What would you wear?

[WeddingHelpNeededFast]

Late 50s, size 18, last minute invitation to wedding (just the evening) - I WFH and just tend to go to friends' houses instead of out out. I've only worn jeans and T shirts and boots or sandals for ages. I stupidly agreed to go to the wedding and can't get out of it. I can't face a dress - I love them but would look awful in one. My hair's OK, make up fine, but it's just what to wear. I'd been thinking of just getting a nice top and wearing trousers but I've been told it's formal. I'll only be there from 7-10 so don't want to spend a fortune but my main worry is that nothing will look nice on. I think as long as I get a nice enough top I can get through it, but anything silky won't look good.

And yes, I'm kicking myself, so no need to kick me!

Please can anyone help?

Wear the nice top and trousers. Feeling comfortable is a big part of looking good.
What's your budget, preferred colour, sleeve length etc etc?

I'd second the trousers & top, if you feel that's your style. I sure you wouldn't look awful in a dress - but completely get that me saying it, won't immediately change your mind (and I'm a similar size).
Would you check out Vinted, for pre-loved item? You can filter it to show brands / styles & sizes that you know you'd be comfortable with or know should fit based on something you already own.

What about trousers, top and a fabulous jacket. Brocade or sequin or something. You might be able to hire one?

That does sound good but then I'd have to buy three items rather than two. Given I'm only there for a short while and won't wear the things again (except the trousers) then I'd rather do without the jacket.

The problem with the dress is also that I couldn't get away without wearing tights. If it was a winter wedding I wouldn't be panicking as much.

Top and trousers will be fine, it's only the evening do. What kind of colours do you like?
You could get a well cut pair of navy trousers and a contrasting silk shirt?
Or get a trouser suit that you would wear again, with a simple top underneath?

Have a look on H & M, they've got some great dresses in the sale, this one is £10!!!! Looks far better on and gets great reviews from bigger ladies, so it must be very wearable even if you do only wear it once, plus it's a classic shape do you could just keep it incase you ever need a dress again!

Spend your money on shoes, a mani/pedi and a blow dry. You don't even need to spend lots on jewellery now or an evening bag, Primark do some really cute little pieces which won't last forever, but for one night only will be perfect.

The £10 dress...

As to colours - I have auburn hair and blue eyes - 5'5". Sleeve length - I'd prefer long, really. Any top should be longer rather than ending at my waist. Thanks so much for all this- I really appreciate it.

I do love silk shirts but they aren't very flattering really unless you're thin. Sorry to sound negative.

That £10 dress is nice, but I think when you're overweight then more expensive clothes look better - the fabric is thicker, for one thing. I will have a look at Vinted - that's a great idea.

https://www.nobodyschild.com/black-oversized-boxy-shirt.html

I've been eyeing this shirt and trousers up (although just seen your last 2 posts so sleeves and shirt part might not appeal!) Something like this, maybe in a different colour, would look great with interesting shoes and bag.

You don't think all black would look bad at a wedding? I did see that today actually but the waist on it is too high. So sorry I'm fussy!

I think trousers and nice top is absolutely fine for an evening do. Something like this? You could look on Vinted to find something nice. I’d go colour/sequins top, maybe some sparkly sandals (also Vinted!). Don’t overthink it too much, everyone will be slightly pissed by then and won’t notice your exact outfit.
https://www.phase-eight.com/product/shalni-abstract-floral-wrap-top-50239200012.html?istCompanyId=c38fe7a0-ffd0-4925-94b3-cff8df449484&istFeedId=5a41320b-c741-4d1e-b90d-1091450d147c&istItemId=rqlatiaqx&istBid=t&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=19651720071&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=19651720071&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw4Wnh-nSgAMVboRoCR23mgjTEAkYASABEgKBTvD_BwE

I think it'd be fine for the night part with colour elsewhere (hairband? Shoes? Bag?) Do you have any similar trousers already that have the waist in the right place?

Yes, I would agree not to wear black to a wedding. I know some people do nowadays, but best not to, plus it's nice to have colour!
Do you like a shirt shape? How about the long shirt, only not in black? If you're auburn, would you go for green tones?

Do you not already have a plain vest or camisole that you could wear?

Anyone you could borrow from?

I do like that top though @Workawayxx

That's a lovely colourful top from Phase Eight - you could easily pair that with plain trousers and wear both again.

I do like that colourful top. I think the problem is that when you're this size you look at a very slim model wearing something and you know if you wear the same thing you won't look anything like that. It's so hard.

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/cotton-louise-shirt-in-green-clash/
Wolf and Badger have some great items - would this green shirt be any good?.

It's 100% cotton and goes up to a size 18. I think if clothes have structure, they're more flattering.

I agree about structure being more flattering. That colour's too bright for me, though I do like a dark green.