Wedding outfit - help please!

[TheProvincialLady]

I would hugely appreciate some help finding an outfit to wear to a fairly formal wedding on Saturday as I have just realised that everything in my wardrobe is either hugely old fashioned or doesn’t fit, or both. I am:

Late 40s
very pale English rose complexion with medium blonde hair in a shoulder length bob
5’2” and exactly 7 stones so usually a size 6 or less. Bra size 28F. Have a waist and slim hips/good legs. Arms ok. Not much of a bottom. Recovering from anorexia so look a bit pinched and tired in the face.

I don’t normally care much about fashion and have looked good in 30s-50s vintage clothes until recently, when I suddenly started looking like someone who was actually alive in the 1930s.

Please help to bring me up to date a bit, ideally via John Lewis as I can click and collect very conveniently! Budget is not an issue.

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-petite-fiona-floral-dress-cobalt-multi/p6153881

www.hobbs.com/product/carly-floral-fit-and-flare-dress/0122-5675-9022L00-COBALT-MULTI.html#cgid=occasion-clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0122-5675-9022L00-COBALT-MULTI&pos=19

What about this Gina Bacconi pink?

I'm trying to imagine what you need in terms of neckline - can you wear high necklines or do things get a bit booby?

Sorry but that dress is awful.

If money is no object I'd try Erdem or Eponine , but you'd have to contact them direct to get something couriered in time. The Erdem shop in Bond Street would do that.

how about this?

PermanentTemporary I tend to wear lower necklines but mainly because my boobs are quite low set. Not because of sagging really, they have always been like that. But some high necked things look ok, if the waist isn’t too high.

RunnerDown I actually have a pink Hobbs dress from about 4 years ago that is very similar to that first one you suggested! It is a lovely dress - I suppose I’m just worried that by sticking too closely to what I already have like I am guaranteed to look old fashioned. But maybe that’s not the case?

I am going to sleep now but will be back in the morning. Thanks so much for your help 🙂

I like this from John Lewis and think it would suit you?

I have same colouring as you. I bought this recently and felt like a million dollars. It's a bit Kate Middleton but you said formal. It's on John Lewis.
Hope you find something and all the best for your continued recovery

www.johnlewis.com/l-k-bennett-bower-silk-sleeveless-tiered-maxi-dress-yellow/p6201877

www.johnlewis.com/the-fold-mirabello-wool-crepe-dress-pink/p5715739

https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-amelia-cape-sleeve-dress-red/p6204938
Whistles Amelia Cape Sleeve Dress, Red at John Lewis & Partners

not either of the black suggestions, it's going to be a sunny day. Also not the wool crossover dress, you'll be way to hot, it's a winter dress.

I think this could dress up nicely for a wedding and you’d get plenty of non-wedding wear from it too. Bonus: it’s not made of plastic
www.johnlewis.com/nobodys-child-esme-print-broderie-dress-blue/p6164231

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the help. Lots of pretty dresses though I do agree that I can’t wear black. It tends to make me look deathly anyway.

I am going to order the dress you suggest Tangelo - it’s a bargain and 100% cotton. I’m not sure how to keep warm in it though, with those sleeves. Any suggestions? I do feel the cold.

I am also ordering the red dress you suggest fruitbrewhaha although Whistles stuff is often far too long so we will see. Also the dress you suggested hidethetoaster- and thanks for your kind wishes.

I really love the yellow silk dress Mumsnut but I think it will be very long and I can’t wear heels of any significance this weekend as I have put my back out.

I won’t place the order for a few hours as it wont come any quicker. Any suggestions for accessories/things to keep me warm are most welcome. I tend to wear cardigans all the time, which adds to my old fashioned frumpiness I think. What do other people wear?

Re your q on keeping warm: If you go for the long sleeved dress then just put a long sleeved invisible tee underneath.
If short sleeve then you'll have to find yourself some sort of cardi or jacket. Do people still west pashminas?

Re shoes: if wearing flats there are some nice ones by Kin on John Lewis in different colours.

Lots to buy and try. Have fun!

A belated reply @TheProvincialLady but I would wear a boyfriend/slightly oversized blazer with that dress. I think a floral dress + cardigan can look a bit twee, and the blazer gives a bit of structure. Again, I think you’d also get more wear from it as it will make lots of other clothes also feel more modern.

hope your dress looks great! It’s the kind of thing I like but really doesn’t work for me so I will get vicarious pleasure from it working for you!