A dress for a slightly podgy, flabby armed 57 year old

[bloodywhitecat]

I am 5'7, wear a size 12 and I am getting married to the love of my life in seven weeks. I don't want white or bride-y, I do want to feel special though. I have NO clue where to start, jeans and a top are my go-to staple clothes. I will spend a great deal of the day with my fosterling who is 1 on my hip as he is my limpet baby so it needs to be something he can't grab the neckline of and flash what little boob I have to the assembled guests. We are marrying at our local town hall so nowhere flash and afterwards we will go to the pub for a meal.

And I am very sorry to hear about the circumstances x

Vintage (50s)styles from the likes of Collectif and Hell Bunny are quite flattering, if you like that sort of thing.

I think the Monsoon dress is lovely, they also have a pink dress which would look great. I hope you have a magical day. A friend married in similar circumstances and it meant so much to them all.

prettylavish.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/josephine-dress-fuschia?variant=28550821183581

That Hobbs dress in the sale is stunning.

This one? The model is 5'8" so it might not be too short.
www.chichiclothing.com/collections/mother-of-bride/products/chi-chi-bryanna-dress

www.johnlewis.com/browse/women/womens-dresses/adrianna-papell/_/N-flwZ1z13u5h
Adrianna Papell dresses are generally well made and flattering.

@Positivevibesonlyplease

kitristudio.com/products/cassat-jacquard-maxi-dress

There are lovely dresses in the bridal collection - or the main collection, if you don’t want white. Good quality and a little bit different.

I love some of these in the bridal range. I don't think I would wear them (don't really do white / silky) but they are very fresh and chic and a great price.

www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-chintz-floral-jumpsuit-pink/p5299726
www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-chintz-floral-dress-pink/p5299713

The first isn’t a dress but I find jumpsuits can be as beautiful but more practical than dresses.

Have you looked at non dress options, if you don't usually wear dresses:

www.johnlewis.com/browse/gifts/wedding/womens-wedding-fashion/bridal-jumpsuits-separates/ghost/_/N-7o5oZ1z13vt1

I hope you have a happy day despite the circumstances.

Thank you all, there are some wonderful options here. I am going to sit down with my daughter and choose some to order to try on.

Oh I love the bridal jumpsuit they are gorgeous. If you don't usually wear dresses and are not that fussed on wearing them I think the jumpsuits are the way to go. Imagine that with a fab pair of strappy sandals and a maybe a fancy headband In your hair would look so nice ❤️

Cefinn dresses are amazing - they don't look that great on the website, but they hang beautifully and most are machine-washable, so you get loads of use out of them. I don't have any from this season, but I have an older version of this and it's so flattering. You could ditch the neck bit, so the velcro baby doesn't strangle you with it

Apologies- didn't see your update before talking about wearing the dress again. So sorry to hear this

So sorry to hear the circumstances of your wedding, bloodywhitecat. What a strong and brave woman you are.

I read your post yesterday and saw these dresses whilst I was trawling through ebay. Thought of you - massive reductions from Phase Eight in their eBay outlet:

www.ebay.co.uk/e/fashion/75-off-phase-eight?rt=nc&_kwdomcat=11450,281&_bkw=uk+12+wedding

www.ebay.co.uk/e/fashion/75-off-phase-eight?rt=nc&_kwdomcat=11450,281&_bkw=uk+12+bridesmaid+

OP
Due to the circumstances, wear your comfiest outfit that you feel and look good in! it's about you having a day to remember not dressing to impress aslong as you feel good you'll look good with the smile from it !!
Let your hair down and have a ball, it's all that matters. I'm sure you'd look a million dollars in a bin bag!!!!
Hope you have a fantastic day ❤️❤️

I also really love the idea of a jumpsuit. They are flattering, but more "fun" than a dress. No worrying about legs and shoes - just wear any sandal you love. They are also streamlined if you find a sleeveless one and want to wear a posh cardie or a jacket over it to cover arms. I bet there will be more Spring styles released soon from places like Mango and Massimo Dutti.

might be too bride-y