Sister of the groom

[SaintEyning]

Being honest, I have no idea what to wear. Last time I got dolled up (this will be outing!) I wore a skinny long sleeve black poloneck and a huge extra pouffy (tulle underskirts) pocketed lilac neoprene skirt with doc marten boots and an awesome necklace. I’d love to wear that again but don’t think that will cut it with SIL to be as she’s very feminine and traditional. Other than that sort of outfit, I like really structured things - so big shoulders, tulip shape skirts, heavy embroidery / embellishment. Have reasonable legs so v happy to wear a short skirt and heels.

So here’s me: young looking 42 (new colleagues have kindly said I look 35, whatever that means!). 5 foot 7, 60 kilos (9 and a half stone?). Hair is golden brown with a few greys now. Navy blue eyes, v pale complexion but starting to get rosacea (waaaah) which is so far under control, but a few red areas in the centre of cheeks and round nose potentially. Slim arms and legs, Apple shape overall so no waist definition and broad round the middle both front and back, relatively speaking. 32G of boob. Short body too.

I find it so hard to dress myself in a flattering way. The polo neck and big skirt were great but probably not making the most of things!

This will be the first time DP and I have been to a fancy do together, so I’d love to wow him.

Is mid April by the sea so could be boiling, could be bucketing, definitely will be windy!

I’m a pashmina and cardy free zone and I generally eschew florals, pastels and floaty.

Does" by the sea " mean" on a beach, " ? That will affect what you wear on your feet. If its UK, presumably wellies in April. If abroad, then something flat , or at least wedges.
Your outfit of neoprene and DMs might be very appropriate!
Anyway, decide on footwear and then work upwards. If card is/ pashminas are out, then you will need a warm/ showerproof top layer . What would that be? I think footwear and top layer are key, sort those out and then you've got something to work with.

Wear whatever you feel most yourself in. 'Sister of the groom' is not a thing and no-one will care!

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'Sister of the groom' is not a thing and no-one will care!

I disagree slightly. My brother gets married this year. I will be in many family photos he will keep for years. I am more bothered than I would be if it were a friend's wedding.

That said I've no idea what to advise. I'm guessing you're not interested in browsing the dresses in Phase Eight etc and want something more one-off from your description.

This may/may not be out of your comfort zone but how do you feel about a suit? Not like stiff business attire, but something more like a glamorous pastel lilac suit. I’m thinking you can get the structure from the blazer and play around with a matching skirt/shorts or trousers in whatever style, eg you could get swishy wide legged trousers instead of office cigarette style if you wanted.

If not, definitely recommend ASOS for a wide range of dress options.

Just reread your OP, definitely notpastel or swishy but you could still find a nice suit!

What’s your budget?
There’s some cool dresses/designers on the Outnet - fashion forward / structured etc. Without being to “out there”.

Will have a think for more high st options and revert ASAP!

A sharp trouser suit would be 👌 I’ve always wanted to rock one but never looked hard enough. Smart and simple and not over feminine

I am a not dissimilar shape to you OP (a
Tall slim apple with NO WAIST 😬) though unlike you I am long bodied and flat chested!

I also don’t do floral or pashmina-style dressing; I am an athletic build and it would make me look and feel ridiculous.

I absolutely second the idea of a suit. If it’s a sharp, masculine cut then a pastel would be fabulous and a real statement. I was desperately looking for a lilac trouser suit to wear to a family wedding last year but the only one I loved was way out of my budget.

Or if you really won’t go pastel, a neutral suit with a statement top/blouse/heels in a jewel colour? Emerald? Saffron yellow? Cadbury purple???

How about something like this OP? www.bombshellhq.com/products/navy-grace-tie-front-shirt-dress?variant=21656885723216&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwoGDw7fz5gIVhLTtCh2QagKmEAQYFSABEgLg6PD_BwE

Thanks everyone! I love the idea of a suit! So me! Budget isn’t unhealthy so will take a browse. By the sea = at a hotel, thankfully, not on a beach.

Thanks again!

Agatha I also really like the bombshell dresses - never heard of them before. Will pop up to the shop and have a look - though I fear I’m simply not curvy enough despite the norkage...!