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??

I think something like this would be lovely:

https://www.dollyanddotty.co.uk/products/darlene-floral-roses-swing-dress-in-green

I also love the tartan skirt you picked and think it definitely could work for a wedding.

Love the tartan skirt too, that would get my vote.

Also love the dress you’ve posted in your OP, don’t see what would be wrong with it for a wedding!

The tartan skirt is soooo fabulous! AND you'll get loads of wear out of it later. Most of the suggestions have been, frankly, rather frumpy.

How about this, OP:www.coastfashion.com/midi-dress-with-ponte-top-2-in-1-twill-skirt/BCC05827.html

It's got the plain and tasteful upper half and then some of the fund you love. And sleeves. And it's reduced. And that blue tends to suit fair hair.

Yes how about a nice mumsnet approved floral midi dress instead? 🙄

FWIW I really love fashion & am usually well put together. And I find the standard identikit wedding attire to be deathly boring. Among my social circle nobody would bat an eyelid at a tartan circle skirt.
And I wouldn't want the sort of people who are judgy about any deviation from generic event attire at my wedding either.

Yes I agree. Funny how everyone has different perceptions of "frumpy".
I love the structured Karen Millen dress too - styled correctly it could look incredible. And I can't imagine a dress like that looking frumpy on an hourglass figure either!
As for the tartan skirt - I think it's great. I've always seen the truly elegant & glamorous people as those with a sense of authentic personal style, who express themselves with clothing in a way that's a bit different to what everybody else is doing.
Turning up to a wedding wearing a variation of the same look 20 other women are wearing isn't being "fashionable" IMO. If anything it shows a lack of creativity & confidence .

I don't use ", frumpy" but if I did , that Karen Millen dress would take the biscuit.

The fake 1950s tartan skirt isn't far behind. There's nothing particularly original in wearing fake retro.

Agree with above comments about essentially doing your own thing, if you feel authentic and confident that's the key.

I posted earlier about 'shapes'. The examples may not be anyone's favourite but it's just that having gone down this road earlier this year - and really not enjoyed the buxom bombshell look on me at all - I wanted the OP to take heart that other shapes might suit.

Most of us know the minute we put on 'the' dress we are really happy to wear (regardless of fashion or wedding convention) Op - I hope you find it !

More or less ridiculous than someone wearing your demented cat shoes @NatashaDancing...................?

🤣

Oh thank you so much everyone for taking the time reply.

The links posted have been really helpful and directed me to websites I've never been to before which is exactly what I wanted.

I think what I'm going to do is head to the shops and try on a whole host of different styles of dresses/skirts as you've given me the confidence to try something new!

I was going to "make do" and get something that was just okay but I've done that for the past 2 weddings I've been to and I always say to myself that this time I'll go for something I really like instead of something that'll do.

Why are people so mean just because you don't like something doesn't mean other will look ridiculous, frumpy or awful. We all have different styles and like different things and the people posting dresses are being helpful 🙄

Have you heard of Popsy at all? They're an independent British online dress shop, they do lots of beautiful and fun prints but also have some more formal dresses for wedings...

www.popsyclothing.co.uk/collections/swing-dress/products/reagan-large-vintage-floral-swing-dress

Why don't you treat yourself to a department store with a personal shopper/stylist service? Or find an online one.