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Casual wedding, casual party, totally stuck on what to wear ---

15 replies

betterchange · 27/07/2023 13:52

Like it says. Casual wedding - not a church, no bridesmaid, GOK what the bride is wearing but it won't be a big number. I'm only going as the +1 of a family member. Plus, 3 weeks earlier, casual "big number" birthday party (not mine, and held in a rugby club!). I suspect I'd get away with jeans here but I want to wear something attractive so I think I could combine the two functions. (There's no crossover on guestlist so no probs there!).

However I can't seem to find anything I like! I like this as featured in another thread:
https://ba-sh.com/uk/p/dress-teoli-turquoise-3664784607168.html
but the colour might be too subtle, and for that price I'd need to be ultra-sure.
I fell in love with the look of this:
https://www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/sunshine-and-meadow-flowers/products/valeria-dress-in-sunshine-meadow-flower-embroidered-lace
but it's more than I want to spend.

For context - I'm 5'4 (and a bit!), curvy size 12 (D cup and a tummy but also a waist and slim hips). Prefer vibrant colours. Need to wear a bra (not strapless!). Happy to show my arms but not my brastraps! Have broad shoulders so big puffy sleeves look ridiculous. Don't want floorlength. Don't want to exaggerate my tummy, or look like a ship in full sail (can be a risk with bigger boobs on my frame!) Will be wearing whatever I get with flats.

I far prefer to buy in a shop rather than online because the feel and the drape of a material is v v important to me, and also because my curvy bits often mean a 12 is too tight on the chest or waist, but a 14 then swamps me. I also have problems translating what I see on a model into how it will look on me (being no model). But I'll consider online if the returns policy is good.

Any help would be gratefully received. I don't even know what brands are worth looking at with my body shape -

OP posts:
FelicityFlops · 27/07/2023 14:17

How about a jumpsuit for both? Can make as smart or casual as you want.
I have a lovely Alice by Temperley silk one (Blue Heron, I think it was called), that I bought in about 2013 or 2014. So far it has been to 1 wedding and 1 funeral, perfect each time. It is scheduled to attend another wedding next year (as my + 1 :-)), but I need to have it altered slightly as it is a little bit too big these days.
Also I have never had issues with going to the loo, thanks to the long back zip.

betterchange · 27/07/2023 14:25

It's an idea, @FelicityFlops ; I saw a fabulous phase8 jumpsuit that I really wanted a few years back but couldn't get in my size.

OP posts:
betterchange · 27/07/2023 14:37

Thanks for the suggestion, @Riverlee , but I find that wrap dresses tend to come unwrapped on me (! - I think it's the boobs!) and as I'll def be dancing, that might give all the other guests sore eyes!

OP posts:
Whataretheodds · 27/07/2023 14:43

Worth getting a 14 (or whatever fits your biggest part) and having it tailored.

Any of these appeal? https://www.oasisfashion.com/categories/womens-dresses?page=2

Casual wedding, casual party, totally stuck on what to wear ---
Shufflebumnessie · 27/07/2023 16:34

Have you looked at Monsson? My local store had several dresses in a similar style (with the embroidered overlay) to the Nancy Mac you linked above.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st736836/n00465#n00465
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su026229/168381#168381
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su003254/948390#948390

Jumpsuit
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su013848/u06390#u06390

Shufflebumnessie · 27/07/2023 16:37

*Monsoon

bluesky45 · 27/07/2023 16:52

The blue monsoon dress @Shufflebumnessie linked is beautiful! I wish I had an event to go to just so I could order it.

bluesky45 · 27/07/2023 16:54

Although on second thoughts, if you are a bit booby then the flowers on the top half might be a bit too much on your actual boobs. I think you would have to try it on and see exactly where they sit and whether it looks like you have decorated your boobs with flowers or not!

veryverytiredmummy · 27/07/2023 16:57

https://m.lightinthebox.com/p/a-line-floral-engagement-prom-dress-jewel-neck-half-sleeve-tea-length-lace-tulle-with-embroidery-appliques-2020_p7993463.html?currency=GBP&litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping&sku=1_20151%7C20_55&country_code=gb&litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17753221391&adword_mt=&adword_ct=&adword_kw=&adword_pos=&adword_pl=&adword_net=x&adword_tar=&adw_src_id=3516490533_17753221391__&gclid=CjwKCAjwq4imBhBQEiwA9Nx1BuNSCddR34gBGF-v4RS5taJj3uyspvMNO9LA9m9vXpsI8tQ27snXeRoCbugQAvD_BwE

Can't see it in yellow but the blue is lovely.

Ordered one very similar for daughter 12 months ago and it came promptly.

A-Line Prom Dresses Floral Dress Wedding Guest Tea Length Half Sleeve Jewel Neck Lace with Embroidery Appliques 2023 2023 - £ 92

£ 92 - A-Line Prom Dresses Floral Dress Wedding Guest Tea Length Half Sleeve Jewel Neck Lace with Embroidery Appliques 2023 2023. Shop for cheap Prom Dresses online? Buy at lightinthebox.com on sale today!

https://m.lightinthebox.com/p/a-line-floral-engagement-prom-dress-jewel-neck-half-sleeve-tea-length-lace-tulle-with-embroidery-appliques-2020_p7993463.html?adw_src_id=3516490533_17753221391__&adword_ct=&adword_kw=&adword_mt=&adword_net=x&adword_pl=&adword_pos=&adword_tar=&country_code=gb&currency=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAjwq4imBhBQEiwA9Nx1BuNSCddR34gBGF-v4RS5taJj3uyspvMNO9LA9m9vXpsI8tQ27snXeRoCbugQAvD_BwE&litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping&litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping&sku=1_20151%7C20_55

Grimwood · 27/07/2023 20:15

If you really love the nancymac dress ( and can afford it) then I’d buy that, it’s a lovely dress and the yellow makes it more casual than the other colour ways ( assuming you can wear yellow!). I think it is probably more flattering on a curvy figure than the Ba-sh dress.

mauvish · 27/07/2023 22:32

Thanks everyone! Some good ideas here - I like two of the monsoon dresses and will def check out jumpsuits too.

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