Seeking opinions on whether this is too frumpy?

[Namchani]

Another wedding guest one…
Wedding abroad in likely 40 degree heat
Bride works in fashion and will have lots of fashion and influencer type guests in attendance
I feel very Mumsy in comparison!
I prefer a Midaxi/ maxi after pregnancy as I’ve got some lingering varicose veins

Trying to find a maxi in a fabric that’s not polyester and a colour that’s not lurid pink has been difficult…

This fits and I’d wear it at a weekend here but is it too meh for a wedding? And is it a bit too matronly on the chest?
Out of interest, what dress size do I appear?

Alternative suggestions welcomed!

Re frumpy

Also way out of OPs price range.

At 40' you won't want sleeves. Your figure is great and you will look most glamorous if you are comfortable in what you are wearing.

The dress is lovely. You have an hour glass figure and this emphasises it nicely. Not matronly at all.

but it does look fairly casual. Probably a bit too casual imo.

Just flicked through and the Anthropology dress is perfect. Well worth £80 just so you feel great 👍🏻

Some lovely dresses at Wrap London e.g. this one in the sale https://www.wraplondon.co.uk/fashion-ZE59-SMWSDRSK/colour-a-soft-blue/dresses-skirts/lacedetail-linen-dress.htm

Hello

I think anon2022anon has hit the nail on the head! The style of the green dress with the ruched bodice and broad straps that is shown at the beginning of the video is perfect for a hot summer's day wedding.

[I tried to crop the text around the photo to paste it here into this message but don't know how to do this (Help, anybody?)]

"anon2022anon · Yesterday 16:28
This lady on Instagram is 5'10, size 18 and hourglass. I think she looks fabulous in all of the outfits she's tried on, and you might get a few ideas from the video.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuhqR60J7XE/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA=="

My tips for what they are worth!

REGARDING THE WEATHER
I've been living in Siracusa, Sicily, for the past 4 years in terrible heat. (You can see the latest temps there now). At every hot weather wedding I have seen there the women guests never wear sleeves - trapped heat and the resulting damp sweaty patches under the armpits are UGLY. Being Italy, the styles are amazing.

DEFINITELY:

1. NO SLEEVES.

2. V-neck is most flattering for a larger bust.

3. Cotton or linen only.

4. Pale colours like pastel green or pastel blue or pastel yellow or pastel pink, or pale cream (whichever suits your colouring) are coolest, reflecting heat off you (NOT navy like someone suggested). You can add spots of colour with dazzling earrings and shoes. Bracelets/bangles/necklaces are not advisable - you sweat under them and if they are metal, you will burn.

5. Loads of high % sunscreen.

6. Buy a lovely fan - lacy or to complement your dress/shoe/earring colour, and use it! You'll be the envy of others who didn't think of this.

7. Wear your hair up, off your neck, if it is long. Clip away off your face if it isn't. Or, if it suits you, get a 'pixie' cut (think Sharon Stone, Jamie Lee Curtis, etc.

8. Rigby and Peller consultants are expert at showing which style and cut of bra is most comfortable and most flattering, so best for your figure. The right bra works wonders. Believe me - from personal experience of wasting money for over 35 years by wearing the wrong styles ! I don't have lots of money, but this is one item for which I am happy to pay. Besides, once you know what to look for, you can get bargains - they also have sales.

9. Take an extra pair of lower heel shoes to change into when your feet swell in the heat.

10. Sunglasses to cut out glare and prevent you squinting.

11. A light squashable summery hat if needed - squash into your bag when not.

12. Freeze some water with a slice of lemon and some fresh mint leaves, in a small plastic bottle - it will gradually thaw and give you a refreshing drink. It's important to stay hydrated.

It’s nice but I think not formal enough for a wedding

@Namchani I like the low cut dress you posted earlier. I went to a wedding last week and was very self conscious re my middle after pregnancy so I bought some shapewear for underneath and it made me feel a lot better. I found the M&S stuff terrible so went with Conturve and it was fab. I would recommend sizing down for the most benefit.

If you are looking for something with trousers this is lovely from Phase Eight, jacket and hat/fascinaor for ceremony to formalise it then lose them for reception

The dress you’ve ordered is way nicer op. I hope it fits!

Completely agree, it's stunning. I'm desperately trying to think of a reason why I need to buy it...

I love that dress and have been lusting after it for a while

Wow what fabulous tips! I'm not going to any weddings or trips abroad but just perfect advice and will remember if I am ever lucky too xoxo

Absolutely great figure! - Junoesque.

-I wouldn't go for garish bold patterns. You don't need to hide your figure with those, and a small print is better on a tall, hour-glass person.
-V neck, deep scoop neck, off the shoulder looks good with a full bust. Not high neck, no slash neck.
-you have pretty arms. Only thing I would avoid is cap sleeves - anything else will look great.
-Rather than a straight up and down dress, a definite waist with a skirt that flares out will look great on you.
-Too hot for man-made fibres: Cotton, silk, Linen - either woven or jersey - or a mix of any of those. Viscose will have to do if needs be (It's made of wood pulp I think but cool to wear) - as I notice natural fibres now very expensive.
-Nothing very tight.
-I think your first dress looks lovely on you for normal wear - the shape works but with a v-neck or deep scoop.

Hey OP
I hope you don't mind me saying but you do seem to pick very frumpy and mumsy things. You have a fab shape and I think you'd honestly be very pleasantly surprised if you tried on some more glam pieces.

Do you have anywhere near you that would offer a free personal shopping appointment that could push you out of your comfort zone? someone who will literally hand you some stuff that is more glamourous which will force you to try them on 😊

I think that's a beautiful dress, just wish I had a wedding to go to, to justify buying it!

I love the anthropology one!

I have this fatface dress- 100% cotton and very flattering/cool. Around £50 as has 20% off at the mo.

What about this green one?

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/summer-soul-maxi-halter-neck-dress

Green one

Build(buy) it and they(invitations) will come lol

Recommend collectif for your hour glass figure.

most are 98% cotton 2% elastane that hangs really nicely.

1950s in style which is a statement :)

https://www.collectiflondon.com/Mobile/en/Womens-Flared-Dresses/m-cpl-359.aspx?MinPrice=39&MaxPrice=165&Page=4&SortBy=SalesRank&ListType=2&ProductImageView=1

Large bust and halter neck do not go together!

Really pretty but the OP would die in that at 40 degrees, because it's not a natural fabric.

I agree with those saying no sleeves are best, OP, but, if you can't bear sleeveless, go for something with a short, wide sleeve, that lets air circulate to the armpits!

In hot weather, trousers and a blouse give extra fabric around the waist, and you will SWEAT like crazy. A dress is much better.

Please believe me - I live in this climate. Italian women have style and they know how to dress for the high temperatures.