Help a mother of the groom please

[Trulymadlydazed]

Dreading my son’s summer wedding. I never wear dresses as I have the most awful legs - think not just thunder thighs, but also shapeless, very heavy calves and ankles. I’m in my sixties and overweight (size 18). My preference would be a long dress with more of a Bohemian look, and that would be okay for the event, as the couple aren’t aiming for a starchy, formal vibe. I can’t find anything that fits the bill, I seem to see either traditional smart, lacy or sparkly outfits or flimsy dresses that seem far too young and casual. Anyone got any ideas or places to look please? Budget would be up to £250.

What about Monsoon? Lots of bohemian type dresses currently and they are pretty.

This might be lovely with a Summer jacket:

https://www.thereformation.com/products/frankie-silk-dress-es/1311124TEA.html

It’s over budget - but to be completely frank £250 might be a stretch for design and fabric for a full length, flattering, celebratory dress. You may find one or two other dresses there that you like. And they do have sales!

Or:

https://www.ganni.com/en-gb/seersucker-v-neck-maxi-dress-F7433.html?dwvar_F7433_color=Chicory%20Coffee

This is gorgeous - don’t know if formal enough? Size 20 available on website but 18 might be in stock elsewhere.

Alternatively, to rent:

https://www.hurrcollective.com/listings/lilacs-garden-v-neck-gown

Hurr currently has two size 18 maxi dresses to rent - I’ve linked one.

Does it have to be a dress?

www.riverisland.com/p/plus-cream-print-flare-sleeve-jumpsuit-755557

Hi OP, if you don't like wearing dresses then how about a jumpsuit or some palazzo pants with a longer, embroidered jacket instead? Judi Dench often wears Indian inspired outfits so perhaps something similar? You'd be more comfortable and you can remove the jacket if it gets too hot.

You could wear something like This over a plain outfit and it would be very different but keeping with the bohemian vibe. Indian clothing websites might be worth a look for something fancy.

Yes, I'd bin off the idea of a dress if you don't enjoy wearing dresses.

I think palazzo pants is a good idea.

Or a silk jumpsuit from Shibumi?

https://www.shibumistyle.com/collections/silk-jumpsuits

I love the coat that @Sagittariusrising has linked to.

Frankly I’d be wearing wide evening trousers with a pretty top, perhaps one with a matching chiffon jacket. I bought a long dress for my son’s wedding (Had to be a dress) and never wore it again.

Look at Jaba Yard

www.jabayard.com/jaba-sarah-maxi-sarong-dress-shallows.html

I'd steer away from that one. Someone could say it's too white (I don't think it is, but...) and as the mother of the groom, interpretations could be put on it that you don't intend!!!

Surprised people are recommending jumpsuits - essentially trousers. They’re not the most comfortable garment if one really does have very large thighs.

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/bell-sleeve-maxi-dress-in-green/?mid=36620&utm_source=linkshare_uk&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=gcdL%2FATRVoE&ranMID=36620&ranEAID=2523611&ransiteID=gcdL_ATRVoE-_ynEf63E3.J9mF7tJGXoJA

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/eloise-wide-leg-jumpsuit-221398398.html#gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9rDWsvOz_gIVD7rtCh0jwAl_EAAYASAAEgJGDvD_BwE&utm_term=women%20women%20dresses&utm_content=117235232836&utm_campaign=1784659149&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&cgid=dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221398398&pos=13

Anything in Rixo? This kind of thing https://rixolondon.com/products/ayla-floral-black?nosto_source=cmp&nosto=1244994600

Thank you all so much for the suggestions, it has been really interesting looking at them all. I’m quite taken with the idea of palazzo type pants and maybe an Indian inspired jacket, so will try some on in the shops and see how I feel in them. I particularly loved the Jaba Yard dress, so thank you @GooseberryCinnamonYogurt but unfortunately it only seems to go up to size 16. I might order it anyway and check out how it fits as I’ve lost a stone or so in the last couple of months so maybe could fit into a 16 now. Also, saw some nice jumpsuits on the Phase 8 website as suggested by @awaynboilyurheid which might be another option. Will come back and report once I’ve had a shopping expedition at the weekend.

I would try some smart Indian jackets and wide leg trousers.

Boden has some good maxi dresses in size 18 and above. I like this one if you’re going for a bohemian vibe.

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/notch-neck-maxi-dress-popcorn-passion-floret/sty-d0544-pnt