length on/below the knee
  • Ideally with sleeves
  • Colour: not cream/white or black, obviously (as it's a wedding), and I prefer strong colours to pastels.
  • Budget: ideally not more than £150 but would consider going above it for The One

I really want to avoid looking frumpy and matronly (always a risk with the boobs)... the look I'm going for is elegant and stylish if at all possible, but I fear I'm looking for a unicorn...

Can the stylistas of Mumsnet help, please?!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
17
Waterlemon · 09/05/2019 22:59

Thanks for the recommendation- I’m always looking at that website but have never ordered from there.

Yumi are often too short for me, but the green one looks like it might be an ok (I’m 5’7)

Waterlemon · 09/05/2019 23:03

@xiao
What colour is your dress - looks really lovely on you!
Monsoon has something similar in red. (But wrong shade of red for my colouring sadly)

GeneandFred · 09/05/2019 23:03

8thsign.com/

Try these, I keep see them on Instagram.

Verite1 · 09/05/2019 23:04

AnotherEmma - I tried on that Reiss dress in blue and it is beautiful and really flattering. I Dont normally like high necks because of the matronly thing (big bust as well) but that wasn’t the case at all. i am waiting until it goes in the sale then going to snap it up (if not sold out).

Xiaoxiong · 09/05/2019 23:23

Thanks!! I like it and should be able to get quite a bit of wear out of it over the next few years. It's a dark navy blue. I think it would look good on you too OP!!

Original poster
AnotherEmma · 09/05/2019 23:32

Link pretty please?

OP posts:
LellyMcKelly · 09/05/2019 23:33

Have you tried Lindybop or vivienneofholloway? Both vintage looks but you can find stuff that’s not too ‘vintagey’ and go great with boobs. This is a knockout.

www.lindybop.co.uk/io-red-swing-dress.html

Original poster
AnotherEmma · 09/05/2019 23:36

Sorrel, Shirley and Verite
You have all persuaded me - three unanimous votes for the Reiss dress! Couldn't decide which colour so I've ordered both to try.

My credit card hasn't been blocked by the fraud team yet, it's only a matter of time Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
AnotherEmma · 09/05/2019 23:44

Xaio
Found it. Looks way better on you than the model!
www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/all-dresses/ellis-fit-&-flare-dress/205332351

Fabulous for a wedding in France but I think it's a bit dark for a May wedding in England.

OP posts:
SorrelForbes · 10/05/2019 00:23

Verite1 there is 10% off until midnight Friday. The dress is hardly in any stores now in certain sizes (there's more left in red) and I've struggled to get hold of it in my size! One of the SA phones around for me and found 1 left.

ILikeyourHairyHands · 10/05/2019 04:10

No! I've worn navy for the last ten weddings I've been to, including my own!

Navy is fine!!

ILikeyourHairyHands · 10/05/2019 04:31

Navy wedding dress.

Elegant but flattering dress for a wedding guest?
spreadingchestnuttree · 10/05/2019 04:44

@Xiaoxiong op is right - that dress does look better on you than the model. I wouldn't have looked twice at it based on the website photos.

GoBrookeYourself · 10/05/2019 05:00

@LaurieFairyCake could you link to that Jenny packham dress please? I love it!

Verite1 · 10/05/2019 07:36

Oh no - I left it too late and the blue has sold out in my size now. ☹️

absolutehush · 10/05/2019 07:54

Oh and this one, but I suspect this is waaay off spec: www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/greta-gingham-dress?category=dresses&color=038&type=REGULAR

Original poster
AnotherEmma · 10/05/2019 09:15

HairyHands
That's a black and white photo Grin

Verite
Are you a size 14 by any chance? If so and I don't like the blue I'd be happy to send it to you. Or just keep an eye on the website as it might come back in stock.

OP posts:
Original poster
AnotherEmma · 10/05/2019 21:44

absolutehush
Thanks, I was going to look through the Anthropologie dresses and report back but the website seems to be down 🤦🏻‍♀️

OP posts:
Curlypop · 10/05/2019 22:21

How do you buy from jolie moi? It wants me to register a account but wants business info... @WildFlower2019

Original poster
AnotherEmma · 10/05/2019 22:49

absolutehush
Ok so I can now confirm that I like Anthropologie Smile Lovely dresses and unusual prints.
Out of the dresses you shared, my fave is the first one (Kachel Thea Floral Dress) but I don't think the colour/print would suit me.
I like these two but they're out of stock in my size Sad
Faithfull Jeanne Midi Dress
Upala Floral Print Midi Dress

OP posts:
WildFlower2019 · 11/05/2019 07:05

@Curlypop you're not on their trade site are you? I don't even know if they have one... but that would explain why they need business details.

I can't remember having to do anything differently than normal. I will have just clicked "checkout as guest" and filled all the usual billing and shipping info on, I'm sure?

Sorry I can't be more help x

ThankYouDebbie · 11/05/2019 07:06

You can buy Jolie Moi from John Lewis.

Curlypop · 11/05/2019 10:16

Managed it @WildFlower2019 thanks. It just doesn't work on a phone.
Thanks for sharing that site. Lots of lovely things.

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