Mother of Groom in trouble!

[Sixmonthson]

Please can someone, anyone, help me?

My son is getting married next month and I just can’t find anything I like to wear.

It’s at a country hotel, not overly formal but smart.

I am well endowed (34ff) and I’m not looking to put them on display. Much smaller bottom half. I usually go for a shift style dress size 14-16 to accommodate the norks but sometimes need to get the bottom half taken in which is fine. I also have a tummy I’d like to hide as much as possible without sacrificing comfort.

Colour wise I’m a spring - clear bright colours. Something summery, maybe a bit floaty perhaps? Knee length or below - although my legs are my best bits I’m not of an age to show them off any more (especially at my sons wedding)

I’d like a dress and pretty cardigan I think - I’ve tried my usual Hobbs but there’s nothing there that looks right on.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated

Worth a look

www.johnlewis.com/browse/gifts/wedding/womens-wedding-fashion/mother-of-the-bride/dresses/_/N-5pneZ1z13zt3

Something like this with a little bolero?

www.chichiclothing.com/collections/mother-of-bride/products/chi-chi-fae-dress

Phase Eight

Agree phase 8 but I had a reduction to a 34c and never looked back. Irmet in Turkey are amazing.

Try Joe Brown's - got a sale on atm!

My MIL of similar proportions has had lovely outfits from Jaques Vert in the past. Or what about trying a personal shopper at somewhere like House of Fraser or John Lewis.... or a little boutique? May widen your horizons. Good luck x

This wouldn't need a cardigan, it's a whole outfit in itself. Your size still available.

Jigsaw or Whistles?

Try Sahara?
www.saharalondon.com/clothing/dresses

Feel your pain. I'm a 32GG and general size 12.

Ghost are quite good as generally bias cut, so a bit of give in the fabric, plus skim the good bits. www.ghost.co.uk/

For my sister's wedding a few years back I wore a square-necked jersey patterned dress a bit like this (but not as tight and 'wiggly') prettykittyfashion.co.uk/products/classic-green-50s-wiggle-pencil-dress. Felt a bit norky, but did the job.

Btw, i don't mean that exact dress, but the shape of it was ok on me iyswim

Bombshell is always recommended in S&B, I like this one: www.bombshellhq.com/collections/dresses/products/limited-edition-bell-sleeve-wrap-dress-in-french-blue-dots-crepe?variant=39394324381776

@Pinkcadillac - thank you, I'd never heard of Bombshell, I like the look of their dresses for when I've lost the tonne of weight that must go!

Have you looked at Roman?

https://www.roman.co.uk/wedding/mother-of-the-bride

Or Monsoon
This? https://www.monsoon.co.uk/artisan-rosalie-embellished-midi-dress-grey-14871803.html

When my daughter got married I wore a purple swing dress with a detachable necklace. I'm large in the boob area and it his them beautifully. There's a royal blue version on ASOS but it has sleeves

I’m also busty and would steer well clear of a shift dress.

A wrap dress would be better - although likely have to size up for the bust and then cinch in waist.

Something like this?

www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/art-dealer-polka-dot-chain-embellished-silk-midi-wrap-dress_R03719517/?previewAttribute=PeachJacq

Used to be a stylist. Top tip if your top heavy - dark on top lighter on bottom. Avoid roll necks and circle necks (only make top half look larger . Look for small v necks.

The cut needs to be right. Phase eight used to be pretty good for this type of thing but it's not everyone's budget.

I saw a photo of someone wearing this at Ascot. It looked great. Very bright though.

I know you said shift dress and cardigan but if you fancied doing something different, there's a gorgeous dress on Silk Fred that has a wrap style top half but the skirt has a spilt - which you could adjust by sewing part of it up if it was above the length you like. I wish I could link it, I will try. It came in a few different colours.
Have a fantastic day whatever you choose to wear!

Of course I can't find the one I was thinking of now, can I! But they have many gorgeous dresses on there and a section especially for wedding guests. I have only recently discovered this site myself after reading about it here, so I expect other beauties can give you more info if needed!

www.roman.co.uk/julianna-floral-print-chiffon-shrug-g9127sag

Thank you, some great suggestions here - and some good advice too. I shall study them all and hopefully find something I feel comfortable in and that will look ok in the photos. The mother of the bride is a size 8 model type (as well as 20 years younger than me!) so I guess I’m just a bit over anxious and I want my son to be proud of me

I was in your shoes 2 weeks ago and becoming increasingly panicked.
My son booked me an appointment at Nigel Rayment in Manchester and the wonderful Sean got me kitted out. They also have a store in London if either of those locations are any use to you. Hope you find what you're looking for.

Unfortunately I’m nowhere near either of those place, but thanks for trying!

If I go for a v neck which I’ve been told is the best for the well endowed, is there a bra out there that will not push me up and together but instead ‘flatten’ the cleavage without giving me a monoboob?

I like these bras

https://www.marksandspencer.com/flexifit-full-cup-minimiser-bra-c-g/p/clp60437844?color=BLACK#intid=prodColourId-60437841