Help to find motb dress, please.

[Hoogieflip]

First time here - could I have some (a lot!) of help to find a mother-of-the bride dress, please? I’ve been trying for ages and even done the John Lewis personal shopper thing, but to no avail. I don’t like ‘dressing up’ so don’t want a hat or fascinator. I’ve tried on dozens of Hobbs, Phase 8 and similar, but nothing’s worked for me. I’m a size 8/10, but have an ‘older woman’ tummy, and boobs but no thighs. Petite sizes are almost always too high in the waist (so uncomfortable) but standard sizes seem to be too broad across the shoulders. The wedding’s in August! Budget is up to around £300 and ideally it’d be something I could potentially wear again. I love green although I’d settle for anything that fits nicely! (I have grey hair and cool colouring if that’s relevant.)

Would you do this? I think the shirt with the skirt is stunning. Skirt comes in red striped too & plain green/blue/red.

Meh so do I, and while I wouldn't shop there due to stories I've heard, it was just an example of a dress that is sold as a MOTB dress to demonstrate that styles have moved on from the little jacket and shift dress. We got my mum's dress in a MOTB shop and yes while we had to sort through the chaff and avoid the OTT upselling, we did find her something she looked amazing in which I think we'd have struggled to do on the high street.

JL Raishma suggestion is great, classy and stylish without being too out there.

I bought this for an upcoming wedding and really like it on. It’s very light material so doesn’t swamp me which I thought it would and it falls well. It also narrows at the hem so doesn’t look like a tent 😊
? An option

flick on until you see it on the model. Most unusually that’s how it actually falls

Oh, I wasn't criticising it as a choice. In fact, the dress featured is lovely. I really meant if she was nearby & thought about going IN. Like you, I've heard horror stories.

I have this, I am a 5'4" size 8 and it looks lovely: https://www.jasperconran.com/products/bonne-a-line-swing-dress?variant=44008349040874

I bet this is amazing if you can splash the extra: https://www.jasperconran.com/products/celia-silk-full-skirt-shirt-dress-with-belt?variant=44472922603754

I wore this as mother of the groom a few weeks ago. Exactly as you say, I was adamant no hats/ anything on my head and not “typical “ dress, just not me and I would have felt ridiculous. It’s a bit out there but I felt relaxed and happy and got lots of compliments especially from the younger generation

This has my name on it, thank you! But, I can't find on in stock 😐. Can you tell me about JC sizing, please? I'm going to order the short sleeved broderie anglaise one and don't know whether to go for the 8 or 10.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/ester-satin-ruffle-midi-dress-green-1000458065.html

Thanks - it looks lovely on you. Is it satin? Do you have no bumpy bits?! Do you have a secret? What's the dress, please (although it's definitely not my colour since my hair turned grey)?

Thanks. I tried this on in JL, but it didn't fit (can't remember the details).

Yes, I love this! My main worry is that the bridesmaids are in a slate blue and this gorgeous jewel might drain the colour from them?

This is gorgeous, thanks! I just can't stretch to seeing myself in it and not look 'tent like', though. Enjoy the wedding, you'll look great!

I do love this, thanks. I think 'cutting me in half' would emphasise my lack of height, though, even if the stripes might help a bit.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/julissa-wrap-dress-100064569308.html

I love this Me+Em one, thank you! Any comment on their sizing, please?

This might be worth a try! I tried one so like this except it had long sleeves and liked it, but not the sleeves, so thank you!

Thank you very much, everyone! I've ordered (yet another) 6 dresses. My past few months' credit card statements look like the hokeycokey - payment for dress out; refund for dress in; in; out; in; out ...

This is available in size 10, OP https://www.wyselondon.com/products/arabella-silk-dress-lagoon-green-trailing-floral

Fingers crossed. Surely one of 6 will be ok.
my hair is also grey. I got my makeup and hair done the morning of for the first time in my life. They had very strict instructions for natural makeup and my hair was just half up half down but the professionals did a fantastic job and I really enjoyed the day when I had no stress.

That's really pretty, thanks!

I'm glad you had a lovely day😊. I'm getting my makeup done, too, so it's very much fingers crossed!

I don't own this specific item, but I've had a few things from Me+Em and I find their sizing generous. I'd size down, or get the lower of two sizes if you're normally between sizes.

I wore this to a wedding recently. Hide my mum tum and was very flattering. Got loads of compliments

Is it this dress?

https://www.meandem.com/draped-halterneck-maxi-dress-golden-olive-green