Wedding guest outfit for size 16 44 yr old?

[MissTediousGirl]

Good friend getting married this Autumn. Would like to look smart/vaguely cool/not frumpy but not spend the day shivering. Can only seem to find dresses that are designed either for a 20 yr old on a big night out or a mother of the bride! Can anyone recommend where to look?

Roman originals are fab, also SilkFred.

I'd have a look at Joe Browns - lots of flattering jersey dresses in nice prints that are a realistic length, then find a wrap to tone or contrast with your choice.

Not Joe Browns!!!

Whistles? Toast?

What's your budget?

And height?

And ... "vaguely cool". Stand out or blend invisibly?

Where do you usually shop?

Silkfred!

Bombshell do some lovely dresses.

www.bombshellhq.com

Sometimes I think I'll do something desperate if I see another recommendation for Bombshell frocks ...

Has to be Toast

Definitely need an idea of budget. High street I'd go Whistles / Jigsaw but more £££ I love needle and thread and mr self portrait

@MayIDestroyYou Happy to spend up to £150ish on a dress or more if separates. I'm 5'7 and top heavy, so tend to avoid frills, ruffles and plain pastels etc as can look really frumpy with big boobs. Am dark-haired so bright colours look better on me, but am definitely not aiming to stand out! Would normally just head to Debenhams for clothes.

Why do people buzz about toast? Looks very very frumpy, boring and outrageously expensive?

What shape are you? Colouring? Usual Style? Heels or Flats?

I quite like the look of this...
Nikki from Midlife Chic styled it with a wide woven tan belt and it looked great.
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/amelia-cotton-maxi-dress-palm-leaf-paradise-jungle/sty-w0778-grn?cat=C1_S2_G4

I tend to go for shift dresses for weddings as they're easy to eat in and dance in. Loads on Le Redoute.

But I do like the look of the SilkFred shirt dresses. I follow an Instagramer ( Helen @40plusnotgivingupyet) who has a few and they look very versatile. And have sleeves! She says you buy them according to your top size.

With a specific occasion and a slightly flexible budget I'd be tempted to try a John Lewis personal shopper - a few friends have found them useful when buying for an occasion and I think quite a few of the brands they stock fall into that price bracket.

(Forgot to add the shirt dresses on Silk Fred are by a brand called Dancing Leopard)

With your figure, a shift dress would be a good idea imo. Last wedding I attended when a size 16 (5ft6, busty, good legs) I went to Monsoon and tried on every dress in my size until I found one that suited me best. Found one with a very well placed flattering pattern. John Lewis would be a good option too.

Difficult in Covid times.

Vaguely cool? The only size left in the sale would probably be right. Would need dressy accessorising - and maybe another layer under or over, but very re-wearable.

Not overtly dressy. Needs a fancy belt, velvet boots, and huge emeralds.

Forgot to say they only have the size 16 left in the sale.

Thanks so much all - loads of fab options there. Definitely going to go with the huge (fake!) emeralds suggestion whatever outfit I end up with!

@MayIDestroyYou that max mara dress is amazing I think may just buy it in case I need it. I need some max Mara in my life

I thought someone might need it! Not quite my style but it's a lovely, versatile thing.

Apricot?

www.romanoriginals.co.uk/navy-floral-placement-maxi-dress-14091960 (Love this)

www.romanoriginals.co.uk/floral-belted-maxi-dress-40982fus