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Original poster

Please help me find a dress for an Italian wedding

24 replies

cheatingcrackers · 13/03/2023 11:52

I'm going to a very smart wedding in Italy this summer. This will be my first wedding for which I won't need a bf friendly dress for nearly a decade and I want to buy something really beautiful for it. But I haven't bought a formal dress for years and don't really know where to start anymore.

I'm a size 10, have good arms and legs but no breasts to speak of. I run hot so will definitely need something light and airy! Budget £150 ish?

Shoe recommendations would also be much appreciated - ordinarily I would go with smart sandals because I'd be chasing small people around but we will be DC free on this occasion so can go a bit wilder.

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Thread gallery
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MissingMoominMamma · 13/03/2023 11:54

Oooh- I saw some lovely ones on another thread- hang on and I’ll find it!

Original poster
cheatingcrackers · 13/03/2023 12:42

Thank you!

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Mumsanetta · 13/03/2023 13:17

I went to an Italian wedding and wore a red, maxi, pleated and strapless Jane Norman dress with sweetheart neckline. It was absolutely perfect and hit the mark! This was a while ago so won’t find it in shops but I always recommend that style for Italian weddings!

Please help me find a dress for an Italian wedding
gogohmm · 13/03/2023 13:19

Is it in a church? If so you'll need it to be knee length minimum with a wrap to cover shoulders, been caught out by that nearly. (Thin transparent lace or tulle seems sufficient as long as it's not bare shoulders but that's subject to local interpretation)

Also be prepared for dancing until dawn!!!

FKATondelayo · 13/03/2023 13:20

I just saw this in the proper shop and the pics don't do it justice - it's gorgeous. I can't buy it (no Italian weddings on the horizon) so you have to.

www.whistles.com/product/adeline-frill-midi-dress-36446.html#cgid=Dresses_Clothing_WW&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=adeline-frill-midi-dress-36446&pos=14

Original poster
cheatingcrackers · 13/03/2023 13:37

gogohmm · 13/03/2023 13:19

Is it in a church? If so you'll need it to be knee length minimum with a wrap to cover shoulders, been caught out by that nearly. (Thin transparent lace or tulle seems sufficient as long as it's not bare shoulders but that's subject to local interpretation)

Also be prepared for dancing until dawn!!!

Good question - no, it's at a country house, and I think the actual ceremony is going to be outdoors. Dancing til dawn sounds wonderful!

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Original poster
cheatingcrackers · 13/03/2023 13:41

Thank you for the suggestions so far!

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MissingMoominMamma · 13/03/2023 13:52

@cheatingcrackers - I couldn’t find the thread, but when you described yourself I imagined you in a kind of halter neck dress I’d seen on it. One of those with a circular band around the neck, with gathered material at the back and front (so the bodice isn’t tight- looks lovely on the smaller of boob), and then a longer skirt. I think the one posted was from Coast, but I haven’t found it yet. I’m off work ill, so the search has cheered me up no end! 😂

Original poster
cheatingcrackers · 13/03/2023 13:55

MissingMoominMamma · 13/03/2023 13:52

@cheatingcrackers - I couldn’t find the thread, but when you described yourself I imagined you in a kind of halter neck dress I’d seen on it. One of those with a circular band around the neck, with gathered material at the back and front (so the bodice isn’t tight- looks lovely on the smaller of boob), and then a longer skirt. I think the one posted was from Coast, but I haven’t found it yet. I’m off work ill, so the search has cheered me up no end! 😂

Oh thank you so much for looking and I'm glad it's given you something else to focus on besides feeling rubbish! I'd forgotten all about Coast, that's where I always used to get special occasion things from. I hope you feel better soon x

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FKATondelayo · 13/03/2023 13:56

I would also say for inspo, any one of either Kate Hudson's or Janelle Monae's outfits in Glass Onion would be perfect for dancing til dawn at an Italian wedding.

So1invictus · 13/03/2023 14:15

Please don't worry about shoulders or knees.
You aren't (presumably) attending a wedding in the Vatican.
I have been to more weddings than I can shake a stick at in Italy, (weddings with Italians getting married) and the thing to be aware of probably more than anything is that MOST women will go for very elegant long evening dresses (especially if the wedding is in the afternoon or being held in a sala di ricevimento). Like prom dresses. Wedding guests are far more dressy generally than in the UK. No hats though.
The reception will indeed go on until the very small hours.
The dress linked to by @Mumsanetta would be perfect and a very typical style.

Laurdo · 13/03/2023 15:09

Oh hello clothing have some stunning dresses in beautiful colours.

Catspyjamas17 · 13/03/2023 16:27

www.karenmillen.com/soft-tailored-sleeveless-midi-dress/BKK04427.html?color=130

How about this? There are other colours if you don't like the green.

Please help me find a dress for an Italian wedding
Original poster
cheatingcrackers · 13/03/2023 18:43

Catspyjamas17 · 13/03/2023 16:27

www.karenmillen.com/soft-tailored-sleeveless-midi-dress/BKK04427.html?color=130

How about this? There are other colours if you don't like the green.

Ooh I like that a lot - and I love green - don’t think it would look quite as nice with my skin tone as hers though! Also I worry that I would be all nipples if I couldn’t wear a bra?

The other Karen Millen one also lovely but yes does seem like it might be a bit too informal.

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Catspyjamas17 · 13/03/2023 19:16

There are several nice halterneck/sleeveless midi length styles on that site for about £150, some in less bold colours also.

greyhairnomore · 21/08/2023 13:56

@cheatingcrackers nipple shields are available 😂

greyhairnomore · 21/08/2023 13:58

mintvelvet.com/products/blue-twist-neck-maxi-dress-1

KinDevon · 03/04/2024 08:18

I too am in a similar situation....what time of day was the wedding and what did you / others wear?

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