Summer wedding outfit

[Lilsoph]

My niece is getting married in June next year. It will be a posh wedding of tall, slim, early 30’s couples. I’m looking for something smart but a bit edgy for early 60’s, size 10/12, 5’ 2” with pixie hair cut. No dresses unless to the ankle but would prefer trousers. Needs to cover upper arms. Ideally has a collar of some sort as my hair is very short. Preferably plain fabric or self pattern as not keen on florals etc. No heels due to knee surgery. I love linen but probably not the best fabric to stay looking nice, same with silk. I’d hoped for a winter wedding so that I could wear velvet 😁 My usual style is understated - wide leg trousers/ cigarette pants with silk or linen shirt, loafers or brogues. I’m looking for inspiration but all out of it. Budget could be about £500. TIA.

Ooh, exciting!

We sound very similar in age and stature. First thoughts:

Alemais
Christian Wijnants
La Double J
Lisou
Zimmermann

might be some of the places I’d look. Maybe even Petar Petrov if there was a really encouraging sale. (Also very drawn to Cecilie Bahnsen and Horror Vacui but they don’t sound your sort of thing.)

Of course you could just rent a Vampire’s Wife frock …

Thank you. I love some of these, especially the lisous shirts. Maybe one of those with plain palazzo type trousers. Will gave a better look this evening.

A blouse from The Fold?
https://thefoldlondon.com/product/delia-shirt-tangerine-orange-linen-cotton-blend/

Or Cos? https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/tops.html?page=3

Massimo Tutti has a special edition range

Or Rixo in a completely different style https://rixolondon.com/products/maisie-navy-psychedelic?nosto_source=cmp&nosto=956326638

That orange shirt from the fold is fab. Thanks for your suggestions.

Surely there must be other people with suggestions!

Few months yet but I don't want to leave it too late and end up buying something in a rush. But if anyone has any suggestions ….

This style of jumpsuit - but in a more spring colour?

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/diane-von-furstenberg/jumpsuits/evening/blake-leopard-print-crepe-de-chine-wide-leg-jumpsuit/11452292645738117?utm_source=partnerize&utm_medium=affiliation&utm_campaign=eu_laurenlyst&clickref=1100lxRSWELI

Just saw this via another thread and thought of you, @Lilsoph. It’s wonderfully easy and, crucially, un-stuffy.

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/l-agence/clothing/maxi-dresses/klement-belted-silk-satin-maxi-shirt-dress/1647597316097507

(I’ll be keeping my eye on this brand, because along with Alemais these seem like excellent dresses for long hot city days as well as celebrations.)

I don’t love the jumpsuit. Looks a bit … effortful.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m not sure I want to do battle with a jumpsuit. My memories of wearing one in 80’s aren't good.

I'm a couple of years older, an inch taller and I like the sound of your style.

Does your budget need to cover an entire outfit? Or are you looking for one / maybe 2 things to make an existing outfit shine?

I'm asking because if it were me, I'd be quite tempted to splash it all on one of those Lisou shirts and team it with things I've got already.

Thank you. Ive always preferred trousers and clean lines. The older I’ve got the more inclined and confident I’ve become to wear what I like and not ‘followed fashion’ for many years. I have a pair of weighty, Cadbury purple, crepe wide leg trousers (that have been kept for ‘best’) that I am tempted to pair with one of the lisou shirts. You’ve given me the idea to look at my existing wardrobe with fresh eyes.

I think purple wide legs and an extravagant shirt sound great. (I've also just fallen for a shirt on the La Double J website linked upthread, but it would swallow up your whole budget and then some more so I won't link unless you really want me to!)

How are you fixed for shoes? I've seen some really interesting flats lately - can't remember where but I'm sure other posters will know some good links.

I’ve not heard of La Double J but will google as I’m intrigued now. I’ll need shoes. Rouge trader had interesting ones but I think they are winding down so I’d be interested in other companies.

Colour might be a bit much but something this style came to mind instantly
https://www.self-portrait.com/products/mint-chiffon-crepe-maxi-dress

Rogue matilda not rogue trader 🙄

I did wonder, @Lilsoph .

I’ve been searching unsuccessfully for a random photo I saw on Insta a couple of years ago of actually a grandmother, rather than mother, of a bride or groom at some high profile wedding. She was wearing an immaculate, but relaxed shirt and trousers (and sunglasses) and was, by a country mile, not just the best dressed person at that wedding but at any wedding I saw via photos that year. It was what prompted my first post above, as all those brands make wonderful separates (as well as dresses). The Lisou shirts are very special, but I’ve been lusting after a La Double J shirt for longer, and never manage to catch up with the particular ones I want in any season.

Another possibility might be a silk shirt from the Cawley bridal collection. You could have one made to order in any colour. To me they’re very grand and imbued with a huge amount of romance …

https://cawleystudio.com/bridal/tie-skirt-slub-dupion-ivory-2wdzy

As for shoes … 😍

https://hereustudio.com/collections/all-shoes/products/cabersa-padded-fisherman-sandal-dark-lavender

I saw these in the flesh last year and am glad they’re still available. Possibly there’ll be a new version next year. Ferragamo, and Roger Vivier make indescribably beautiful flat shoes, but the Hereu flats are so fresh looking.

The self portrait dress is a fabulous dress but too ‘girly’ for me.

I like the june silk dupion shirt. Ive got a vintage silk dupion shirt that is similar in style in a light coffee colour - need to get that out. May be easier to rethink the trousers 🤔

The lilac cabersa sandals are fab but too flat for me. I really appreciate all these suggestions which has made me realise how difficult it is to find something.

Some might say ‘absorbing’ rather than difficult!

Stine Goya has some nice tops

https://uk.stinegoya.com/collections/tops#3