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Original poster

Please help me find a wow dress for a destination wedding

299 replies

maz82 · 16/04/2024 20:07

I am going to a wedding In Cyprus in June and looking for some suggestions on a dress. I have over the past 8 months lost 6 stone and hoping to lose another stone by the time the wedding comes around. I'm looking for a wow dress! There will be people there that I haven't seen since the weight loss and I want to make a great impression.
I'm open to all suggestions, however I need to have sleeves to cover the top of my arms. I don't want to wear any cover up so would definitely need a dress with sleeves.
Budget around £100. Cant be yellow as this is the bridesmaids colour. I'm not keen on all the floral prints that are around at the moment. Would like it slightly fitted on the top as I am a pear shape with a small waist and wider hips. Blonde hair and in my early 40s.
Thanks

OP posts:
Thread gallery
55
chloechloe · 17/04/2024 20:56

I’ve been following this thread with interest as I need a dress for a summer wedding the south of France. Some of the suggestions have really surprised me - lots of material that is far too evening wear for a beach wedding.

There are so many lovely dresses but why oh why is everything polyester? Any recommendations of brands with breathable fabric?

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 17/04/2024 20:56

MyOtherCarisAVauxhallZafira · 17/04/2024 19:51

There should be a sin bin for style and beauty with posters getting temporary bans from posting in the section for hideous suggestions.
I am stunned by so much of this thread.

I suppose hideous, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. No brand deliberately designs dresses to be hideous.

zaxxon · 17/04/2024 20:58

Iris Afpel, Mary Portas, Lauren Hutton, Jenna Lyons, Jennifer Connolly ...... they still have it ALL going on.

Iris Apfel, not so much; she died last month. Still, your point holds, those women all look/looked amazing. And not a floral midi to be seen among them.

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 17/04/2024 20:59

Lentilweaver · 17/04/2024 20:56

I hate nearly all budget dresses suitable for weddings, as they are mostly sweaty shiny polyester florals, but this is beautiful and a bargain. Not in the first pic, but look at the rest. I might buy the one in black.

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Isn't it just. The colour is so rich. I like dresses with interesting backs. I've some that button up the back but the lacing is even better.

Lentilweaver · 17/04/2024 20:59

OP will sweat in most of the dresses, especially that satin-y type Debenham's dress.

Ruthdpl · 17/04/2024 21:01

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 17/04/2024 13:27

I don't understand why there needs to be "target market" age group.

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Me neither & I’m 68! The quality of the fabric is awful.

HidingFromDD · 17/04/2024 21:06

There’s a fb group - pre loved wedding an occasion outfits, which is really helpful to show you some things you may like. I didn’t end up buying from there but did get lots of ideas on styles etc. you may find a bargain though. Just be aware that you won’t be able to change it if you don’t like it/doesnt fit so ask for measurements

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 17/04/2024 21:14

chloechloe · 17/04/2024 20:56

I’ve been following this thread with interest as I need a dress for a summer wedding the south of France. Some of the suggestions have really surprised me - lots of material that is far too evening wear for a beach wedding.

There are so many lovely dresses but why oh why is everything polyester? Any recommendations of brands with breathable fabric?

I love this brand. No artificial fabric. All dresses and knit wear are made in the UK. Cotton knitwear from one regulated factory in Turkey. I think they're every day dresses rather than special occasion but might be a possibility. Obviously this isn't the only brand that uses cotton, silk or linen but there's not many under £200. Nobody's Child is another.

Palava

Women's Vintage Style Dresses & Jumpsuits | Made in England

Palava's dresses feature our own hand-illustrated prints and are made from 100% natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and Tencel. Made ethically in small batches in London. Zero waste.

https://palava.co/collections/womens-dresses

chloechloe · 17/04/2024 21:19

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 17/04/2024 21:14

I love this brand. No artificial fabric. All dresses and knit wear are made in the UK. Cotton knitwear from one regulated factory in Turkey. I think they're every day dresses rather than special occasion but might be a possibility. Obviously this isn't the only brand that uses cotton, silk or linen but there's not many under £200. Nobody's Child is another.

Palava

Edited
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Lots of lovely prints there! Like you say, more everyday dresses rather than occasion wear, but you can never have enough of those!

SquawkerTexasRanger · 17/04/2024 21:53

From Next, also comes in pink (sorry link not working for me)

Please help me find a wow dress for a destination wedding
suki1964 · 17/04/2024 22:22

disTrusstInLiz · 17/04/2024 10:35

That dress pictured is awful and definitely not a statement or wow dress. None of the Roman dresses are. I’m mid 40’s and have never shopped or will ever shop at Roman’s

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I didnt pick the picture captured, it came with the link, so whats with the bashing????

suki1964 · 17/04/2024 22:26

Bignanna · 17/04/2024 14:53

I don’t think it states anywhere that Roman is for 40+ ! They suit any age! The only thing with them is they are often too long . The models all seem to be over 5’9”!

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They also do a petite range or didnt you look before you jumped in on the "lets get all offended and bash someone for the hell of it" train?

ladygindiva · 17/04/2024 22:35

I've been eyeing this up, I think it's gorgeous
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/alba-tiered-cotton-maxi-dress-multi-coastal-tile/sty-d0883-mul?cat=C1_S2_G4

Please help me find a wow dress for a destination wedding
IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 17/04/2024 22:45

ladygindiva · 17/04/2024 22:35

I think Boden has been taking lessons from Pink City Prints and O Pioneers.

O Pioneers
Pink City Prints

DRESSES

https://opioneers.co.uk/collections/shop-dresses

Flapearedknave · 17/04/2024 23:11

ghislaine · 17/04/2024 23:01

Edited

This jumpsuit is my favourite from the whole thread. Including my contributions, which seem to be mostly hated.

But then I hate the green stories dress, which looks like a hospital gown to me 🤷🏼‍♀️

Ultravox · 18/04/2024 06:55

I think this is lovely for a wedding in a hot country. The back is gorgeous and it’s got decent length sleeves! And it’s not polyester

https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-ink-spot-blair-dress-blue-multi/p110708203

Matildahoney · 18/04/2024 07:30

Misses point of thread entirely but @StedeBonnet this Instantly made me think of Snow White for some reason!
@ghislaine both stunning outfits

Illpickthatup · 18/04/2024 07:32

Flapearedknave · 17/04/2024 23:11

This jumpsuit is my favourite from the whole thread. Including my contributions, which seem to be mostly hated.

But then I hate the green stories dress, which looks like a hospital gown to me 🤷🏼‍♀️

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Same. The green dress is a gorgeous colour but I think it's a bit shapeless.

Love this jumpsuit! Very tempted at that price.

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