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Original poster

Posh wedding in Aug: help!

108 replies

howtocope · 22/06/2023 20:39

I'm trying to find a nice dress for a fancy wedding in Aug. I'm in my 50s, size 18, apple shaped with a big belly.

My criteria:

Not sleeveless
I'm always hot, so prefer lightweight, cool fabric
No florals
Preferably not black, but can do black for the perfect dress
Nothing waisted. It just accentuates the belly.
Not mini, but happy with knee length, midi or maxi
Prefer a V neck or open neckline

Seems like everything that's the right shape is some hideous floral print. I've tried that and I look like a chintz sofa. I'm not totally opposed to prints, but prefer something simple or geometric. I love colour and would be happiest in coral, yellow, turquoise or almost any shade of blue. Not keen on pastels.

I feel like I've looked at every dress in the world and nothing seems right. Added stress is that I haven't seen this group of people in over 20 years and I've put on a good 5 stone since then.

OP posts:

Thread gallery

ohmeoh · 22/06/2023 20:50

This could easily be dressed up for a wedding. 🙂

www.roman.co.uk/broderie-tiered-smock-dress-14117178

Original poster

howtocope · 22/06/2023 20:56

I love that! Not too casual for a posh event?

OP posts:

Polly291869 · 22/06/2023 20:56

What's your budget?

Original poster

howtocope · 22/06/2023 20:56

I could go up to around £200 for the right dress.

OP posts:

ohmeoh · 22/06/2023 20:57

Or this, patterned but not floral

www.roman.co.uk/curve-linear-print-midi-wrap-dress-14363860

Trainsplanesandfeet · 22/06/2023 20:58

That second blue and white one is far too casual. The red could just work with a lot of accessories but I think that cotton material is very ‘day dress’.

with that budget OP you can def get more show stopping!

ohmeoh · 22/06/2023 20:58

@howtocope, I think with the right shoes, bag and a hat/ hair accessory it would look appropriate for a wedding.

Original poster

howtocope · 22/06/2023 20:59

Not sure about the patterned one. I like the shape though.

OP posts:

Original poster

howtocope · 22/06/2023 21:00

It's a daytime wedding with an evening reception. I plan to wear the same dress for both as I'll need to leave the reception early anyway.

OP posts:

ohmeoh · 22/06/2023 21:00

There's quite few on that site, not looked through them all but if your budget is higher you might look somewhere else.

Original poster

howtocope · 22/06/2023 21:02

Thanks, I haven't come across that Roman site before. Just ordered the coral dress as I really like it. Not sure it'll be right for the wedding though. I think I'll try a few.

OP posts:

ohmeoh · 22/06/2023 21:05

This ruched 3/4 length sleeve shift dress?

www.coastfashion.com/flare-sleeve-ruche-waist-midi-dress/BCC00301-10.html?color=659

Original poster

howtocope · 22/06/2023 21:07

That blue dress is beautiful but my gut would be centre stage.

OP posts:

ohmeoh · 22/06/2023 21:08

This looser coral satin one?

www.coastfashion.com/plus-size-angel-sleeve-wrap-front-maxi-dress/BCC00135.html

ohmeoh · 22/06/2023 21:09

Dark red lace?

www.coastfashion.com/plus-size-lace-button-detail-midi-dress/BCC02481-2.html?color=294

Original poster

howtocope · 22/06/2023 21:09

That's pretty but I'm not sure about the sheen.

OP posts:

sadtoday1 · 22/06/2023 21:11

Hobbs have a sale on via marks and spencer at the mo. This caught my eye, although it’s floral, it does have sleeves!

https://www.marksandspencer.com/floral-v-neck-knee-length-waisted-dress/p/clp22543565?prevPage=srp#intid=plpnav_pid_pg1pip32g2r5c2

Floral V-Neck Knee Length Waisted Dress

Putting a contemporary spin on classic elegance, this knee-length dress by Hobbs is ready for whatever you've got in the diary. The floral piece comes in a flattering regular fit, with an elegant v-neckline and button-through front. A self-tie belt def...

https://www.marksandspencer.com/floral-v-neck-knee-length-waisted-dress/p/clp22543565?prevPage=srp#intid=plpnav_pid_pg1pip32g2r5c2

Original poster

howtocope · 22/06/2023 21:13

For some reason the images on the Coast site have stopped loading for me. Will keep trying.

The Hobbs dress is pretty but it's the waist issue again. I'm a typical apple: slim arms & legs but 8 months pregnant through the middle.

OP posts:

goldenlocks · 22/06/2023 21:17

Can you show us a pic of you in something you have previously worn and liked or a pic of yourself with face blurred out?!

Original poster

howtocope · 22/06/2023 21:24

I think a big part of the problem is that I never dress up. The last time I went to a wedding was in the 90s. I've been a SAHM for teeny years and I work from home now. The dressiest thing in my wardrobe is a yellow cotton dress from Daughters of India that I've worn out for Mother's Day lunch. I've considered wearing it to this wedding, but I think it's too casual. (Obviously not me in the pic)

I do like the sort of boho look.