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Help me find a dress for a winter wedding

22 replies

Monkeymonkeymoo · 01/11/2023 07:10

DH’s friend is getting married just before Christmas and I’m looking for something nice to wear.
I’ll be 15 weeks pregnant but we won’t have announced the pregnancy to most people at the wedding (the groom and bride know already) so I’d rather wear something that doesn’t emphasize the bump. I’ll also be at the awkward point of pregnancy where I don’t really need maternity clothes but normal clothes are getting a bit tight.

It’s a church followed by a reception in a nice restaurant.
There’s a bit of walking between the venues so ideally I’ll need to be able to wear the outfit with flat shoes.
I have a smart coat but I’ll need something reasonably warm because I’d prefer not to freeze in the church/during photos.

I’m a size 10 (although probably a 12 by the time I go to the wedding, unless it’s maternity wear). 5’6 and mid 30s.
Ideally I’d rather not spend more than £100-150 but could stretch a bit for the right outfit (especially if it can be worn for other things).

OP posts:
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Monkeymonkeymoo · 01/11/2023 12:19

I could try something like this: https://www.johnlewis.com/kaffe-ursula-velvet-knee-length-dress-forest-night/p110877100
(although ideally in a different colour). Maybe with black tights.

Open to alternative suggestions though (I don’t particularly love it, and really don’t like the colour).

OP posts:
Defiantlynot41 · 01/11/2023 12:31

I do like that ...

A few more JL suggestions, the blue velvet is really nice

Help me find a dress for a winter wedding
Help me find a dress for a winter wedding
Help me find a dress for a winter wedding
Possimpible · 01/11/2023 12:39

Monkeymonkeymoo · 01/11/2023 12:19

I could try something like this: https://www.johnlewis.com/kaffe-ursula-velvet-knee-length-dress-forest-night/p110877100
(although ideally in a different colour). Maybe with black tights.

Open to alternative suggestions though (I don’t particularly love it, and really don’t like the colour).

Sorry OP but this looks exactly like a dress someone would wear to try (not very hard) to cover up a pregnancy. What sort of thing would you wear if you weren't pregnant? Colours, styles? I know I'll get ripped to shreds for daring to mention Coast, but they do loads of structured fit and flare dresses which might cover the beginning of bump, e.g. this. I'd wait till much nearer the time anyway to see what size and shape you are.

ETA - I do like that navy velvet one @Defiantlynot41

Defiantlynot41 · 01/11/2023 13:16

If you do want a maternity dress, JL stock Mamalicious and Seraphine, although most seem to be the bump-emphasising kind, a couple that are not clingy, and a one non maternity dress that I couldn't fit on my previous post!

Help me find a dress for a winter wedding
Help me find a dress for a winter wedding
Help me find a dress for a winter wedding
LivelyBlake · 01/11/2023 13:21

What is your coat like?

GettingStuffed · 01/11/2023 13:23

This is available in a 12
www.johnlewis.com/live-unlimited-curve-ombre-pleated-swing-midi-dress-brown/p110136213

SM4713 · 01/11/2023 13:29

If you have to walk between venues, I'd take a pair of flats/comfy shoes in your bag and wear those when walking, then put your heels or nicer shoes back on. No way would I be walking too far in heels.

Monkeymonkeymoo · 01/11/2023 13:34

@Defiantlynot41 that blue dress is lovely. I’m not convinced about the sleeves but I might get it and try it.
I also love the floral dress in your second post and I’d also be able to wear that to my work Christmas party and NYE.
My coat is this style: https://www.lkbennett.com/product/CTLOTTIEPOLYESTERMIXBlackMulti~Lottie-Black-And-White-Prince-Of-Wales-Check-Coat-Multi but it’s plain grey wool with no fur and mother of pearl colour buttons (it’s not very exciting but it’ll go with most things)

@Possimpible I agree that it looks a bit ‘trying to hide a pregnancy’. I don’t actually mind people knowing that I’m pregnant I just don’t want it to be so obvious that they ask on the day and we end up telling people at someone else’s wedding (I’ve started showing at about 13 weeks with my previous pregnancies).
My normal style for winter events would be a fitted dress with tights and a blazer or an a-line skirt with either a fitted cashmere jumper or silk shirt. Probably in jewel colours or navy/blush/cream.
I have hyperemesis so trying to avoid anything with a fitted waistband (anything tight makes the nausea worse).

OP posts:
Monkeymonkeymoo · 01/11/2023 13:39

@GettingStuffed I think a 12 in that style might not suit me (I’m not particularly busty, even pregnant, so I think it might not be very flattering). Something empire line might be a good idea though.

@SM4713 I’ll definitely be in flats or very small heels (I tend to wear them anyway so no-one will be surprised that I’m not wearing heels). Although if anyone has any suggestions for formal flats I could be tempted (all mine are either a bit boring or better for summer).

OP posts:
Possimpible · 01/11/2023 13:47

@Monkeymonkeymoo would something like this work? Only you know if your bump would be obvious in it, but if you sized up it might be okay. It would be very rude of people to specifically ask if you were pregnant, especially in December! We'll all be carrying a bit of extra timber. Formal flats - Mary Janes with multiple straps are everywhere at the moment.

Monkeymonkeymoo · 01/11/2023 13:55

@Possimpible I don’t think they’d ask unless it was obvious (I just wanted to avoid body-con type suggestions where it would be a very definite bump).
I love the dress you suggested, they’ve got a teal v-neck version that I might get to try on (I think and ribbon tie around the waist might be more comfortable than a fixed waist band)

OP posts:
Monkeymonkeymoo · 01/11/2023 13:57

@MikeRafone thank you, it’s a nice colour but I think the way it goes up and is ruched under the bust might draw attention to the bump rather than distract from it (I know I’m fussy!)

OP posts:
Resilience · 01/11/2023 13:58

What about something like this?

https://www.reiss.com/eu/en/style/su039648/480778

Well-structured jumpsuits are amazingly forgiving of lumps and bumps so can hide an early pregnancy bump very well. The flowy style of this one and the velvet material can increase the glamour rather than making it frumpy. The trouser leg means you don't need heels to elongate your legs.

Resilience · 01/11/2023 13:58

Congrats on your pregnancy btw 💐

notlucreziaborgia · 01/11/2023 15:42

Slightly more expensive, but you can probably find something in the same style if you like it:
https://modesens.com/s/T6Y/

Help me find a dress for a winter wedding
MrsMarzetti · 01/11/2023 17:52

Use pattern to hide the bump

Mrsdht · 01/11/2023 19:38

I'm at a wedding in 3 weeks and i do not shop expensively. I have just snapped up this bargain for under £40 from boohoo.

Help me find a dress for a winter wedding
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