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Original poster

Could this work for a wedding?

162 replies

Rugbyterms · 16/02/2025 07:28

I have a hotel based wedding, late April. I have one dress and would really like not to have to buy anything new for it. Do you think with some accessories it could work or, is it too summer holiday, white trainers and denim jacket looking?

I have jewellery and a cream clutch bag. Not sure on shoes though.

It’s a hotel wedding but not a big 5 star grand wedding.

dress

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st642603/t49322?item=specialoffer

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
miIIicant · 16/02/2025 13:50

I think that dress could certainly be suitable for a wedding with the correct accessories.

AQuickDeathInTexas · 16/02/2025 13:52

Hobbs at M&S

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 16/02/2025 13:58

AQuickDeathInTexas · 16/02/2025 13:52

That's every bit as much an every day dress as the OP's choice except more expensive and made of polyester rather than linen.

The OP's dress, being a plain background could more easily be dressed up with bright or metallic shoes and costume jewellery.

Time40 · 16/02/2025 14:15

I think it's absolutely fine for a wedding. Just dress it up with nice accessories.

Hercisback1 · 16/02/2025 14:23

The dress looks dressier online than in person. It's a linen dress. There's not much linen suitable for a wedding unless you're abroad. It wouldn't suit heels, the skirt is wrong for them. Birkies are fine for work/holiday vibes but not a wedding.

ColdHenrietta · 16/02/2025 14:46

That’s the impression I gained from your earlier post, @Hercisback1.

The thing is (forgive me, @Rugbyterms!) people with wardrobes full of beautiful things: 1990s era Christian Lacroix costume jewellery, Roger Vivier shoes, Launer handbags and heirloom quality embroidered coats could easily make the Next dress the OP asks about look wedding guest worthy. But if it’s already the OP’s dressiest thing …

The silk blouse does sound fine - but a conservative navy blazer with a collared blouse is always going to be office wear, unless you add an Oscar night floor length skirt. The blazer with a little silk vest would be a different matter.

(As far as I’m aware Kemi Telford makes clothes for real people with average proportions? I’m probably shorter than the OP and have never found a pair of trousers anywhere that needed more than a turning up of the hems by an alterations service.)

Original poster
Rugbyterms · 16/02/2025 15:06

Hello all. I am home and freezing so just going to have a shower, pour a Prosecco and have a read through. 3 pages of comments. Thank you all so much for your input.

OP posts:
Nevertrustacop · 16/02/2025 15:20

Just wear the dress! Unless you are a guest of honour, no one will give a monkey's what you wear. They won't even notice. We are all the star of our own life but play the tiniest bit part in everyone else's.

Delphiniumandlupins · 16/02/2025 15:39

Assuming you are not in the bridal party I think your dress could be fine. Unless your clothing is torn or dirty, nobody else is really going to notice or care. Being very overdressed is more likely to elicit attention than underdressed.

Duckies · 16/02/2025 15:40

Honestly think it looks fine! Linen is more chic than shiny polyester satin (and I'm not going to suggest you invest in silk!)

People wear cotton frocks to weddings, why is this not ok? Some people look dressier in plain colours if they don't suit prints.

You could try a blazer in natural linen, if you thought you'd wear it again. But even just a really nice spring cardigan in slightly fluffy yarn in cream would look lovely.

I'd even consider a floral quilted jacket

If you don't wear heels, red ballet flats are current and would look nice with the above.

Dunkou · 16/02/2025 15:57

I wore a similar dress to that to a wedding, but it was September and warm. I had platform sandals, a fancy bag and jewellery. It worked perfectly.

April's a bit different though, and you're trying to make a summer dress into more of a spring one, with jacket and closed shoes.

I'll let others advise though, I'm not the best at formal dressing!

49andcrackingup · 16/02/2025 17:55

@Rugbyterms Sure, you could make this dress work. Shoes, clutch a nice was going to suggest a cardigan. Had another look at your dress, cardigan wouldn't work (with the arms ,i don't think. Decided to leave this for the pro mum's @Rugbyterms Whatever you decide works best for you. Have a great time and enjoy.😊

NewHeaven · 16/02/2025 19:19

https://www.hurrcollective.com/edits/wedding-guest-outfits?

Could you hire a dress instead but if you are attending more than one wedding this year then buy a dress.

Rosalindamundo · 16/02/2025 19:24

I think it’s lovely.

Barney16 · 16/02/2025 19:34

Charity shop is the answer. There are some lovely things that are budget friendly although tbh charity shops aren't as cheap as they used to be. The advantage of a charity shop over Vinted is you can actually see and feel the fabric and of course try it on. Also Crisis UK have a great website which often has designer bargains

Wellretired · 17/02/2025 00:10

I usually buy a Phase Eight dress on eBay then sell it afterwards. So cost is almost nothing.

GrannyJJ · 17/02/2025 08:37

Rugbyterms · 16/02/2025 07:56

I am a 12/14. Big boobs, 34gg. Carry my weight over my stomach/mid section. Short body and long legs. Suit cool colours. Definitely no black. Navy is good. White and cream are alright as long as not next to my face. I am 50. Thank you for helping me

Similar build to me. Phase eight is my go to wedding brand and folk sell on marketplace all the time. Or go to a posh town and scour their charity shops!

lentilbake16 · 17/02/2025 08:52

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 16/02/2025 13:58

That's every bit as much an every day dress as the OP's choice except more expensive and made of polyester rather than linen.

The OP's dress, being a plain background could more easily be dressed up with bright or metallic shoes and costume jewellery.

Show quote history

some of the Hobbs on that site are more dressy and a reasonable price. Also a good shape for top heavy.

stillnotdark · 17/02/2025 08:53

Similar style but more dressy

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-nancie-satin-midi-dress/p6048396?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

AlertCat · 17/02/2025 09:06

My cousin wore a jumpsuit to a wedding recently and she looked fabulous. I’m a similar shape to you and I love a jumpsuit. I found one on Vinted made by Roake Studio from cupro (feels like silk) and it’s beautiful- it’s super comfortable and looks quite dressy. It is slimming and practical but could be dressed right down as well with sandals and a denim jacket.