Pastel Wedding outfit

[Nightshade9]

I’ve been invited to a wedding in the summer but the guests have been asked to wear pastel colours.

I am mid-40s a size 16 and suit brighter colours (Spring from a colour consultation I had a few years back). I have no idea what I’d like or even where to look. I’d like something I’ll feel good in, is good quality and I can wear again.

Any idea gratefully received!

https://www.fineclothing.com/the-fine-line/color-analysis.html

You could try ‘flesh’, lilac or perhaps light turquoise.

Bombshell hq is great for your figure. They don’t seem to have much in lighter shades. Idk if they will later in the season. Perhaps at a pinch you could look at something like this one? No size 16. An 18… https://www.bombshellhq.com/collections/dresses/products/edge-of-the-shoulder-midi-bombshell-dress-in-gold

I am a spring. I have this dress it’s pretty roomy so a 14 may be ok. https://joliemoi.co.uk/collections/wedding-guest-dresses/products/plunge-v-neck-draped-maxi-dress-sage

This has long sleeves. https://joliemoi.co.uk/collections/wedding-guest-dresses/products/greta-long-sleeve-mesh-maxi-dress-1

I’ve just checked, pale brown shades are classed as neutral pastels. I also have this dress. It’s really flattering on, has a slight pink hue to it. https://www.debenhams.com/product/adrianna-papell-metallic-knit-cascade-gown_p-c25f82fe-3911-4e28-b146-ec5d24046f0f?colour=Brown

https://www.matchesfashion.com/products/Saloni-Lila-floral-print-silk-dress-1539013#ref=womens|sale

I love this

I think you can get another 25% off

They only have an 18 but does come up a bit small

The Saloni dress is great. (If only anywhere else were selling it as cheaply as Matches. Have you bought from them recently, @Badlands1? I’d be reluctant now the whole thing feels so tainted.)

You could hire, of course, @Nightshade9.

By Rotation has this:

https://byrotation.com/products/zimmermann-multicolour-dresses-cllocplmy0007wh0swscxa5bw

I wouldn't be going pastel either.

Although neutral with a pastel bag, shoes or scarf might be doable. Pastel nails too.

I suit similar colours to you OP and pastels make me look washed out. In your shoes I’d veer towards the candy end of pastel and look for dresses in turquoise/‘greek’ blue colours, apple, or a paler coral or rose.

https://www.color-hex.com/color-palette/22322

@TheOriginalFrench
I have bought some Raey stuff in the sale recently, all fine- its a real shame though as I have always loved their stuff.

Me too! Raey especially. My weekly round of browsing always began with Matches. It’s going to be so weird without it.

Would you prefer sleeves? Do you need a bra with straps? Lots of these are lovely but I’d struggle bra wise! I also can’t do voluminous or high neck cos norks.

I’d take a look at boohoo if you’re not likely to wear it again. I have the plisse one and it looks much nicer in the flesh. Wore it to a party and got lots of compliments. You might need to sew the plunge of the cape one! The other one also comes in other colours

These are possibilities:

https://www.meandem.com/shadow-berry-print-midi-tea-dress-purple-red-multi

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/tivoli-midi-dress-light-cornflower-blue-crepe/?_gl=11ypy01t_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn7mwBhCiARIsAGoxjaKHPorYJKRwMkaM7pJTxO5zCv3DsfqrjhXU5lXiMoRsfRvhetK-1OcaAuENEALw_wcB

If you can find a cotton dress you can dye it a brighter colour with a dylon pod after the wedding so you can actually get some wear out of it afterwards.

This might be a bit of a marmite dress, but it covers your arms, has the blues/greens that suit spring colouring, and is (kinda) pastel??

https://kitristudio.com/products/violette-green-wavy-tile-tea-dress

https://www.johnlewis.com/closet-london-high-low-wrap-midi-dress-ivory-multi

this looks re-wearable and isn’t extortionate, it also has some pops of brighter colour amongst the pastel.

this has a sleeve, could be dressed up and would be cool in cotton, although dunno if it’d be a bit of a wrinkle-fest for a day long event.

Pale salmon Ralph lauren

Also these are adorable, sadly not cheap. I’d buy a cheaper dress to own these 🙂

Pink floral sandal

I just typed cream/white cotton dress on John Lewis. Loads came up including several from Nobody’s child. Also an antique rose dress - not cotton - from Phase Eight. I have successfully dyed dresses before. Need to be cotton or viscose though.

Sounds like I have similar colouring to you, and I find pastels very tricky. I have been looking at this dress, which might work, or at least the colour might be OK:

https://www.massimodutti.com/ch/pleated-dress-with-tie-details-l06618608

Final thought, abandon the dress and go for something like this - Abstract silk kimono over something like these Pale pink linen trousers with a little silk vest. With some nice heels and a coral clutch this would be beautiful - and you might even wear them again😉

They've asked - doesn't mean you 'have' to 🤷‍♀️

I'd go for coral - not a million miles away from pastel 🤷‍♀️

I love the Fatface peony dress.

Also this

@Nightshade9 there are some really nice dresses on Nobody’s Child, good quality and I find they always fit well. Good luck!

Too bright? Scarlett & Jo Curve Isabelle Abstract Print Maxi Dress, Winter Pink at John Lewis & Partners

Jolie Moi Floral Print Midi Dress, Coral Pink at John Lewis & Partners

Phase Eight Kendall Hanky Hem Plisse Wrap Midi Dress, Multi at John Lewis & Partners

Scarlett & Jo Isabelle Brushstroke Print Maxi Dress, Aqua/Multi at John Lewis & Partners

What about a pastel pink suit with a really bright pink top?