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Wedding guest - farm rio

84 replies

Username9898 · 08/03/2025 16:21

Hi all! Can I wear this to a summer wedding? I’m early 40s, short but never wear heals (flatforms are ok), a chubby size 12. I’m also close family and a witness. I REALLY struggle with this kind of thing - formal clothes just never seem to work for me. Any other suggestions?!
Also, what are Farm Rio like from a quality perspective?
farmrio.uk/products/fruit-garden-scarf-orange-midi-dress?_pos=302&_fid=6b1e0de1d&_ss=c&variant=47527455392058

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
YouSayChorizoIsayChorizo · 10/03/2025 17:23

Username9898 · 08/03/2025 16:48

It’s a fairly chilled country, rustic wedding. I think it’s assumed I might wear something a bit ‘out there’…! I’m white and (bleach) blonde but tan well. I’m sort of into the puff sleeve thing - I’m not sure if they’re technically flattering on me but I like them and a square neckline tends to suit (or at least I like it!) I’m not very photogenic so I feel like at least if I’m loving what I’m wearing I’ll be less critical of myself?!? I’ll check out rixo as well!

I was going to say, Well from that description, the Farm Rio dress couldn't be more perfect - then you posted that you've bought it - so now I just want to say, I'm delighted for you!

I don't think it's at all wrong to 'stand out' at a wedding, if everyone knows you love colour and your style is unconventional anyway. All you're doing is adding a happy vibe to proceedings. Besides which it screams smart/fashiony to me, not remotely beachy!

Perfectlyfinethankyou · 10/03/2025 18:41

It’s a beautiful dress and I’m sure you’ll look great and be happy with your choice , so much more joyous than a grim Hobbs or Phase Eight frock ….
Who cares if we shouldn’t wear x or y because we have , insert whatever perceived “ flaw “ you like here .
I dislike the term flattering anyway , you know what you like and enjoy wearing , so have a wonderful day at the wedding

theDudesmummy · 10/03/2025 21:50

@EspanaPorfavor I have been seriously considering that one to wear to my DD's wedding, it is lovely, but I think the cut-out bits would be a bit too young for an oldie like me!

Crazycatlady79 · 10/03/2025 21:53

Username9898 · 08/03/2025 16:21

Hi all! Can I wear this to a summer wedding? I’m early 40s, short but never wear heals (flatforms are ok), a chubby size 12. I’m also close family and a witness. I REALLY struggle with this kind of thing - formal clothes just never seem to work for me. Any other suggestions?!
Also, what are Farm Rio like from a quality perspective?
farmrio.uk/products/fruit-garden-scarf-orange-midi-dress?_pos=302&_fid=6b1e0de1d&_ss=c&variant=47527455392058

It's gorgeous, but I don't think dresses like this are particularly flattering for short, chubbier people: you don't want to end up looking like a pumpkin.

Verite1 · 10/03/2025 22:41

EspanaPorfavor · 10/03/2025 15:19

I have this one! Isn´t it beautiful?! Just jumping on the thread to share the Farm Rio joy. I don´t even have a wedding to go to I just loved it and bought it.

Love that. It’s gorgeous

FagsMagsandBags · 10/03/2025 23:40

Just posting to say that I think the dress is absolutely gorgeous. Bleached hair and a tan and oh my days you'll look glorious. If I could afford it I'd buy it but I can't so I have to insist that you must. 😀

EspanaPorfavor · 11/03/2025 06:58

theDudesmummy · 10/03/2025 21:50

@EspanaPorfavor I have been seriously considering that one to wear to my DD's wedding, it is lovely, but I think the cut-out bits would be a bit too young for an oldie like me!

Thank you, I’m so please with it! I think you could, I’m going to wear it at work and tie the belt around the cut outs to hide them and then wear it the way in the picture for outside of work. It’s too pretty to save for best!!

SmashFlight · 11/03/2025 08:03

I absolutely love farm rio and have heaps.of it. Wore a farm Rio suit to my sons wedding. Don't like that particular dress though but I've not had any issues with quality.

Ceramiq · 11/03/2025 09:10

It's a great dress but it won't work at a traditional English church wedding. What is the style of the wedding you are due to attend?

jjeoreo · 11/03/2025 13:57

Wow, I love this. From the description I was fully prepared not to.

Grammarnut · 11/03/2025 14:10

pepperaunt · 09/03/2025 07:22

I think that dress is so beautiful that I just bought it😁

Sigh. I am much too old to buy it. It's lovely.

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 11/03/2025 15:11

Grammarnut · 11/03/2025 14:10

Sigh. I am much too old to buy it. It's lovely.

The OP's dress? What age restriction do you think should apply to it?

Grammarnut · 11/03/2025 23:00

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 11/03/2025 15:11

The OP's dress? What age restriction do you think should apply to it?

Well, I'm in my 70s so I think it's much too young for me. Would be fine for OP who obviously likes it (it's v. likeable). Try not to be so judgemental about other's assessment of what they can wear. I made a light-hearted comment on someone deciding to buy the dress, saying I thought it was too young for ME (alas). That's all. I find S and B useful for finding dresses/clothes in general that I like and often purchase them - but I bear in mind my age.

graceinspace999 · 12/03/2025 10:42

It’s lovely but if you’re small and Chubby this dress will ‘wear’ you.

bunnybunnybunnybunny · 12/03/2025 10:47

The orange Farm Rio dress linked to in the initial post is fabulous! I think it will be perfect for a wedding. Nonsense about the sleeves making her look bigger, they balance the shape of the dress.

Much prefer FR to Rixo in terms of pretty much everything, particularly the quality.

BlossomBlossomBlossom · 12/03/2025 10:56

Ceramiq · 11/03/2025 09:10

It's a great dress but it won't work at a traditional English church wedding. What is the style of the wedding you are due to attend?

Do hope you were able to find time to go back and read the thread! Grin

Floisme · 12/03/2025 11:07

Blimey what kind of beaches do some of you go to? I think it's a lovely dress and great for a witness at a wedding as it's joyful, standout but not bridal (which I thought was the main concern on threads like this?)

I'm useless at shoes and bags I'm afraid but I'm sure you'll get some great suggestions. Enjoy.

unsurenow2025 · 12/03/2025 12:00

Crazycatlady79 · 10/03/2025 21:53

It's gorgeous, but I don't think dresses like this are particularly flattering for short, chubbier people: you don't want to end up looking like a pumpkin.

This is so rude considering OP has said she's now bought it.

Also I'll shout this on these boards till my lungs give out- CLOTHES DON'T HAVE TO BE FLATTERING TO BE NICE CLOTHES

MrsGusset · 12/03/2025 12:29

Grammarnut · 11/03/2025 23:00

Well, I'm in my 70s so I think it's much too young for me. Would be fine for OP who obviously likes it (it's v. likeable). Try not to be so judgemental about other's assessment of what they can wear. I made a light-hearted comment on someone deciding to buy the dress, saying I thought it was too young for ME (alas). That's all. I find S and B useful for finding dresses/clothes in general that I like and often purchase them - but I bear in mind my age.

I too am in my 70s. In my heart I'd love to wear the dress that OP has her eye on but my head tells me to get real.

Although I don't believe “age appropriate” should be rigidly applied, there are situations where it should be and it's silly to imply otherwise.

As to the main question: it's a beautiful dress perfectly suitable for the type of wedding OP has described.

TheLeadbetterLife · 12/03/2025 12:36

unsurenow2025 · 12/03/2025 12:00

This is so rude considering OP has said she's now bought it.

Also I'll shout this on these boards till my lungs give out- CLOTHES DON'T HAVE TO BE FLATTERING TO BE NICE CLOTHES

I agree with you but I would rephrase:

"FLATTERING" DOES NOT MEAN "APPEARING TO TAKE UP LESS SPACE"

Lentilweaver · 12/03/2025 12:40

I have looked at this dress three times and it's growing on me. I do like it better than the Jolie Moi dresses.
I wear bright colour all the time. ( am dark skinned).
Used to avoid puff sleeves like the plague but lately have found some I like after much experimentation. Am also a 12.

Username9898 · 12/03/2025 12:49

unsurenow2025 · 12/03/2025 12:00

This is so rude considering OP has said she's now bought it.

Also I'll shout this on these boards till my lungs give out- CLOTHES DON'T HAVE TO BE FLATTERING TO BE NICE CLOTHES

I love pumpkins and will be delighted to look like one in my amazing new dress 😂 WHICH ARRIVES TODAY!!!

OP posts:
Username9898 · 12/03/2025 12:58

I just wanted to say thanks for all the support and lovely comments on this thread. And to the people who don’t like the dress - it’s helpful to hear the other side. It is a stand out dress and I guess I’ll know what any snippy guests might be thinking!
To answer a few comments.
I’ve worn ‘traditional wedding guest’ outfits in the past and have found that they absolutely ‘wear me’ and I just never feel right. I don’t mind that I’m a bit short and chubby (but I think unfit and untoned is maybe a better description!) I am very happy to take up my space in things that I love, even if they don’t traditionally flatter me. I’m not actually known for bright colours (I was a teenage goth!) but am for things that are a bit out of the norm and so I don’t think this will be a surprise to anyone there. Although I won’t know about 95% of the guests, despite being close family, so at least I’ll be easy to point out and identify. ..!

OP posts:
Gonegrey31 · 12/03/2025 13:03

Good for you OP I think the dress is absolutely gorgeous and what matters is that you will enjoy wearing it !!!