What do you think of this MOTB outfit?

[LookingForward2020]

Hi. Please help. Looking for a wedding outfit for my mother. Does this look ok?

www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/nightingales-lace-dress-and-jacket/aj685/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=1021#colour:Silver%20Grey,size:

Thanks

... oh dear. Apologies to anyone over 80! I know there are some stylish older women.

If I were you I'd put the JD WIlliams number in the desperation alley box, OP, and search for a floaty chiffony dress that will skim over any lumps/bumps and team it with a classic waist length ivory/cream jacket.

Take a look on eBay for Monsoon or a Fenn Wright Manson silk number (the latter might not fit if your dm is nearer a 20 than an 18) or similar.

Roman Originals had a number of reasonably priced summer dresses but unfortunately you've missed the sales and they're into the winter season, although I did find this www.romanoriginals.co.uk/lace-top-overlay-pleated-dress-14040545
and this jacket could be teamed with a suitable summer weight dress: www.romanoriginals.co.uk/rochette-smart-jacket-15000046#

The Phase Eight corded lace number doesn't even look good on the model and I can't imagine it suiting anyone in real life. The Ralph Lauren Zada number is not suitable for a summer wedding but, in any event, only goes up to size 14.

As the wedding isn't until July there's no rush and I suggest you start searching in earnest next March/April when the new season's stock of summer dresses hits the rails.

I buy from JDW, and I have something i lace and it is really cheap lace.

Have you looked on ebay? You can get some really nice stuff for a fraction of the original price. You can also get very 1980s MOTB outfits so be selective.

I quite like this, it is MOTB but less Jaques Vert.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DRESS-and-Jacket-SUIT-Size-18-Mother-Of-The-Bride-Wedding-C403/264495056782?hash=item3d9522478e:g:dI4AAOSwE-pdoCP~

It's a back up I guess but I think just that.

Would your mum do personal shopping somewhere if you went with her?

For ,y DDs recent wedding she took me to John !ewis and made me try on a gazillion outfits! I'm a size 16, 5' 2" and nearly 60. I ended up with a floral jumpsuit in a 70s style with block heeled sandals. I loved it and felt very comfortable in it all day.

No 80 year old I know dresses like that.

OP You’ve missed the sales so really won’t find a good choice of Summer clothes until next Spring. Is it really necessary to buy something now?

You could have a look at Marina Rinaldi - but I’m not sure they have much formal Summer wedding stuff right now. I’ve looked through Matches sale for you but there’s nothing remotely suitable at a similar price right now, all the good sale stock has gone!

This, from The Outnet might be perfect if they had an 18 (US size 14) in stock. It’s a less formal shape than your suggestion but the lovely fabric makes it very suitable for a formal event. DVF would be a good brand to keep in mind though.

one of my friends who is nearly 60 wore a Bombshell dress to her daughters wedding and looked fabulous. She is a size 10 but I think the style also looks fine on someone larger.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the outfit (only I don’t like those shoes personally).

Given your mother is size 18, doesn’t want arms showing, it’ll be hot and in fancy hotel - this impacts your options

Good page on Pinterest for mother of the bride and had these options similar to your photo so I think you’re on the right track

It's hideous.

That dress is cream Adore, not ideal for the MOTB.

I agree with PPs who say look in the spring, there aren’t going to be dresses for summer for sale in the lead up to Christmas.

I don't mind the grey but will be v hot probably as it is man made fibre.
There are inependent dress shops near me and they have all their summer wedding stock by April at the latest. They start getting them Feb. So I would check with local shops or JL when they'll have stuff in and go then.
Something with a floaty short sleeve would be good - I kept the jacket on over my mob outfit as didn't want to show flabby arms.

I like that outfit... I’m 41 my daughter is getting married and I was looking at similar styles...
The only thing I don’t like about it is the cut of the jacket but may better suit age 60.

The jacket is polyester so will feel horrible and sweaty in a hot country

If you want to eBay then look for 1647 - it was a company set up by Dawn French and her friend

Anyway the clothes were amazing sadly they have stopped trading since May but you might find some outfits on eBay

You could go to Evans but make sure the dress and jacket are cotton (or maybe linen although that creases really easily) but not polyester

I agree with others a floaty dress with sleeves (short or elbow length) would be much more comfortable for a hot wedding

Does she want to wear a hat?

If you do look up 1647 then check the sizes on their own website cos they go 1-6

How about something like this from Biden? www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/hazel-midi-dress-highland-green-safari/sty-w0396-grn?cat=C1_S2_G4

V neck, floaty...

What is her body type? Apple, pear or hourglass? Is she top heavy or bottom heavy?

and this one from Boden. Have a look at their website as they have some nice clothes on there.

I really really like the ebay dress and a great price . But then I wouldn’t / couldn’t bring myself to wear any of the others pictured .
I am more of an old hippy than that .
What does your mum normally wear ?
I am 67 and wear jumpsuits and harem trousers with longer tops or even floaty dresses .
Flat boots or shoes .
Take what she is comfy in and jazz it up . I agree to be careful about the fabric .

Soontobe60 - that looks really lovely. Absolutely hate the pastel lace dresses.

for mother of the bride and had these options similar to your photo so I think you’re on the right track

But Adore the point being made (by me and others) is that the idea of a specific genre of Mother of the Bride clothing (aimed at some mythical late middle aged crone with zero taste or sense of individual style) is deeply outdated and insulting.

Women of 60 (and of course a MOTB could be any age that’s a generation older than her daughter) are doctors, barristers, guitarists, astrophysicists, opera singers, dog walkers, sculptors, writers, shop assistants - not one isolated group at whom to throw colourless polyester because they don’t know any better.

It also depends on her body shape and colouring. I was at a hot wedding this year and your DM does not want to be wearing a jacket if it’s very hot. Will she wear a hat? A dress which cover the arms would be better. Gina bacconi at John Lewis does this style and they have a sale on. Lots more on their website

www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-keena-beaded-dress-:pink/p4039092

www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-elenia-sequin-flared-dress-multi/p4143130

www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-annie-embroidered-dress-pink-red/p4085103

www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-nilani-cape-sleeve-dress/soft-mint/p4085202

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-eden-floral-dress-almond/p4083219

@LookingForward2020

Could you post a photo of your mum in her favourite outfit that he likes and feels comfy in?

You could put a huge  over her face so it doesn't identify her online

Or just cut the photo so it doesn't show her face or other people etc

That way we can see what kind of things your mum likes to wear so it will be easier to find something flattering and that will suit her but also similar to her normal wardrobe - then it will be your mum as opposed to a generic MOTB iyswim

• she likes

And there was supposed to be a SMILEY face so you could hide her face

What shape is she and what colours suit her (warm / cold etc) please?

PS: yes, that outfit is dated and I don't like it.

That bombshell website is fab. Never heard of them before. If your budget allows, would your mum be up for a trip to London to their hq to get fitted and find something - the reviews on their website have some fab pictures of mob's