Formal wedding outfit for teenagers

[MirrorrorriM]

We are going to a wedding in early October which is very formal. Dress code is full morning suits and hats for everyone, no bare shoulders, skirts that are too short etc. It's a no kids wedding so as my DDs (13 & 15) are invited then this code applies to them.

As my two live in H&M leggings this is rather out of their comfort zones. Also the weather is totally unpredictable at that time of year so they will need a matching coat or jacket as well.

I really don't know where to start. Can anyone help? No idea as to budget but want something good quality.

Sorry forgot to add key likes / dislikes:

DD1 likes vintage (but unfussy styles not 1950s swing skirts, frills etc). She quite likes lace.

DD2 hates long sleeved dresses and prefers body con or skater style dresses but these often tend to come up quite short.

Both very slim but still quite short. Both hate heels too and would far prefer to wear trainers.

Have you tried Misguided? They tend to have younger styles and s variety from tight and clingy to long and floaty.

Any of these?

Start with Next and look at their wedding guest selection for ideas. Some of the Lipsy dresses are pretty and age appropriate.
John Lewis and Debenhams have a good range of brands.

Look for petite styles for a good fit though.

I struggle with Missguided. Quality is variable and (for this occasion) the dresses are either too short or too low cut. That blue dress is good but I think they won't like the length.

Annoyingly they hate Ted Baker which I hoped would sort us all out.

How about renting? Eg Hire street, or rent the runway for v fancy. You’ll get more dress for the money, and at those ages bought clothes would probably only get the one wear.

None of those dresses are suitable for for a formal wedding. OP try John Lewis for dresses and suit jackets (plus great hats) and surprisingly ASOS might be best for a teen. You can filter by dress and sleeve length.

How about something like that ASOS dress currently being discussed in AIBU (but NOT the very pale one obviously )?

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-lace-long-sleeve-prom-dress-with-cut-out/prd/11221488?CTAref=We+Recommend+Carousel_4&featureref1=we+recommend+pers

If you scroll down on that link, there's a darker pink one without the cut-out

Try quiz or Debenhams, the personal shopper service is good

@StCharlotte

Not showing that to dd, she'll want it, it's gorgeous

Ooh @StCharlotte you deserve your sainthood. DD1 (very particular tastes) loves the pink dress you suggested. Have bought that. What shoes might you suggest. She has some black heels that might be ok. As it's October the option for open toed / peep toe shoes is limited.

Gosh that's gratifying!

Espadrilles: www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/1132590?gclsrc=aw.ds&cm_mmc=Google-ProductSearch-UK--c--NAP_EN_UK_PLA--NAP%C2%A0-%C2%A0UK%C2%A0-%C2%A0GS%C2%A0-+Designer+-+Class_Shoes+-+Type_Espadrilles%C2%A0-%C2%A0High%C2%A0-%C2%A0CSS--Espadrilles+-+Wedges_INTL&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2cumhbKW5AIVA7TtCh1dIAxOEAQYASABEgLvgvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Block Heels: www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_068010421405_-1

Flats:

www.chichiclothing.com/chi-chi-brodie-shoes/

Higher Heels (the platform would keep her out of puddles )
www.newlook.com/uk/womens/footwear/shoes/sandals/pink-suedette-cross-strap-high-vamp-heels/p/623678270?comp=Browse

Hopefully these are in the right - or at least a toning - shade of pink.

I personally wouldn't bother with a coat/jacket as I doubt early October would be that cold (famous last words!) - just make sure you have a brolly and/or a weather app to hand...

Vivienne of Holloway for you daughter who like vintage... 1950s pencil dress or daring. Or try top vintage.

Omg @StCharlotte that dress is SO gorgeous! ASOS owe you one, I bet a fair few mumsnetters have bought it!

😍😍😍

What about these for DD2? Tried to stick with either a pencil shape or fit and flare/skater shape as much as possible...

www.asos.com/chi-chi-london/chi-chi-london-premium-lace-midi-dress-with-cap-sleeve-in-navy/prd/8033887?clr=navy-navy&colourWayId=15374518&SearchQuery=&cid=13934

www.johnlewis.com/damsel-in-a-dress-fluted-hem-lace-overlay-dress-bright-purple/p3657268

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-laura-floral-print-dress-pine-multi/p3847367

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_63411+L15279C1A_-1

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_54510+205510832_-1

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_54510+206924119_-1

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_54510+206754911_-1

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_54510+206912107_-1

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_54510+205128287_-1

Thank you @honeycrumpet I love some of those but DD2 is a tough nut to crack it seems. 😩

Shoes-wise they could absolutely get away with ballet pumps

No worries! What colours does she like? Does she tend to wear patterned or plain tops normally? Would she go for something with a large floral print on, for example, or is that a complete no no?

Ooh this is beautiful, but is a jumpsuit appropriate for a formal wedding? www.little-mistress.com/little-mistress-tara-navy-floral-embroidery-jumpsuit-p10719

Or these! Can you tell I'm having fun?!

www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-5699972/dresses-for-weddings-2958987/showcase-mulberry-thalia-midi-dress-8962805

www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-5699972/dresses-for-weddings-2958987/chi-chi-london-pink-floral-print-dip-hem-skater-dress-8266798

Oh you are kind. Glad you're having fun coz I'm so over it!! 😩🤣

I love both of those DP dresses. Let's see what her majesty says later.

Hold The Front Page!!!

DD2 likes the burgundy dress. Have bought it before she changes her mind. Let's hope it looks nice and we've cracked it. Thanks so much!!

Phew! Fingers crossed they like them when they try them on

For your daughter who likes vintage could Lindy Bop or Lady Vintage - they have a wide range of different styles of retro dresses in different patterns.