How can I make a jersey maxi dress suitable for a posh wedding?

[HangingOnJustAbout]

I'm going to a wedding in a castle of a friend who is from a very wealthy family. I've bought a couple of dresses, floral silk wrap type midis. I just don't like them or feel comfortable in them.

I have a favourite (but not well worn) jersey maxi dress which fits me wonderfully, goes right to the floor and I feel great whenever I wear it. Would it be possible to dress it up enough for a wedding?

It's not this one but pretty similar, kind of short kimono sleeves and fitted over the bust, full length. Would any amount of accesorising make it acceptable?

Yes, why not?

Some well chosen jewellery (but don’t overdo it) and a nice quality clutch and shoes. Maybe something pretty in your hair? Go for it.

i don’t think you can. Jersey is not formal/dressy enough for a wedding.

I would avoid jersey for a wedding if I was being honest, keep shopping 🙂

I think you can, but I'd be doing some sort of headpiece / hair accessory, or perhaps even just flowers in your hair with a hair updo, which will immediately make it much more formal / more effort.

Thank you both.

I do agree it's not really going to pass as a proper guest dress, but then I keep reminding myself that I am not important in this wedding, I doubt I'll even make the official photos, so as long as I'm not lowering the tone no one will really care.

Having said that there will be plenty of people I know and I'm generally rather overdressed than underdressed so I'd feel uncomfortable if I was underdressed.

I would love it to work but I'm not much of an accessorise. I might have to play dress up with a lot of photos and see how it looks.

I would switch out the belt for something like this and then add matching jewellery

www.debenhams.com/product/coast-diamonte-embellished-satin-belt_bcc07125?colour=navy

It does sound like I might have to do some more shopping. I'm such a difficult shape, 10-12 but huge boobs and bum and pushing 50 with no desire to go down the sexy route.

It basically has to be a fitted dress, anything else makes me look huge and shapeless.

That is really good, a very similar shaped dress too.

Other belt ideas

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Allegra-Womens-Bowknot-64-106cm-25-20-41-73/dp/B094D4MPWK/ref=sr1123?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lStMA8e3jV9B13ulcyLrZVXWXkRRspaDIoKLYt492wSN4fqpTqEE5Bp22MZNAnS2i---HIHLUbMdBgv5qYZ1y1hZZUqjK5rB9xTSnH8dT4w3-vCFWwaFAwmqx0ZD6CtS0crRlgNHL5vmqBcKEwfTfb7CeP40RJ677FXLgbt2Yqk0XTbF7bX-kmfJIjgBN-3wfpmIUaCrYU12ibhEp9l8z7i9WEgLyFZAQi73VjSxJi0Wopccwyte-L6KZwguuMDT-XVVKKQTSbgXlHewVjP2ossfko8-FfYl2zOJp6dI.3xHeF3o8UA80FwLZNVHQSSe2oHFPUEivdjjvVEoCY&dib_tag=se&keywords=evening+belts&qid=1719693327&sr=8-23

https://www.amazon.co.uk/IYOU-Rhinestone-Wedding-Crystal-Applique/dp/B09T951PTK/ref=sr1143?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lStMA8e3jV9B13ulcyLrZVXWXkRRspaDIoKLYt492wSN4fqpTqEE5Bp22MZNAnS2i---HIHLUbMdBgv5qYZ1y1hZZUqjK5rB9xTSnH8dT4w3-vCFWwaFAwmqx0ZD6CtS0crRlgNHL5vmqBcKEwfTfb7CeP40RJ677FXLgbt2Yqk0XTbF7bX-kmfJIjgBN-3wfpmIUaCrYU12ibhEp9l8z7i9WEgLyFZAQi73VjSxJi0Wopccwyte-L6KZwguuMDT-XVVKKQTSbgXlHewVjP2ossfko8-FfYl2zOJp6dI.3xHeF3o8UA80FwLZNVHQSSe2oHFPUEivdjjvVEoCY&dib_tag=se&keywords=evening+belts&qid=1719693327&sr=8-43

Would you consider wearing a kimono style jacket over it something like this?

onehundredstars.co.uk/products/giant-willow-blue-kimono

I think I it depends on what is the norm for wedding guest dress in your social group . Wedding guest threads on MN have a much more formal vibe than would be expected by most people I know .

I love that jacket, not sure it'd work with the dress but I might buy it anyway.

Also loving the jewelled belts, I think I'd have to get one cut and stitched to the dress because the waist is quite high.

Just to check the demographic, is the family "wealthy" as in they are more "new money" or more country old money if you see what I mean. If the latter, then maybe it won't be as posh clothing as you think.

If you go that route then look at haberdasheries for trimmings that can be bought by the meter and speak to a seamstress/friend with a sewing machine and see how best to make it a temporary addition so you can undo it after the wedding.

trimmingshop.co.uk/haberdashery/fashion/diamantes-and-motifs/

It's a difficult one, she's from an outdoor hobby group and we've only ever seen each other windswept and covered in mud. Never been out out together. I have tried asking but she's not into clothes and just says wear whatever but I think it'll be very formal.

Most of the group are men so who knows what their wives and girlfriends will wear. It's also a very mixed age group, she's early 30s so I guess most friends with be similar.

I've only just realised this. Oh dear.

I think more old money. But the husband is from the US so I guess that adds an extra dimension!

Sorry I'm thinking out loud now but is a trouser suit acceptable wedding wear these days? I feel much more comfortable in that type of thing.

Absolutely. I'd go with a blue and gold sari-style embellished pashmina/wrap with it, plus gold sandals and some chunky jewellery

Yes definitely / there are some lovely ones around atm . Would you also consider a jumpsuit?

Hi OP,

I'm like you and tbh I would wear what you feel comfortable in. If you know this person from outdoor pursuits and she said you can wear whatever you are comfortable in, then I would take her at her word.

In my experience there is nothing worse than going to a social event and not being able to enjoy it because of having to work 150% to keep the clothes from going wonky.

I think a trouser suit would really be fine. I always wear a floor length kilt to weddings and never had anybody bat an eyelid.

Saxendi - that’s just what I was goi g to suggest!

I think it's lovely, and if you feel good in it you will look good. The belt suggested up thread would be great, and with silver shoes and bag. You could wear one of those little hat type things as well?

Thanks so much everyone. The disagreement makes me think I could at least get away with it if necessary. I'll get it ready as a back up option but search for something else too.

I've been browsing whilst typing and it seems a shame to pass up an opportunity to wear something really special so I will try harder.

Love the idea of a jump suit too. Looks like there are some lovely ones around in a similar shape to my dress.

I am very self conscious about my legs so chose maxi dresses and have worn jersey ones at weddings but with a pattern on (Phase Eight often have nice ones and I have bought theirs on ebay too. The pattern seems to make the fabric less obvious and I go for one colour for bag, shoe, hair accessory etc. Enjoy the wedding!