Very elusive dress for informal summer wedding

[GertieLawrence]

My sister and I are helping my mum look for a dress for an informal wedding happening later this summer. The search has been pretty extensive so far - we’ve tried Phase 8, Boden, Seasalt, Live Unlimited, Roman, M and S, Next, Vinted.. but nothing is working so far.

She’s a very young 75 and is very conscious of her legs due to veins, but as she’s only just over 5ft even petite midis seem to swamp her.

She’s a size 20 apple shape. Great arms, but ideally not sleeveless unless we find something to go with in case it’s chilly at all.

She’s soft autumn but doesn’t tend to go with it although she does love sage green, neutrals and blues etc. An out-there bright wouldn’t be good, she’d feel too self conscious.

She doesn’t love spending a lot on clothes but would be persuaded to go up to £100 if we found the right thing.

Any suggestions extremely welcome!

https://www.wallis.co.uk/product/wallis-tailored-crepe-ruffle-pencil-dress_byy11889?colour=sage

this is rather lovely

How about this?

Lace, v-neck, small sleeves, knee length

Oops link disappeared: https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/yours-london-curve-sage-green-lace-wrap-dress-p?ltiCountry=GB&ltiCurrency=GBP&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADqfSTBqAQ9uhM1TJYwF8_gFSTkey&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8cHABhC-ARIsAJnY12z7Gb1u_UIUSq1Y0KHD1jNqweJN4KtKPHwxe-0CLNHHfaOK40xDWmYaAp7hEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Those dresses may be too short for her. Smart trouser suit?

I think this is gorgeous as well: https://www.scarlettandjo.com/products/victoria-teal-blue-multi-angel-sleeve-mesh-midi-dress-1?currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=d42ef2abac07&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAABh_Mv6SJVARRRKISUDLMPmmQSPKc&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8cHABhC-ARIsAJnY12xO42D77-G4GcbY1H-OXi0eazE0_mfK5e6vrxpSlAymoyUH0vnJ3xoaArdMEALw_wcB&variant=41207176003631

@shockthemonkey possibly - I thought that if she was 5 foot and quite petite, then what appears to be knee-length on the model might be a little longer on the OP's mum and cover the veins she's worried about.

The other thing I was going to suggest re: veins is some Body Blur on her legs - can make a huge difference just visually and you apply it with a mitt like a self-tanner: www.vitaliberata.com/collections/body-blur?srsltid=AfmBOopuZHfESBUAjN9JJtsiATSc5m_V-SXOh1Fsa-N9Lpe2OgzTN_hD

Great idea - many more choices if you can feel happy showing some leg! Plus, midi dress on petite lady probably comes down quite some way

I agree

What's her usual style? For some reason when reading your OP my mind went to a linen sundress kind of look, but that's probably because that's something I'd wear for an informal summer wedding.

Also what kind of shoes will she want to wear?

She's a similar height/size to me, I wear a lot of jumpsuits, normally with a few inches chopped off the bottom! Somehow they don't swamp me in the same way maxi dresses do.

These are from Next's petite range, OP. Search results here.

Thanks so much all, will explore all suggestions.

Re her legs, I’ve bought her some Snags to try in “builder’s tea” which will hopefully help if needed.

Re shoes, she needs wide and likes ballet flats because she won’t “expose” her toes (bunion, joys of aging) but we’re encouraging her to go with a bit more support. We’ve got some Hotters on order but without the dress it’s tricky to know.

Re usual style, she generally wears denim or black jeggings with a loose shirty-blouse over a vest top and ballet flats or boots. That’s what she’d wear say for a pub lunch. She accessorises with small earrings and necklaces. Subtle make up. You’re right though @Belmondo, I was thinking linen in a shift maybe because I can see that as well.

This is my personal favourite for her, if we could persuade her to go with a belt. Love the colour too, thanks.

No suggestions but what a lovely daughter you are ❤️

Awwww thanks, what a nice thing to say. My sister will see these replies too - both agreed our focus has been on mum’s outfit and not ours haha!

Some ideas all on the next website

(did a search for petit dresses ).

I can confirm she’s a lovely sister too

Mum has had it pretty tough recently so we want her to feel lovely at the wedding.

Thank you, that cobalt blue is a lovely dress

Wait til you have to get started on ME 😂

If I was still larger, I’d be all over the milkmaid trend this year. Unfortunately I’ve got nothing left to fill out a milkmaid dress. Funnily enough, I keep seeing green examples. They should be okay for a relaxed wedding.

How about this? It’s cotton which would be comfortable but not exactly sage. Leaf green, maybe.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su542727/aw4046#AW4046

I got a few dresses by David Emmanuel from ebay. It could be worth a look.