pleeeease help - wedding guest outfit

[onezerotwo]

I'm attending a family wedding in October and I'm looking for a dress. I am hopeless when it comes to shopping for clothes. Plus I hate actually going shopping and prefer to shop online.

I'm not particularly fashionable and as I've got a bit older (early 40s) I've been trying to be a bit more tasteful... I love bright colours and some patterns (love an animal print!) but I would like something elegant and classic if possible.

I really liked this: https://www.karenmillen.com/structured-crepe-forever-pleat-belted-midi-dress/BKK03446-138-16.html?&&&&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw29ymBhAKEiwAHJbJ8i9VXxTU9_8UnbInNQP6Sqp1XCld2UMHPoJW1a6qrdaI7lt-yYj5mBoCRw8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

But my size isn't available and my figure, and height, is nothing like the models!

I'm 5'3.5" and a size 14/16, hourglass figure with big boobs and have slim legs. I'm pale skinned with blonde hair. I have stopped wearing heels but would consider a small block heel etc.

We're in Scotland so I have considered wearing tartan and liked this skirt https://britishretro.co.uk/product/royal-dress-stewart-tartan-vintage-full-circle-bonny-skirt/?attribute_pa_size=18&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw29ymBhAKEiwAHJbJ8sMRt0osq0Cp-CciYKrx6VFIwFv8hhWkSQwXmSvAyIxDFzGl1U8fJxoCiYYQAvD_BwE

Those types of skirts and dresses suit me well. I need something structured/fitted/tailored.

I have no idea what people are wearing to weddings these days and I always feel that I'm just missing the mark when I buy something for a special occasion.

Can anyone help??

Oh, and I would like sleeves of some description...

I think this is gorgeous for a wedding. https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.v-neck-wrap-dress-yellow.1168615002.html

I’m Scottish and would absolutely avoid tartan for a wedding. Love it on a man, but not to my taste for women.

Not a fan of the Karen Millen either tbh but that’s what makes fashion fun. We all like different things. I’ve just turned 40 and that’s quite stuffy to me.

What about this Next dress

Comes in various bright colours

I can see why some would see it as stuffy.

The 2 links posted are lovely dresses but I don't think they'd work for me. I really need something structured I think.

What about this style?

https://closetlondon.com/closet-london-wrap-pencil-dress-magenta/

Reiss dress

I am of similar proportions and suit fitted dresses with a v neck. If you’re big boobed, petite and with good legs then how about this:

https://www.johnlewis.com/chi-chi-london-floral-embroidered-knee-length-dress-blue/p6160785

Look at Bombshell HQ 's website

You will look ridiculous at a wedding in that tartan outfit.

I'm a totally different shape so can't recommend anything really, but Coast have a lot of structured dresses? If you're not generally fashionable and just want to look nice, stick to something simple. People are generally wearing midi dresses, usually either a strappy slip dress or a ruffled dress in my circle, but anything goes really as long as it's smart enough.

I agree with PP to avoid the tartan... The wedding party will likely be in kilts. It could look daft.

Totally concur with @Mosaic123 and they have an extra 10% off atm

https://www.bombshellhq.com/collections/dresses?usf_sort=price&uff_351m5y_option%3ASize=14

Did you mean to be so rude?

Hmm … This is not what you think you want, and I’m not certain it would work, but I completely trust this brand to … know. It could be utterly cool with the right grooming and minimalist accessories. (And yes I know it’s polyester.)

https://teurnstudios.com/collections/shop/products/plissed-dress

The OP apparently assumes that's what's worn at weddings in Scotland.

Men sometimes wear kilts. I've never been at a wedding where women have turned up looking as if they're dressed to take part in The White Heather club. She would look ridiculous in that outfit.

Yes, I've read the thread. It's just your tone.... So unecessary.

I’m not hopeful that you’ll like this, but you did mention fashionable-ness, and this is. Proportions should be ok. A good shaping slip underneath might be useful. Comparative bargain for what will probably be a collector’s item in years to come.

https://www.ssense.com/en-gb/women/product/chopova-lowena/black-windsucker-cherry-midi-dress/13848711

Have a look at this website:

https://www.eshakti.com/

You can customise the sleeves, neckline, length and in some cases fabric to suit your preferences.

A little similar to the dress you like. https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-petite-petra-pleated-wrap-midi-dress-magenta/p110136388

I think you’d look stunning in something like this. https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls370876/q37627#q37627

The Karen Millen dress is on eBay in your size:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404314933951?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=c_bxdpxwryu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=U1g2SpouTHC&var=674230508079&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I think the pleating, plus the belt makes the dress you posted look a bit busy. Would you consider something similar like this?

https://www.coastfashion.com/flare-sleeve-ruche-waist-midi-dress/BCC00390.html?color=138

Alternatively, you could go for something like this and style it with chunky gold earrings, a bracelet and some leopard print kitten/ block heels or flats.

https://www.endource.com/product/karen-millen-clean-tailored-off-shoulder-short-sleeve-midi-dress/ZKb_sLzL0QABc1bc

Thank you so much for the links.

Loved the pretty Chi Chi London dress posted upthread, that poster was correct around v neck, or possibly scoop because of my boobs. That and unfussy sleeves are best and frills anywhere are not.

The magenta Coast dress is gorgeous but not sure about the neckline, I think there's the possibility of me looking top heavy.

I do like Coast dresses so will have a scroll though that and also Bombshell.

Laughing at women not wearing tartan to weddings and looking ridiculous. I wish I could show you a picture of how stunning my brother's MIL looked at his wedding in her custom-made floor length tartan gown 😍

Okay, bucking the trend here but I LOVE the tartan. I think it’s perfect for October and would look stunning on your figure. I think it’s really cool. I mean, why can’t women wear tartan? How gendered.

Missed your Sosander link, I have a beautiful dress from there (and a couple of blouses). Their clothes are quite flattering on me I think.

Just piggybacking on to say I’m a 12 verging on a 14 with big boobs and Sosander dresses (especially fit and flare) are flattering on me.

Definitely structured dresses like Karen Millen, Phase Eight and Coast.

Pretty dress company have some structured dresses

https://www.theprettydresscompany.com/clothing-c1/dresses-c2/the-pretty-dress-company-myla-midi-dress-p183#attribute%5B1%5D=25