What to wear step daughters wedding

[clpsmum]

So my step daughter is getting married and it is a huge affair. I don't know where to start looking for an outfit. I'd rather an evening dress type outfit rather than the traditional motb outfit as I'm obviously not motb!!

I'm 45 and (hope to be) size 12 and 5'5"

Any and all recommendations very greatly welcomed and appreciated

@clpsmum
I honestly would go for a brand that’s lived by the fashion pack. I don’t think you want a “mother of the bride” ensemble, because you are not. As you recognise.

It’s relatively easy to glam up a classy dress by a hat or headband and a decent bag and shoes. Plus jewellery. I would want something I could wear again but is special.

Gina herself recently turned 80 and still works in the shop. Even better between L and Gina Smart you will find The Growler for a really nice bite to eat (to contemplate your purchase obviously).

Happy shopping. Let us all know how you get on!

Gina Smart just stocks the same old brands all these types of stores stock. Harvey Nicks it’s not. There’s so much better out there than obvious MOTB gear. Especially if you are not the MOTB. Lalage Beaumont is better in London.

@clpsmum I have to say I am only a few years younger than you and I wouldn’t go to Gina Smarts - my grandmother won’t see past it for events but she is also 87.

Hahaha I think I'll be giving Gina a wide birth lol

You might like Beulah London. Popular for Royal Ascot but maybe not seen much in Scotland. Very good dresses.

Coast is definitely worth a look. I recently bought a STACK of dresses online from the Coast sale. Needed a dress as a guest for a glam wedding in April. Dresses £160+ reduced by at least 40%, with discount google-able coupons stacked on top. £30-40 per dress. I was able to try on in the comfort of my own home, buying two sizes (I'm between sizes🤦🏻‍♀️). No sales pressure.
Found a dress that I love, have kept both sizes (total less than £70- need to get myself in gear and either shift a few lbs or get the larger one altered). Returns process easy although it did take a while to refund to my card.

Phase Eight have lots of beautiful dresses .

I like that Coast dress suggested up thread. Lovely style and the satin fabric will work at nighttime without being evening wear as such. You can only wear that kind of thing if the main wedding party is.

@clpsmum
If you can afford Zimmerman, go for it. A wedding as you describe, with your DH in a prominent role, isn’t a day for Phase 8! Treat yourself to something amazing - and not high street!

Rixo?

I've never heard of rico and Zimmerman going to go have a Look right now

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it already but take a look at Wolf & Badger

What about this? Perfect for days into evening (day with jacket or wrap). Lots of colour variations and on sale at the moment.
https://www.karenmillen.com/metallic-guipure-lace-pleated-skirt-midi-dress/BKK08022-133-20.html?&&&&gbraid=0AAAAACo7BY8PAQNWf4BcHp3Qq2sVo2fYA&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8e-gBhD0ARIsAJiDsaVafGJk4aI3DQ_FFfdYu58qKPejlAPFS9FCgCPUeULwVMQRSKYQaPAaAjUkEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Rixo are becoming more mainstream now, and likely to be worn by a fellow guest. I have a couple that I got for weddings purely because I could wear them again but with boots and a blazer etc for nights out. I blame Clare Watkins on Instagram for my original purchase.

@clpsmum
It’s a bit like Self Portrait. You can see their dresses quite a lot but they are super stylish. Perfect for a swish wedding. They are well made too. Me&Em also have great dresses just right for weddings.

I think the dusty pink silk dress we critiqued earlier on the thread was Zimmerman. Some of theirs are ££££ but spot on fashion-wise. Ditto The Vampires Wife.

Have you looked at Nancy Mac? I love them so much.

Phase Eight is my “go to” for special events

https://www.phase-eight.com/inspiration/wedding-guest-looks/

If it's a fancy wedding I always recommend Self portrait dresses, I bought my first one for a fancy hotel wedding a few years ago now have a couple. They're very detailed and look expensive but not showy. While they aren't cheap neither are they ridiculously expensive and they work for lots of different occasions....

https://www.self-portrait.com/collections/dresses?page=2

Or if you wanted something less expensive I've just bought this [[https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/maxi-dresses/product.printed-side-slit-maxi-dress-pink.1151317001.html

You're a bit taller than me but I'd be going for a pretty dress, possibly embroidered with a shrug or cropped cardigan. I have the benefit of petite ranges. At the moment M&Co are doing all dresses for £10, even their boutique ranges and big brands. I got a gorgeous dress in there recently and my local store cheerfully tells me they continue to get new stuff in regularly. They have lots suitable for weddings.

I wouldn't wear a trouser suit personally.

https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/green-ruffled-midi-shift-dress

mint velvet have just started a sort of premium
line, this is an example, think it’s gorgeous!

@pollymere
Theres a big difference between a Max Mara trouser suit and a £10 dress from M&Co. One is class and one isn’t.

@TizerorFizz I wouldn't wear a trouser suit to a wedding of any sort because it can be terribly ageing to dress like that. And my local M&Co had its own Boutique range with dresses up to £200 as well as some very expensive designers. If you object to £200 dresses at a tenner, then Ok... I've bought Presis and Jacques Vert from there in the past. I'm a fan of Izobel and VisaVis which they also have in store. A lot of their labels are the same as Debenhams online or Next.

@pollymere Im afraid that’s just ridiculous! Aging? Have you heard of Max Mara? Or Me&Em? Just add hat as in picture and you are totally fashionable.