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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
Catandsquirrel · 19/02/2025 16:33

You could do an eBay and or charity shop trawl if you don't want to splash out on new.

This one for me is borderline. It's a natural fabric which makes the difference to me. I think if you're not a close family guest, it could look understated and nice with good hair, makeup, a bit of jewellery and nice bag and blazer or shawl plus leather flats or sandals (I can't see it with heels). Maybe a headband? I think a natural glam vibe rather than glitzy could work.

Careful you don't end up spending more on accessories than a second hand dress to make it weddingy

Grammarnut · 20/02/2025 16:18

A bit informal, though it's a nice dress.

StasisMom · 20/02/2025 16:19

Catandsquirrel · 19/02/2025 16:33

You could do an eBay and or charity shop trawl if you don't want to splash out on new.

This one for me is borderline. It's a natural fabric which makes the difference to me. I think if you're not a close family guest, it could look understated and nice with good hair, makeup, a bit of jewellery and nice bag and blazer or shawl plus leather flats or sandals (I can't see it with heels). Maybe a headband? I think a natural glam vibe rather than glitzy could work.

Careful you don't end up spending more on accessories than a second hand dress to make it weddingy

Yes I'm on team natural fabric too, so it scores points for me there.

twinmum2007 · 20/02/2025 19:38

I have a tonne of dresses bought on Vinted - Per Una size 14 which I wear on rotation to events of varying fanciness. None of them cost more than £10.

Bravemama · 20/02/2025 22:27

To be brutally honest, even if you tried to play around with bits and bobs I don't think it would look right for a wedding. It's a simple dress and very elegant in that simplicity, the more yoy add and "try" with it, it could look just worse.

If I was on a tight time and money budget I would honestly consider something on Vinted. That way you can buy something to fit with your clutch, add good shoes and feel classy. You have time to play around and order something and if it doesn't work then you haven't broke the bank.

Bravemama · 20/02/2025 22:28

I haven't read the whole thread so apologies if other people have suggested Vinted also!

Sharptonguedwoman · 01/03/2025 17:46

Rugbyterms · 16/02/2025 07:48

Thank you. I don’t have anything else but I am trawling various websites. I don’t really suit dresses. The one I linked miraculously looks ok on me. I just don’t seem to have proportions that work for some weird reason. I have a cobalt blue silk blouse/shirt but everything else is fairly smart/casual. Jeans, tops, blazers etc. Workwear is corporate provided and mainly safety boots and high viz jackets so nothing that can be styled up. I have a navy trouser suit in the attic just in case it’s needed for an interview.

The dress is fine but you could try Roman.

YoNoHeSido77 · 01/03/2025 18:02

Rugbyterms · 16/02/2025 08:45

I am just heading out to take dc to rugby. I will come back. Meantime, this is my trouser suit that I have from JL.

Trousers

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-stretch-waistband-ponte-trousers-black/navy/p112741690

Jacket

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-taylor-ponte-jacket/navy/p110653021

This is the closest I can see for the cobalt shirt. It’s from Zara. Cobalt blue obviously and silk. I think this one is satin.

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/basic-satin-shirt-p02074580.html?v1=433369673

feels a bit going to work if worn together rather than wedding.

thank you for the links. I will definitely look.

I think that would be lovely. A nice silver chunky necklace (M&S have some lovely ones) would take it up a notch to dressy (with the same colour belt and maybe shoes).

YoNoHeSido77 · 01/03/2025 18:06

YoNoHeSido77 · 01/03/2025 18:02

I think that would be lovely. A nice silver chunky necklace (M&S have some lovely ones) would take it up a notch to dressy (with the same colour belt and maybe shoes).

https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/jewellery?filter=Colour%253DSilver%7EProduct%2520Type%253DNecklaces&originalPrice=5%2C155

and I think these would look great

www.marksandspencer.com/leather-metallic-flatform-brogues/p/clp22595132#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r10c1%7Cprodflag_Online%20Only

Judecb · 01/03/2025 19:36

Maybe consider a dress hire place? It's a cheaper option than buying. I believe Selfridges have even got in on the act. (though possibly pricy!)

Youbutterbelieve · 01/03/2025 19:54

I have that dress and have ordered it to a wedding - I wore gold sandals with a heel and a formal clutch, some fancy jewellery and a hat. It looked good.

pomers · 01/03/2025 20:21

I think a cream jacket, clutch and nice shoes plus some jewellery and it will look fine

BeeDavis · 01/03/2025 21:19

Last few weddings I’ve been to I’ve bought a dress off Vinted as they’ve usually only been worn once. Paying half the price, no brainer.

Laurmolonlabe · 01/03/2025 22:31

I think it's fine but I'd wear smarter shoes, and a smart bag .

Really how casual something looks (if it's not sweatshirt material) is all in the accessories- make an effort with them and hair and make up and it will be fine.

Peacockcolours · 01/03/2025 22:36

I would wear this with contrasting shoes/ handbag and maybe a hair clip or something fancy in hair. I think it would work 😁👍

Mlamla · 02/03/2025 00:28

The style of the dress is fine,but the problem is material.Linen is very casual and rarely worn on weddings. Imagine the same style and fit of this dress but with different material like sateen or chiffon.. it immediately lifts up the dress from casual to formal. I believe there are a lot of options for you and you really don't have to spend a lot,I'm thinking 40 50£ top ,to get yourself a nice outfit for the wedding.

Sapphireblueeyes · 02/03/2025 01:03

Oh No! Not for a wedding. Going to the pub or out with the girls yep! 👍

NattyTurtle59 · 02/03/2025 01:11

I think the dress is fine, but only you know how formal the wedding is likely to be. I would wear something like that without a second thought, but then I HATE getting "dressed up" and don't feel like me if I try, so a simple linen dress fits the bill for me.

Daftypants · 02/03/2025 02:29

It is a bit too casual for a hotel wedding reception , it is a very nice dress for a casual meal out though .
Im exactly the same , if I were invited to a wedding and needed to look more dressy I’d have nothing at all .
My life is looking after family, walking dog , cleaning house and so on .
I might meet a friend for a coffee or a cheap cafe lunch so I have no need to have dressy clothes.
I don’t know where you live but in towns nearby me they have dress agencies with some very nice pre loved clothes

Rugbyterms · 02/03/2025 08:11

Just coming back to my post to say thank you again everyone for helping me.

I have kept these trousers.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/tapered-ankle-grazer-trousers/p/clp60546426?color=IVORY

To go with my silk blouse. I have some shoes liked on Vinted and some vintage looking pearl style jewellery. Hair and make up is booked.

I must have had about 30 dresses delivered. Not one suited so I am back to what I find comfortable. My only slight concern is tucking the blouse in and it being a little visible through the trousers. When I try the outfit again (only tried it once) I will make a decision. I have another top and blazer that would work with the trousers if it looks terrible. Other jewellery and shoes on Vinted to suit the blazer option have been liked.

I never want to shop again!

Thanks to those who suggested hire. I am an hour away from the closest hire place. I did consider it but it’s too far to pick up and drop off plus I’d need to go in person to try stuff on rather than opting for an online option.

OP posts:
Mikki77 · 02/03/2025 08:36

Try Nobodys child - they have similar still dresses in better fabric so should suit you Also they have a sake on. enjoy the wedding x

Speckly · 02/03/2025 11:29

Musntapplecrumble · 16/02/2025 08:07

Cobalt silk blouse with navy trouser suit? 🤔

Yes! With some cobalt heels (try Vinted) and nice jewellery

ClearHoldBuild · 04/03/2025 06:26

I’d wear it. In all honesty who would be analysing what other guests are wearing? How many people do you know that are going and as the saying goes those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter.

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 04/03/2025 09:26

ClearHoldBuild · 04/03/2025 06:26

I’d wear it. In all honesty who would be analysing what other guests are wearing? How many people do you know that are going and as the saying goes those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter.

The original dress is nicer than the white cropped trousers.