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Original poster

Another wedding guest dress one

102 replies

Thedew · 05/07/2025 14:56

SIL is getting married in a Scottish castle next month; the men in the wedding party (including DH) are in navy tuxes.

What's the verdict on any of these dresses? Or does anyone have any other recommendations? I am also thinking about tulle skirts, but struggling to find tops that would work with them.

I'm early 40s, size 8 mainly (sometimes 10), 5'4, but completely carrot-shaped - wider shoulders and my hips are totally non-existent 🤣

So the v-neck, A-line/skater style is very much the style that suits me best. Pencil or shapeless dresses do absolutely nothing for me.

Would like long sleeves and I'm also quite petite so maxi and dresses with lots of excess material completely drown me.

Another wedding guest dress one
Another wedding guest dress one
Another wedding guest dress one
Another wedding guest dress one
Another wedding guest dress one
OP posts:
Thread gallery
18
Original poster
Thedew · 05/07/2025 16:59

MayIDestroyYou · 05/07/2025 16:32

If I were in my 40s, a size 8, and only wanted long sleeves, this is the sort of thing I might choose to wear to my sister’s wedding:

Agra blue dress

Or maybe this if I wanted something longer:

Zimmerman blue dress

Edited

Yeah, I'm not going to spend £600 🤣 Also as per my OP, straight up and down dresses don't suit carrot shapes unfortunately!

But yes, my concern was finding something a bit less 'meh'. On paper, yes with my size, I should be able to find something a bit more inspiring. But honestly, all of my OP stands - I am honestly not suited to fitted all over nor shapeless dresses. I don't have the curves to pull them off and I need to balance out my shoulders which are the widest part of me!

Budget is probably up to £150, but ideally under £100.

OP posts:
heldinadream · 05/07/2025 17:03

I'm afraid I agree that none of them are special. You certainly could wear 2 but don't you want something a bit more vibrant?
The NC suggestions are better but I suspect they're polyester and I just avoid that like the plague and I think it never looks as good in the flesh as it does on carefully posed, lit and crafted photos.

This probably isn't quite right but it's vibrant, different and cotton. Is it in a better direction or not your kind of thing?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su774983/w68435#w68435

Buy Raishma Blue Olea Tie Waist Floral Print Midi Dress from the Next UK online shop

Shop for Raishma Blue Olea Tie Waist Floral Print Midi Dress at Next.co.uk. Next day delivery and free returns to store. 1000s of products online. Buy Raishma Blue Olea Tie Waist Floral Print Midi Dress now!

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su774983/w68435#w68435

Original poster
Thedew · 05/07/2025 17:11

owlexpress · 05/07/2025 16:49

Oh no OP, I agree with PPs who say number none of them. The knee length/skater/floral combo is doing nothing for anyone at the moment.

If you want to show leg then commit to the mini, e.g.

Nobody's child blue

NC green

I'm struggling a bit more with the longer length with sleeves but maybe

Coast

Kitri

Another NC option

Square neck

And yes to Sister Jane if you're going mini

Edited

Thank you for the suggestions 🙂

Square necks/balloon sleeves accentuate my wide shoulders unfortunately...

Not sure baring my midriff would be appropriate...

The kitri one would probably suit my shape best, but not too keen on the colour.

OP posts:
Original poster
Thedew · 05/07/2025 17:13

heldinadream · 05/07/2025 17:03

I'm afraid I agree that none of them are special. You certainly could wear 2 but don't you want something a bit more vibrant?
The NC suggestions are better but I suspect they're polyester and I just avoid that like the plague and I think it never looks as good in the flesh as it does on carefully posed, lit and crafted photos.

This probably isn't quite right but it's vibrant, different and cotton. Is it in a better direction or not your kind of thing?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su774983/w68435#w68435

Thank you. The shape would be okay, but I think it would swamp me, to be honest. Also not keen on shirt-style dresses!

OP posts:
Magen97 · 05/07/2025 17:16

Thedew · 05/07/2025 14:56

SIL is getting married in a Scottish castle next month; the men in the wedding party (including DH) are in navy tuxes.

What's the verdict on any of these dresses? Or does anyone have any other recommendations? I am also thinking about tulle skirts, but struggling to find tops that would work with them.

I'm early 40s, size 8 mainly (sometimes 10), 5'4, but completely carrot-shaped - wider shoulders and my hips are totally non-existent 🤣

So the v-neck, A-line/skater style is very much the style that suits me best. Pencil or shapeless dresses do absolutely nothing for me.

Would like long sleeves and I'm also quite petite so maxi and dresses with lots of excess material completely drown me.

These are all some beautiful dresses

Coffeeishot · 05/07/2025 17:22

Thedew · 05/07/2025 16:59

Yeah, I'm not going to spend £600 🤣 Also as per my OP, straight up and down dresses don't suit carrot shapes unfortunately!

But yes, my concern was finding something a bit less 'meh'. On paper, yes with my size, I should be able to find something a bit more inspiring. But honestly, all of my OP stands - I am honestly not suited to fitted all over nor shapeless dresses. I don't have the curves to pull them off and I need to balance out my shoulders which are the widest part of me!

Budget is probably up to £150, but ideally under £100.

Edited
Show quote history

You are right those dresses do not suit your shape you need a v with your shape. Im also broad shouldered and would look awful in those dresses and would feel self conscious.

Also £600 !

owlexpress · 05/07/2025 17:37

Honestly OP, I think you should stop getting so hung up on body shape. Perhaps post a picture, because unless you're built literally like Kevin the Carrot, I very much doubt you need to be so restrictive and concerned about 'balancing yourself out'. The dresses in your OP are so middle of the road, regardless of body type everyone can find something better. Perhaps a compromise too, like why long sleeves? Does it need to be v neck? Broaden your criteria slightly.

One last suggestion from me. No idea what is up with the links

https://www.whistles.com/product/187703.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=19164074637&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=19164074637&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=19170622987&gbraid=0AAAAADtW8dtkAjvzw5gwtMxnGxaTVhdx6&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmqPDBhCAARIsADorxIZXqizrQrjMm502IIWILN-m57_WctGHUUIKM_Htljuyy7ramGUEtsoaAgJ1EALw_wcB

Allseeingallknowing · 05/07/2025 17:54

owlexpress · 05/07/2025 17:37

Honestly OP, I think you should stop getting so hung up on body shape. Perhaps post a picture, because unless you're built literally like Kevin the Carrot, I very much doubt you need to be so restrictive and concerned about 'balancing yourself out'. The dresses in your OP are so middle of the road, regardless of body type everyone can find something better. Perhaps a compromise too, like why long sleeves? Does it need to be v neck? Broaden your criteria slightly.

One last suggestion from me. No idea what is up with the links

https://www.whistles.com/product/187703.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=19164074637&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=19164074637&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=19170622987&gbraid=0AAAAADtW8dtkAjvzw5gwtMxnGxaTVhdx6&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmqPDBhCAARIsADorxIZXqizrQrjMm502IIWILN-m57_WctGHUUIKM_Htljuyy7ramGUEtsoaAgJ1EALw_wcB

Edited

That is so elegant!

Original poster
Thedew · 05/07/2025 17:57

@owlexpress I'm not going to post a picture, but let's just say my shape was the reason I needed two C-sections! I truly look awful in dresses that don't balance out my narrow hips/wide shoulders.

Willing to try longer, but nothing that will swamp me.

OP posts:
poetryandwine · 05/07/2025 18:06

Hi, OP -

Your figure sounds good in its own way. I agree that a midi or maxi would look more stylish. Other than its length, I like No 2 pretty well - I did wonder if it suits your colouring, as it would wash some of us out completely.

You aren’t terribly tall, so there is a chance No 2 would fall on you like a midi. But it isn’t cut to be one, so it isn’t really up to date.

If you really don’t like any of the suggestions here what about booking a session with a personal shopper at John Lewis (free) or elsewhere? You can always order No 2 if you don’t find anything better

Original poster
Thedew · 05/07/2025 18:16

How about this?

@poetryandwine Thanks. Yes, more neutral/softer colours suit me. I don't really suit brights/neon colours.

Another wedding guest dress one
OP posts:
Allthesnowallthetime · 05/07/2025 18:17

Navy, retro, with a bit of tartan?

I'm your shape and this would suit me.

https://britishretro.co.uk/product/tallulah-navy-vintage-style-full-circle-dress/

minnienono · 05/07/2025 18:21

I like the second one you posted, less fashion forward but castle weddings aren’t Paris fashion week. I wore a navy blue with embroidered flowers dress to my DD’s wedding from Hobbs, have you tried there?

Coffeeishot · 05/07/2025 18:25

Thedew · 05/07/2025 18:16

How about this?

@poetryandwine Thanks. Yes, more neutral/softer colours suit me. I don't really suit brights/neon colours.

Oh this is lovely. I still prefer the pink one you originally posted,

poetryandwine · 05/07/2025 18:29

If the colour of No 2 works for you, OP, that’s huge.

I love what you just posted! I think the length is great and it feels very wedding-in-a-castle to me. But I cannot deny that I love the colour and that’s undoubtedly part of it, so you should wait for other reactions.

VenusClapTrap · 05/07/2025 18:38

How about this Monsoon one op?

www.monsoon.co.uk/june-floral-kimono-maxi-dress-ivory-20003010016.html

heldinadream · 05/07/2025 20:23

VenusClapTrap · 05/07/2025 18:44

I think this us the best one posted. Personally- I know tastes differ! But this is lovely and definitely special, IMHO.

SENSummer · 05/07/2025 20:34

TWO!!

Original poster
Thedew · 05/07/2025 20:59

Thanks all for your help, I think I'm going to order a few to try on... May post a few photos if I'm brave enough.

I think though as a PP has said, everyone has different tastes and different styles suit different body shapes.

OP posts:
Wexone · 05/07/2025 21:54

Thedew · 05/07/2025 16:59

Yeah, I'm not going to spend £600 🤣 Also as per my OP, straight up and down dresses don't suit carrot shapes unfortunately!

But yes, my concern was finding something a bit less 'meh'. On paper, yes with my size, I should be able to find something a bit more inspiring. But honestly, all of my OP stands - I am honestly not suited to fitted all over nor shapeless dresses. I don't have the curves to pull them off and I need to balance out my shoulders which are the widest part of me!

Budget is probably up to £150, but ideally under £100.

Edited
Show quote history

you can rent dresses look up hurr.co.uk and there are loads of dresses available from self portrait zimmerman rixo etc from as little as 60 pounds