Wedding guest dress when you are a bit old, bit grumpy, more than a bit overweight?

[Jynxed]

I have two important weddings to attend this year, and whilst I have no illusions that anyone will be looking at me, I don’t want to let the family down. Can anyone recommend a stylish and hopefully flattering dress for a short (159 cms / 5ft2) plump (size 16, 3-baby post meno belly ) nearly 60 year old. Would like to cover up as much as possible! Cloak of invisibility would be my personal choice! 😁
That should read frumpy rather than grumpy, but both possibly true!

I thought the same.
Really for someone less than 5ft 3 and not slim. 🙄
They are lovely if you are tall and even lovelier if you are tall and slender.

Holidayhappy123 posted some lovely ideas that I’m sure would look fab. They are exactly what I would think as suitable for a wedding and would fit in perfectly with any wedding that I have attended.

I do like the style of the dress that you posted op. Not sure about the colour, personally. I am big norked so wrap dresses dont always work!

Having said that dd (also blessed in norkage!) wore a Yumi dress to a smart wedding last year and looked stunning.

Similar to these. Love both these colour ways

https://www.johnlewis.com/yumi-blossom-wrap-midi-dress-blue-white/p113403351?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Or this …

https://www.johnlewis.com/yumi-kimono-sleeve-dip-hem-dress-blue/p113182255?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

I would go against the grain to most answers and recommend a classic outfit like this. It can be styled in lots of ways, eg colourful accessories/shoes. My friend of the same height and shape to OP, wore a similar outfit in baby blue which was both elegant and flattering.

I'm similar dimensions to you, OP, though older and probably more grumpy. I would start looking at Toast, Kate Barton and Rixo if I had a wedding to go to, though I'd need some shortening done. Some of the Brora dresses, especially the silk ones, are good as they have interesting patterns to disguise body shape and usually have long sleeves.

Second this, these are great, not too ££ and somehow suck in just right (I'm similar size/shape/age to you) - the maxis are very long so stick with the midis, as @Shetlands suggested

Can you get to Berkshire? I know just fhe stylist who can help you!! She probably doesn’t coz zoom etc. She’s amazing! I’ve put on loads of weight with medication but I once again enjoy getting dressed up and going to parties.

Get your girls together and hit the shops. For events like this you HAVE to try stuff on. Both weddings might be boiling hot so consider how you do in heat. Also check how much fabric creases, rides up etc. Long sleeves? Short sleeves with jacket? You might need an evening cover up unless you're having different outfits for day and evening.
Silk is great in heat but creases quite badly.
Headwear: fascinator or headband probably best due to heat.
Personal shopper is a great idea.
A fairly plain fabric can look a million dollars with some fab shoes, bag, jewellery.
Also, a hand held paper or fabric fan would be great in heat. Amazon do great patterns really cheap.
Don't buy anything you feel awkward in, you need to feel comfy.
Suits or jumpsuits could also work (I avoid jumpsuits because of the faff going to loo but some people love them.)
The best frock I ever had looked like a rag on the hanger but was amazing on so don't rule too much out until you've tried it.
KNOCK 'EM DEAD!

But isn't it lovely that we all want to help a complete stranger look fabulous! 🤗

I have this dress but in navy and it's very flattering. Could be lovely for a summer wedding. QVC have it in both colours.

https://www.finerylondon.com/products/nora-green-broderie-anglaise-cotton-shirt-dress?variant=48558394605900&currency=GBP&srsltid=AfmBOooNiI4p7dC0Cll6Jmz3rQ4d3dlqXvKlngyjBhY6Cw6xE9dP0uovgoA

Try Yumi. I’m a similar body shape to you but a size 20 and recently wore a gorgeous Yumi dress to a wedding where I received loads of compliments.

I liked the looked of the Yumi ones suggested. The Navy one even had money off. Just depends how long the back is.

I've recently put weight on, and now have an ample bosom which I didn't have before. I find I need a v neck or a wrap, and to come in at the waist otherwise I look like I'm wearing a sack. Basically the advice Trinny and Susannah gave all those years ago, which I'm loathed to admit, is actually right for me. When I was pear-shaped, and things would fall differently, I could get away with a line and non structured dresses.

I can get to Berkshire. Have three important weddings this year. Similar size/height/age to OP. I'd love some advice!

To everyone else looking - good luck!

That doesn’t look very special!

Is this a joke? It looks like a creased tent, and totally unsuitable for a wedding! How on earth is that huge price justified?

That would only look nice on the very slim!

Some of these suggested outfits don’t fit OP’s requirements at all, it’s like the most unsuitable garments have been chosen on purpose!

I love that Egg dress. I haven't seen that one in real life but the dresses in Egg shop are beautiful. The jacket is silk.

I disagree it wouldn't work over a menopausal stomach- I have dresses in that style- the sheer amount of material covers it (and everything else, although it definitely won't make the wearer invisible)

I'm also 5'3, size 14 on a good day, 16 on a bad, with a belly but 65 rather than 60 and I've suggested brands I'd wear.

If I were madly throwing money at a new dress for a wedding the Egg dress is what I'd get. On a saner price level I'd go for Sister Jane or Klements or possibly Jasper Conran. Or Laura Ashley or Cabbages & Roses from eBay (not Vinted). I wouldn't look at Yumi, Phase Eight or Scarlett and Jo.

I think the Egg dress looks a bit too special and attention grabbing. Nothing wrong with that of course, but OP doesn't sound like she wants to stand out too much. It almost looks like a child's bridesmaid's dress.

Try Ann Balon(some good bargains on eBay but look at the shop to get the idea first) looks really stylish and will flatter your best bits; Italian style tends to be forgiving, slightly stretchy, swishy and very pretty lace. I’ve had great success with them and you feel nicely put together… I can’t bear the Victorian hessian look it’s just not flattering if you’re short, and these are!

I’ll pm you.

just seen autocorrect distorted my previous message! Should have said: I’m sure she will do zoom etc

Scarlett & Jo are very flattering and lovely prints. I'm not sure if they do shorter lengths though.

An empire line dress. Gathers under the bust. Covers the belly x

Some of these are truly awful

OP, as one shorty to another, my advice is to stick to petite ranges. Anything that isn't cut for shorter women tends to have the wrong dimensions all over and you'll find bits that gape where they shouldn't. Empire lines are always good, as are palazzo jumpsuits with some heels (in whatever height you're comfortable with). Precis petite are good, as are Reiss petite and Karen Millen petite. Try on quite a few different styles - and avoid the Amish monstrosities, they will swamp you.

One Hundred Stars have some lovely dresses which I think would fit the bill