Dress needed for a (cold) winter wedding

[WaffleandSnark]

Hoping for some help and inspiration!

I have a wedding coming up in December, in rural Yorkshire. The dress code is black tie, so evening gowns for women.

I’m 5’7, size 12-14, pear shaped. I’m looking for a maxi dress, because I don’t really like my legs. No plunging neckline, would prefer more chest coverage and would also like sleeves (or at least cap sleeves) so I can wear a bra and not worry about straps.

I prefer blues/greens/purples. I wore this dress to a recent wedding but spent the whole time hoiking the fabric up at the chest as it was gapey, as were the shoulders:

https://www.johnlewis.com/scarlett-jo-isabelle-float-sleeve-maxi-dress-royal-blue/p112125419?size=12#product

I also ordered and returned this one because the colour was a kind of sludgy grey/olive, rather than green, and the material was weird:

www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-angel-sleeve-jersey-maxi-dress/dark-teal/p112179731?size=14#product

Ideally I’d prefer to wear flats, or if not, just a very small and comfy heel. Ideas for shoes gratefully received - I wore gold sandals to the last one which definitely won’t work in the Dales in December! I’m also thinking I might need some kind of cover up for warmth?

Want to spend as little as possible really - max £150 for the dress? I really don’t enjoy getting dressed up so won’t get any further wear out of it…

Thank you!

I’ve just seen your original dress you plan to get altered. Are you sure you’ll be warm in that in December is my ask? But do alter it if you like it for other occasions.

Phase Eight usually have dressy but wearable dresses.

This? https://www.hush-uk.com/miley-maxi-dress-midnight-navy/009789-1652-12.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=sale&utm_content=newusers&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmDz955wnwIeWTKW4r5tMNkEm0PK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl5CI9tS2iQMVu6JQBh0LoS8iEAQYCCABEgIYC_D_BwE

but it is jersey so probably too casual

If you like blue, velvet and jumpsuits and want sleeves for warmth I suggest this one. I have it in another colour and it’s gorgeous, much more flattering than in the photos. I paid a lot more for mine but have worn it everywhere from work to the royal opera house, with different accessories.

https://www.woolovers.com/womens/accessories/aubrie-organic-cotton-velvet-jumpsuit-blue-30667

originally from here but out of stock on their own site www.wearethought.com/products/aubrie-organic-cotton-velvet-jumpsuit-dark-sapphire-blue?srsltid=AfmBOoq5Nm6izqOhGh3ARREG4-ZOIj9zivdTUXXwldkWbtoT3tJWW2ET&variant=41893482430647

Swoon 😍

@WashableVelvet that's lovely - have you got any pix of you wearing it? Is it true to size?

I've caved and bought it. Bugger. Hopefully it will look shit on me.

I'm rubbish at links but Disko Kids have a long velvet dress with long sleeves in really dark colours, about £70, poss woth having a look?

absolute bargain basement, Sainsburys have velvet blazers &matching trousers- i have bough a set for an evening reception in late nov,

Depnds how much you want to spend

I like the button brooches. I've a collection of brooches from charity shops I use for modesty.

I'd splash out on a faux fur jacket/coat for the places where you will be cold. They're windproof as well. I've walked the dogs on the beach wearing mine. And thrown them into the washing machine.

@MakeTeaNotWar true to modern sizes I guess - similar to nobody’s child or M&S. Shrinks a bit on first wash though so I’d size up.

Looks dab @WashableVelvet !

You seem to like wrap style dresses . Have a look at the Julissa dress from phase eight . It comes in numerous colours and is very comfortable .

I'm a bit late to this, but if a jumpsuit is a consideration I wore this to a wedding not too long ago https://www.johnlewis.com/hotsquash-cap-sleeve-wide-leg-jumpsuit-woodland-teal/p5585905
They do a maxi dress version too. Very comfy and kept my legs warm.

Nice, but not flattering unless you are fairly trim. Also, I'd expect more than one wear out of something that cost £120. We are not all millionaires, though I understand that 'wear and throw' has become a trend among the young (less so now, I suspect).

The sainsburys TU velvet bits I haven’t seen in person but have seen on their website and they look great.

Faux fur jackets are handy. I regret disposing of my only one a few years ago. Nothing wrong with it apart from it needed hook and eye fastenings fixed or buttons added.

As per PP’s you could try a jumpsuit. I just can’t do them, not me, no matter how much I try. My DM used to rock jumpsuits and boiler suits back in the 70s/80s but she’s 5ft 6 and slim. She now loves dungarees.

Love that.

This is nice too.

Lovely.

I really don’t understand your criticism. The site has many dresses, all sizes and varying costs. I didn’t suggest any dress, let alone one that was £120.
I am probably older than you and don’t buy any thing to throw after one wearing.
I needed a full length dress for a choir performance, Roman came up trumps, in their sale. I shall wear it again.

Well, I like the dress as it happens. I'd wear it. Not sure you are older than me!

This. It wont cost a lot and you know you like the colour. A tailor can adjust the neckline, put in a panel or fabric or lift the shoulders,

And gold sandals are fine to an evening event ( I assume you mean heeled sandals and not flip flops)

BTW why do you think it will be cold? It’s a formal event , I assume it’s indoors. They have heating in Yorkshire. Are you travelling there by public transport ?

Also you don’t need sleeves on a dress to be able to hide bra straps. You can do this on a sleeveless dress if you get small ribbons and press studs sewn into the dress to keep your straps in place. Although they shouldn’t be falling down if it’s the right size.

Very tempted to get it too, although I might go for the brown as I have a lot of teal already.

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/radiant-rose-velour-dress-wf142

@WaffleandSnark Maybe consider getting a good slip or bodysuit to wear underneath so you don't have to limit your options.