Help Mother of the bride but don't want a mother of the bride outfit

[Nanatokidsdogshampsters]

DD is marrying for the second time in June.
Dress code is smart casual. She doesn't want anyone to spend lots of money
it's a registry office wedding then back to a social club.

I'm 63, Blonde, 5ft 1, size 18 and carry lots of weight on my tummy.
Had breast cancer so I'm lopsided on my left boob.
Would like a short sleeve, knee length dress.
I like darker pinks, red, orange, lighter green and light blue.
Budget is anything up to £300 that's to include shoes and bag.
Might wear a fascinator. Only saying that much as I'm out of touch
on how expensive dresses are.

I normally wear jeans and tops. Her first wedding I wore a proper
Mother of the bride outfit with hat etc.

I would go to a shop where they have a good selection of age-appropriate dresses. Maybe John Lewis? I think you can ask for a stylist appointment for assistance. You've got specific concerns and they may come up with some solutions you may not have looked at.

Stylist at John Lewis is a good idea.

What do you think of this? Pattern/texture would distract from tummy and boobs ( if that's what you'd prefer)
www.nancymac.co.uk/products/sable-dress-in-celadon-rose-print-crepe-1

@Whataretheodds I think that would be too long for me.
I prefer knee length.
But thank you for your help

I love that nancy mac dress. But I'm tall. I do think if you usually wear jeans it will help to try a few dress shapes on and get a clear view of what suits you - great that you already know best colours.
What's your nearest shopping city/town? We might be able to suggest a target store or area.

@WellWoman I could travel to Manchester, Liverpool and Chester.
Even Birmingham at a push.

Most of the dresses out there now are longer length (apart from styles which are quite girly/baby doll, not sure if those are up your street) so it kight be worth looking for a fabric/style you like and getting it taken up.

What type of neckline/bodice shape would you prefer - do you know?

I don't know those cities so well as ones in the south I'm afraid - but lots on here do, I'm sure they'll have some good suggestions for shops to try things on.

If you usually wear jeans etc, and might not wear this dress again, would it be worth looking at renting? There are lots more interesting options than there used to be, and it would be a shame if you spent a large amount and then left it in a cupboard for years after one year.

Have a look at Jolie Moi on John Lewis , many of these dresses come in your favoured colours

[[https://www.phase-eight.com/product/nika-tiered-shift-dress-220895252.html#navAjax=true&is=false&cgid=clothing&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=clothingType&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=sleeve&prefv2=Short%20Sleeve&prefn3=knee&prefv3=Above%20Knee%7CKnee%20Length&prefn4=size&prefv4=18&prefn5=color&prefv5=Blue%7CGreen%7COrange%7CPink%7CRed&pid=220895252&pos=22

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/nika-tiered-shift-dress-220862534.html#navAjax=true&is=false&cgid=clothing&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=clothingType&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=sleeve&prefv2=Short%20Sleeve&prefn3=knee&prefv3=Above%20Knee%7CKnee%20Length&prefn4=size&prefv4=18&prefn5=color&prefv5=Blue%7CGreen%7COrange%7CPink%7CRed&pid=220862534&pos=29

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/charlotte-embroidered-dress-230654317.html#isSecondPage=false&start=0&sz=60&is=false&cgid=clothing&prefn1=clothingType&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=sleeve&prefv2=Short%20Sleeve&prefn3=knee&prefv3=Above%20Knee%7CKnee%20Length&prefn4=size&prefv4=18&prefn5=color&prefv5=Blue%7CGreen%7COrange%7CPink%7CRed&pid=230654317&pos=21

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-isabella-lace-dress-221443840.html#isSecondPage=false&start=0&sz=60&is=false&cgid=clothing&prefn1=clothingType&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=sleeve&prefv2=Short%20Sleeve&prefn3=knee&prefv3=Above%20Knee%7CKnee%20Length&prefn4=size&prefv4=18&prefn5=color&prefv5=Blue%7CGreen%7COrange%7CPink%7CRed&pid=221443840&pos=7]]

Any of these?

Also this, you can easily size down 2 sizes

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-ella-pleated-mini-dress/hot-pink/p6153870?size=12&sppc=2dx927000716050151033mixedfashionnBAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1woz8ohqO3rGsX2gh7N83rZ&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1woz8oohqO3rGsX2gh7N83rZ&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIutCr3YvjAIVy8ztCh2zzQsqEAQYASABEgIWDDD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
It was also available in green and blue

@Defiantlynot41 they look lovely.
Just my colours. Will study later.

@Greengr will look on the phase 8 site.

Thank you everyone.

There is no such thing as ‘age appropriate’ in adult women’s clothing.

The OP has said she specifically does not want a MOB outfit - but all the suggestions are for typical (and boring) MOB outfit suppliers!

@Nanatokidsdogshampsters my first thought is that a short sleeved, knee length dress would be the very least flattering shape for you - emphasising both width and lack of length. Really you want long narrow sleeves, and / or a long narrow cut (skirt or trousers) from the waist.

No one could wear a fascinator with a smart casual outfit (even if fascinators were fashionable, which they’re not).

This shape might be flattering:

Silk jumpsuit. Although not the colours you specified. The 16 might well fit as the sizing is likely to be generous. Wouldn’t need accessories!

Hobby would be my go to for this sort of thing. I'll have a look

Sigh. Hobbs

Yes, they have some pretty dresses and do a petite length too.

HOBBS A-Line. i'm 5'3" and their tunic style dresses fall right at the top of my knee. they also have a petite range.
a nice bra with a chicken cutlet to balance you out (should you wish).

www.hobbs.com/product/petite-liana-spot-dress/0123-5991-9045L04-GREEN-IVORY.html#navAjax=true&is=true&cgid=clothing-dresses&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=dressType&prefv1=A%20Line&prefn2=petite&prefv2=Petite&prefn3=size&prefv3=18&pid=0123-5991-9045L04-GREEN-IVORY&pos=1
i just bought this one as MOG for a similar low key meal out.

www.hobbs.com/product/mimi-pleat-dress/0123-5404-9045L00-COBALT-BLUE.html#isSecondPage=false&start=0&sz=60&is=true&cgid=clothing-dresses&prefn1=dressType&prefv1=A%20Line&prefn2=size&prefv2=18&pid=0123-5404-9045L00-COBALT-BLUE&pos=5

www.hobbs.com/product/dominica-spot-dress/0123-5447-9045L00-PINK-MULTI.html#isSecondPage=false&start=0&sz=60&is=true&cgid=clothing-dresses&prefn1=dressType&prefv1=A%20Line&prefn2=size&prefv2=18&pid=0123-5447-9045L00-PINK-MULTI&pos=9

I would start with ASOS. They have a lovely short sleeve twist front pale blue dress in the sale for £30.00 .Also, I bought a beauty from the Anthropologie sale for my daughters wedding last year. They are really good at plus sizes. I am also a size 18

www.asos.com/prd/201449585?acquisitionsource=pasteboard Here’s the ASOS dress. It’s just that weddings are so much money for one day

This is lovely too.

Wow some good/great suggestions. I've seen a couple on the Hobbs site.
Looking at ASOS nice as well.

Been out with a couple of friends tonight and they have also given me some ideas.
Next week I'm going to Manchester to see what's there.

www.wallis.co.uk/petite-wrap-floral-midi-dress/BYY04481.html

Absolutely gorgeous dress! Love the neckline and cap/puff sleeves.