YOUNG Plus size mother of the bride

[NotMyWay]

Need size 18-20 dress for June. Casual event in a marquee, festival type vibe.

Have big budget - £500 - £1k. I like Needle & Thread style dresses but they are a bit too girly (I'm mid-40s). Any suggestions on where I should look?Google just feeds me JJ's House trash.

www.phase-eight.com/clothing/dresses/occasion/

Have you had a look at studio 8 OP?

For that budget, could you pay a dress maker and get something bespoke that fits and suits you perfectly?

Thanks for the suggestion. I did look at Phase 8 but found it all a bit meh!

Bespoke is an option but I'm probably a bit short of time fir June plus I have another big event next year which will need the real showstopper (and 3 stone weight loss).

I must admit I'm 44 and love Needle & Thread too.

I'd wear one of their dresses anyway!

www.monsoon.co.uk/millie-spot-lace-mesh-dress-teal-95182779.html

www.monsoon.co.uk/rosalie-floral-embellished-midi-dress-grey-14871803.html

Too bling?  https://www.johnlewis.com/studio-8-evadine-sequin-and-bead-embellishment-maxi-dress-petrol/p4837513?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Stunning if you're ok with showing your arms ?  https://www.johnlewis.com/helen-mcalinden-avril-tie-midi-dress/orange/p4949427?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

2 from Hobbs with a slight Needle & Thread vibe

Or book a free virtual styling appointment with JL? New seasons ranges will be dropping very soon, the stylists will know the stock well

Bombshell London

www.bombshellhq.com/products/gold-confident-3-4-sleeve-dress

Bombshell?

Lol posted at the same time!

Nowhere near as expensive but have you looked at Shein Curve? There are loads of different outfits, you could buy something low budget & go to town on accessories, shoes etc.

Have a look at net a Porter or outnet.

Also wondered if a top and skirt might work if you could find something lovely that would look like a dress?

How formal/floaty would you like? Any other musts?

I’d steer clear of phase 8 or monsoon as there’s a high risk of someone having the same dress as go to formal wear shops.

Outnet Marchesa Notte

I wouldn’t rule out Needle and Thread just yet. I bought a top and skirt from there for a big wedding (mid 40s myself at the time) and I felt very grown up and sophisticated (even though I spent the whole time swishing about in my tulle skirt!) I received lots of lovely comments too and even though I’m 49 now I would wear that outfit again in a heartbeat!

max mara

far less girly

Quite a good article here which lists some relevant designers

I’m ancient and would wear needle and thread too

Oooh, have had another look at Needle & Thread - with your budget I think there are some lovely dresses - Aurelia, Snowdrop or Anais would all work - not too ruffly and the strong colours especially take them out of the 'wish I was a bridesmaid" camp

wolf and badger