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

I'm a 32FF and can recommend Panache bras.

try qvcuk

Go to a bravissimo store and look at the pepperberry clothes. All specially designed for the norky among us.
You don't want a bra that flattens your breasts just a balconette rather than a plunge. Maybe get a bra sorted first so you can try on properly?

Where are you located?
And what's your style & colouring?
There's a gorgeous shop in N London called Vivienne of Holloway. They take your measurements, style of dress (vintage styles), preferred fabric and put it together so it fits beautiful and compliments. They've got an interesting collection and some nice vibrant colours.

This is very similar to what my auntie wore to my wedding and she had the little jacket with it too but it didn't get worn, hot day. She styled it with vintage looking heels and bright lippy and looked incredible. She's about 60yo and looked one of the best dressed there.

@Sixmonthson

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

Oh he will be proud of you! Don't worry about that.

@HappyToPayForAdultSocialCare

I'm a 32FF and can recommend Panache bras.

30E here, so similar proportions. I second Panache. John Lewis do a selection.

Avoid crew necks and small round necks, as well as raglan sleeves - they all amplify norks. A v neck or wide neckline minimises norkage.

Bombshell London is the shop for you. There should be several options to choose from.

Another vote for Bombshell - gorgeous dresses.
Nancy Mac would be worth a look too.
www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/wedding-guest-edit

I’ve plumped for [https://ginabacconi.com/gbp/braila-moss-crepe-and-chiffon-dress.html this] Gina Bacconi dress for a similar role. It fits and hangs very well on my 36FFs.
I’ve also been to Rigby & Pellar for new bras which leave me in much better shape than I was.

Panache bra all the way. Fantasie are also very good

Look at The Fold and Cefinn websites.

But I think it’s weird about the clothes that women wear for weddings if they’re generally so unlike anything they would normally wear.
In my opinion it’s best to go for a style that suits you generally but make the fabric a bit more luxury

If you don’t wear horrific floral dresses normally then don’t for a wedding.

I normally wear jeans and a a shirt! Sometimes you have to do something different!

@Lucia574

Look at The Fold and Cefinn websites.

Cefinn is really good. I wanted to hate it as a Sam Cam vanity project, but the dresses are well- designed and many can be washed, so you get loads more wear out of them than something that requires dry-cleaning- and avoid dry-cleaning bills.

Remember you don't have to wear a dress. A maxi skirt with a silk blouse can look very sophisticated, and more flattering that many dresses for the over-norked amongst us.

@MoltonSilver

Bombshell London is the shop for you. There should be several options to choose from.

Bloody love Bombshell. The service is so personal.

I love these Gossard glossies bras. They work really well to stop the push together thing.

Jacques Vert definitely. I NEVER dress up and was at a total loss. Found a “ floaty” dress with co-ordinating short cream jacket And if you dont mind “ reconditioned” you can often get the whole shebang with matching hat/fascinator/bag/shoes too from eBay. All cleaned and in immaculate condition. Have a look.

Your son will be proud because you’re his mum. It doesn’t matter what size you are.
Cefinn would be good, or could you book a personal shopper?

Another vote for bombshell.

A personal shopper at John Lewis might be useful.

Loads of time left. I bought my MOG dress about 22 hours before. After buying and returning loads.

Loads of dresses, separates, shoes, bags etc on QVC on TV. They have 60 day money back guarantee. They encourage you to use what you buy, be it clothes, make up, accessories etc If you wear it and decide you dont like it then return for money back.

Bras: Panache, Fantasie or Prima Donna. I'm a big fan of the moulded underwire but Prima Donna have some gorgeous lace designs.