Wedding invite - I v old - what to wear?

[serialgrannie]

Just received a wedding invite to a (smallish) but lovely wedding. Very pleased and excited to be going. I am an elderly lady (70s) but try to look smart and reasonably up to date. I have a very trendy daughter-in-law who keeps me on my toes. The wedding is in March and no outdoors involved. I am short and a bit overweight. Nothing too fitted. Any suggestions as to what would be suitable/what shops I should look in. I have in the past had some nice things from Hobbs and Phase Eight. Not keen on very bright colours or black/dark navy. Many thanks in advance.

I'm a few years younger than you and I have this in black, green and red! It's seen me through so many weddings, funerals and christenings over the last two years. I love it.

I'm short so have to have it taken up so I have it in three lengths for trainers, low heels and high heels.

https://joanieclothing.com/bellatrix-short-sleeve-velvet-jumpsuit-cabernet.html

I wouldn't do that myself, but with the massive amount of textile waste globally, I can't get my head around some people can't comprehend a large number of people do live this way. Maybe you will be even more surprised to know how much clothing people buy that is actually never worn! For these people dress hire for an event is a much more sustainable option.

I find Chanel type tweed quite dressy and comfortable generally and you can get it in just about anything: dress, jacket, co-ord... Many brands do them now. There's a Phase 8 tweed dress on sale at John Lewis for example.

Or this.

Or this?

PS If you are like you said "short and a bit overweight", I'd probably avoid long floaty numbers or very bold prints. More structured clothing with some detailing (to break up the space) would hide a multitude of sins.

I’m still wondering which Oliver Bonas dress you have in mind, @istheheatingonyet. I can’t see anything obviously meant for serious celebration? Other than perhaps the geometric mini.

if you`re only 5 foot 2 you may find the sleeves too long . the phase eight julissa dress is the same with shorter sleeves. I have it in 2 colours and its very flattering on .

As you're 5ft 2, I'd go for the Phase Eight dress in Petite - it's a fabulous dress.

I'm your age and I'm definitely not V Old!! That would be my mother who is 94.

I have a wedding to go to in the autumn. I'm heavily into vintage and this has justified investing in an item I've had my eye on for a good while: a beautiful, antique, 1920s piano shawl with a deep fringe.

No one will even notice what I wear underneath this thing: the shawl itself is the statement item. It will never date and I'll wear it repeatedly: saves buying another dress that I'm unlikely to wear again. Have to admit though, it's a bit of a 'niche' taste.

I now want some repro 1920s button-style shoes to go with it!

Some of the bigger dept stores do hiring of occasion outfits. Worth a look.

My opinion is that you will find something in a dept store which stocks all the brands you're looking at. Or order a load online, try at home and return if no good.

As you're short, I think you'd look better in something simple and tailored, like an A-line or semi fitted dress, with long sleeves or elbow length sleeves.

I think you should avoid flouncy and ruffles, full skirts or short sleeves as all will make you look shorter and wider.

I'm afraid I don't like that Phase 8 blue wrap over dress as it's more for someone very tall who can carry off the ruffles- it's too fussy.

If you do something that's 'plain' you can add a statement necklace and earrings.

it's a fabulous dress

For others, clearly. I would honestly cry, or refuse to leave the house, if I were forced to wear it. It’s just not how I see myself - in my sixties or at any age.

I rarely say this bit it's for someone much younger but also much taller.
I'm slightly taller than 5 2 , a size 10, and slightly younger than the OP but I'd look ridiculous in it.

The Phase 8 dress? Same. I like everything else suggested.

Oh sorry, I don't have an example to hand. I saw one which was a shirt waister style but in a lovely floaty green pattern.
I too have a serious celebration coming up! I was thinking to be fully covered ( obviously) and comfortable and stylish.
Oh and no bird's nest on head.

I love the colours. I like these Joannie dresses too.

Joannie Damask
Joannie Diamond print

There is no way that someone 5 2 . size 14 and in their 70s would look good in that.

I'm a bit taller but that style would swamp me.

Sleeves are far too big,it's maxi- the OP would disappear! 😂

@serialgrannie Look at Boden.

I know they get a bad press here but now and again there is a gem- look for something plainish (not an in your face garish print) , go to the petite range and have a browse. They deliver in a couple of day and returns are easy.

I'm in my 70s and I'd look fabulous in it!

I'm 5ft 5 so wouldn't need the petite version but I'd definitely wear it to a wedding.

I respectfully disagree on the subject of the Joanie dresses, @CiderandPosies. (Not sure which of the two you mean?)

I don’t wear wrapover dresses as I dislike the style - but I’m 5’3 (probably at my winter weight so closer to a 12 than a 10) and absolutely love voluminous clothes. And oversized clothes. And men’s shirts, jackets, coats. I actively don’t like teeny tiny things that would make me look like a little doll rather than a fully grown adult entitled to take up space. In fact, the more likely my clothes are to make people fall back and clear a path for me, the happier I’m likely to be.

(However - it is possible to have sleeves and hems shortened on most things. The fact that a dress might be a little long at the point of purchase is rarely a reason not to buy it.)

Do you mean to offend?

I'm a fully grown adult of 60-something. I don't feel less of an adult because I'm 5 3 and an 8 to 10.

I like to wear clothes that fit and show my figure rather than swamp me.
I think we can agree to disagree on what we think may suit the OP but it's a bit rich to say that smaller, petite women look like 'dolls'.

How rude.

I said tiny clothes make me look like a little doll. Other people can of course dress exactly as they choose. Is that not obvious?

I'm 5' 2" , aged 65 and 3/4 and I would and do wear dresses like that. I doubt very much that in another 4 years I'll be wearing dresses like the Phase 8 dress.

What about a velvet suit? I love them and they are very versatile.

I'm at my winter weight, closer to a 20 than an 18. I'm also quite a nice person.