Dress for wedding (as guest) but useful afterwards?

[VickyA]

My SIL is getting married in June, church do, hotel reception afterwards. I don't really do dressing up, so am loathe to spend a packet on a "posh dress". Now, I know this Boden Crinkle Cotton Dress is (a) Boden and (b) described as a holiday dress and (c) is still £55 so is hardly bargainous, but if the great and the good of Mumsnet deem it ok for a wedding, I'm sure I'd fine SOME way of wearing it again.... Also it has little sleeves, and at 37 with a body shaped like a breezeblock (not much waist, not partic sizeable norks, and a wobby tum) I don't fancy any of the skinny strap dresses I've so far seen on the high street and would have to buy a jacket/wrap to wear all day.

Whaddya reckon?

What's your colouring? I don't like it much myself...

I think crinkle cotton might look a bit informal on the day, but I know what you mean about strappy dresses.

I liked this from another thread

www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/fashion//Pleated-crinkle-dress/200517994

don't do straps either

what about this? Nice colour and could be dressed up or down

www.marksandspencer.com/gp/product/B0016M12AI/sr=1-15/qid=1207065279/ref=sr_1_15/026-4426280-6261200 ?ie=UTF8&node=&m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&keywords=&mnSBrand=core&size=9&rh=n%3A43091030%2Cp%5F91%3A14%2Cp%5F9 0%3AGBP40-GBP49.99&page=2

My colouring's mid brown, mid length hair, pale skin, green eyes. My original plan was to wear a patterned silk dress from Monsoon (c.1992!?!) which looks similar to the M&S one, and I was just going to buy a jacket to cover the sleeves - it's got wide straps like that one...

I am not keen on the patterns of that Boden dress, I would be worried about it clinging to a wobbly tum (and I have a really good wobbly tum, so I know what I am talking about).

I followed Effie's link to Phase 8 and found this, which I think is more 'weddingy' but would still look okay dressed down I think. It would also make a fab holiday dress as it's silk.

www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/fashion/Dresses/Madelaine-silk-dress/200526911

I have similar colouring to you and I really suit that shade. In fact, I might order that dress!

Patsy

oh thats nice!!!

I gave in an ordered the dress I suggested for VickyA from Phase Eight. It is a really deep blue silk and, without the belt, is a great casual dress is empire line. With the belt it's much smarter and I would happily wear it for a wedding with the right accessories.

I love it. I know it's expensive but I think I can see myself wearing it regularly in the summer, so I have persuaded myself it's an investment buy.

Oh, and as it's crinkly silk I reckon it would also work as a really lovely summer dress for those in mid pregnancy!

Patsy

I love that dress Patsy! I did wonder if it might cling around the bum though? Does it?

I'd say more skimming than clinging - the silk is really nice quality. Having said that I ordered two and I am going for the bigger size - the smaller one was a bit clingy around my tum.

Patsy

I dont love the boden dress tbh

love the blue one that patsy found

i dont think you can combine wedding and everyday - go to new look for every day and spend 20 and get something lovely for the wedding - you can always sell it on ebay or at a second hand designer shop if you want to save some money

Hmm, thanks for the ideas and comments. I need to hit the high streets again I think...!