Can I avoid 'mumsy size 18' at a summer wedding? Only if you will accept the mission

[choosyfloosy]

Not saying that all size 18 people are mumsy, but I definitely am. I'm rubbish at grooming and clothes generally and have no money. I'm tall with broad shoulders and am an egg on legs shape with no waist. I have a linen skirt suit from East (nehru collar, a-line skirt) and it's nice but my reliable ankles are now getting a bit saggy so a bit worried about tights/sandal strap interface. can't see anything on ebay except 'mother of the groom outfits' which is exactly what I'm trying to avoid. I don't know what to look for though.

coast now do selected lines in a size 18 - I nearly wept with relief when I saw that, and am now pg again so maybe they'll up the game and do maternity too!!

they have some brilliant stuff and are online too - a lovely top to go with your skirt should do the job nicely

When is the wedding?

another vote for coast. get something structured. i have no waist either so completely relate to teh egg on legs thing. oh and get one of those magic pant things that come up under your bust.

ooh keeping the skirt and adding a top may work. coast - great idea.

wedding is in june. luckily my birthday is in april so i could maybe get something new for that.

what about the bulgy ankles with straps though? any ideas on footwear?

leg warmers!

avoid straps across the ankle - maybe court shoe style? Prob a bit warm for boots

I had the exact same problem as I am also a size 18 and have a wedding and my daughter's first Communion in May and June.

I have found a dress from Debenhams online. It's a black underneath (not too sure about black at weddings but it's quite me so decided what the hell!!) and then has a see-through layer with little flowers on it. There is quite a lot of lime green in it so I got a little lime green shrug type cardigan and a lime necklace and bangle and silk handbag and am going to wear black linen trousers (Next) under the dress (I have awful legs and carry most of my weight there and the dress is only knee length) with black wedge sandals.

I think it all looks pretty good - trendy - maybe a BIT casual but hoping the accessories brighten it up a bit. It's a bit young too (I'm 43) but it is quite me.

The dress drops from beneath the boobs so isn't clinging to my tummy or huge bum and I think it looks OK.

The thought of a suit horrified me and I need long skirts and they can look so mumsy. So I opted for the dress over trousers look. There are some nice tunic tops around too - lovely with wide leg linen trousers.

Hope this helps. Will try links if you want!!

Oh the whole lot cost about £100 and I'll wear all of it loads.

if you have bulgy ankles - your desc not mine! - never wear anything with straps that have to round them - court shoes only please!

monsoon also do lovely stuff right up to 20/22

what about a beautiful light coloured tunic and smart tapered trousers - hides a multitude of sins, inc those ankles

no point in spending the day uncomfortable and sucking it all in

I got a lovely tunic from J taylor in debenhams and wore it with trousers to wedding in Dec and didn't look half bad even if I say so muself

oh many many thanks all

i love this jacket (shacket? wtf?) but CURSES it only goes to size 16, why do they fail to do the only thing with sleeves in the entire site in the upper sizes??

dress sounds great listmaker, had a look for it, couldn't see it but i think this maxi dress is great what do you think? could borrow some jewels from somewhere to hoik it up and get my hair put up, just go for full on?

oh god halter neck what am i thinking

Halter neck would be fine with a halter bra and shrug or something - that dress is lovely! I don't really do really dressy so my dress is here www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_65066_543150_-1:

I like the dress a lot and the shape is flattering, but try it on first!

www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/22318445

something like this with nice smart trousers

v neck, bold pattern very flattering
x

I like this one Dizzy www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/22315741 with ivory trousers?

I saw that one too but be careful as it looks very white and might be a bit much with white trousers
you could wear it with black and brighted up with pink shoes/bag/corsage?

www.coast-stores.com/fcp/product/-/ALLTops/Zaira-Embroidered-Top/2244554689

this one is nice too - has block colours just where you would need them and a V neck again!

I do love a good V neck

www.coast-stores.com/fcp/categorylist/dept/ALLTops?productsPerPage=146

loads on here with v necks and ruching too - we love ruching too lol

these are all great, and unmumsy

i think i am going to do some trying on - thanks all. i'm probably sad enough to do an update at some point

looking forward to it, am very jealous of trying on, am afraid all my clothes elasticated for forseeable future - make a day of it and treat yourself