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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
EleanorReally · 17/02/2025 10:26

have you tried Roman
they have good priced dresses

Sgreenpy · 17/02/2025 11:34

Original dress is suitable for a wedding. If it fits you well and you like it then wear it. Nobody is looking at you unless you're in the wedding party.
Go on Vinted and look for a suitable jacket if you want to 'smarten it up'. Someone posted red shoes/accessories and I think this is brilliant advice.
Enjoy the day x

ComealongSpring · 17/02/2025 11:35

I would wear it. Make sure you have classy jewellery, shoes, bag, hair. I don't think it is too informal at all. Lovely dress.

MikeRafone · 17/02/2025 12:25

Its not the type of dress to wear to a wedding in a hotel, regardless of how many stars the hotel has

MikeRafone · 17/02/2025 12:30

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.

https://www.diffuseretail.co.uk/rentalclothing?productId=hVReFs9HeThQJHiznGmd

this place is good for hiring dresses

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 17/02/2025 13:09

If I were asked to choose a dress out of all the dresses on here I'd pick the Sister Jane dress with no hesitation. If it were removed I'd pick the OP's. Most of the rest fall into the category that I'd cry if I had to wear them in public and refuse to go to the wedding

Yes, it's plain but it could be dressed up. If I saw the OP at a wedding in her dress I wouldn't think anything of it. If I saw the OP at a wedding in her dress standing beside any of the Phase Yumi Jolie Roman dipped hem ruffle dresses I'd think how much more stylish the OP looked.

AQuickDeathInTexas · 17/02/2025 13:28

The issue I would have with the Sister Jane dress is the OP says she has big boobs. The voluminous sleeves on that dress end at precisely the length where it's likely OP's body is widest, which wouldn't be flattering to her figure.
I appreciate that this wouldn't bother some people but it's what immediately stood out to me as someone who is also big of bust.

Mulledjuice · 17/02/2025 14:01

With bright pink or burnt orange nails and lipstick or earrings.

That's if the trouser suit flatters you.

PixieMcGraw · 17/02/2025 14:45

Unless you are part of the top table party, wear the dress. No one will remember what you wore and the dress is lovely and you feel comfortable in it.

Crazykefir · 17/02/2025 15:20

I'd be cold in that dress in April. I'd wear the navy suit.

Sumthingsweet · 17/02/2025 18:11

You could really Jaz it up with gold belt red lip nice accessories but I’d wear this on hol

Sumthingsweet · 17/02/2025 18:12

Wear a suit with accessories

Seaside3 · 17/02/2025 18:29

I love the skirts featured with the shirt you have shared (zara), I know you have similar in cobalt. I'd go with blue shirt and either a cream/ecru satiny skirt or wide trousers. At least you will wear them again.
I've got an April wedding and planning something similar. Some nice wedge shoes, good hair and make up. Nothing floral or frilly, just pared down elegance.

ERthree · 17/02/2025 19:24

Looks fine to me, it is for a hotel wedding not a Cathedral.

Original poster
Rugbyterms · 17/02/2025 20:58

I’ve spent a fortune today on some dresses, trousers and accessories all to be here by the weekend. Thanks to everyone who has helped and linked outfits. Not all are my taste but thanks for helping.

OP posts:
ColdHenrietta · 17/02/2025 22:15

We look forward to hearing about, or seeing, the results of your explorations, @Rugbyterms.

Garlicworth · 18/02/2025 05:38

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.

I'm a bit reticent to say so on here, but I'll always go for underdressed rather than overdone. There's nothing worse than being the "most dressed" at any gathering, it conveys anxiety. It's much better to be relaxed and comfortable; it suggests confidence in being yourself; it makes you feel happy and that makes you a welcome guest.

The navy dress is nice, it's got movement and isn't plastic, and can be easily enlivened with a big silver necklace perhaps (or whatever OP likes).

StasisMom · 18/02/2025 08:22

Keep us posted please @Rugbyterms ! I am in the original frock plus accessories camp.

pippy1958 · 18/02/2025 11:22

Also eBay, you can search for a brand you like, such as Boden, Monsoon, etc, so you'll know it fits you. I find dresses can often be found at brilliant prices!

27Maisie27 · 18/02/2025 12:49

Don't buy a new dress. Go to your local charity shop and buy some accessories to go with your navy dress, and some pretty shoes. You'll feel comfortable, you'll look lovely and you won't be out of pocket.

coolmum123 · 19/02/2025 12:47

Hi,

I think the dress you have is too casual for a wedding. Have you thought about renting something? rather than buy something you aren't going to wear? I know LK Bennett do rentals not sure about John Lewis.