Is this dress okay for an autumn wedding?

[MotherMary14]

I'm having a total 'mare wedding guest shopping. I'm 53, 5ft 8, a curvy 16-18 and I rarely wear dresses. On the rare occasions I do am forced to, I go for navy but guests have been asked not to wear that particular shade because it's 'reserved for the bridal party'. 😶So I don't want to spend loads on a dress I know I won't wear again. I do like subtle animal print though, so what about this dress? And should I size up to an 18, just to be on safe side? Please help me, wise Style MNetters!

It's showing as £13.65 when I click on it. If you want it, buy it now while it's on offer.

This morning it was double that, so yes, going to buy now and flaunt my cheapness!

I think it's absolutely fine! I'd maybe try it with a red scarf of necklace or gloves or something? Or just a bold necklace. Everyone is still wearing animal prints around here! I like it. I've no idea why if would 'stand out'.

It's fine, I quite like it and that shape is definitely flattering on curves. I'd say perhaps if it were a very fancy wedding in a stately home the leopard print might not feel quite right, but for a regular wedding/registry office type thing it's absolutely fine. Obviously wear some nice shoes and have well groomed hair etc, that will go a long way to making you look 'weddingy'. A slip will help it sit better too. And I've never worn something on my head for a wedding in my life!

I think some of MN hear wedding and think you can only wear a floral shift dress.

I'm a size 18 and also don't wear dresses often. M&S have some great shapeware which helps smooth things out.

I like the V neck and arms, but personally, can't stand animal print. The dress looks grey, which I wouldn't wear to a wedding, but we all have different tastes. I agree that maybe a red or bright necklace would lift it.

Not very wedding

I think it's perfectly lovely. Wrap dresses are very flattering for your figure as you said. It's very autumnal/winter vibes and one of the nicest leopard print dresses I've seen. It's also a bargain which makes it even better.

The irony of some one saying it's very Bet Lynch when their comment lacks class in itself. 🤨

Enjoy the wedding and to hell with any of the negative comments.

£13 is a bargain op! Hope it fits. My ACTUAL wedding dress was £13 off ebay so ignore people saying its too cheap. Also leopard print hasn't been 'Bet Lynch' for at least 15 years- everyone wears it and that dress is subtle.

I like it, smart but fun.

Goodness, what a lot of snobs on here!

I like the dress and think it’s definitely worth buying. If it isn’t right, you can always send it back.

To me it looks more silvery than grey.

I think it's a perfectly fine dress and will be a flattering shape on a size 18. However, I thought the colour, whilst not navy, is quite similar. So I would just worry, given that there is a theme for the bridal party, that the bride might be, ahem, a little sensitive (if she is the one that is insisting on the no-navy rule), and depending on your relationship with her, might think you have chosen that colour on purpose. If you have a good relationship with her, I'd maybe ask if it's acceptable. You shouldn't have to, but given the way weddings sometimes go here on MN, I'd be a bit wary! 😂

Sorry but how can it possibly be mistaken for block navy???

Me too! That's why I liked it in first place. I love silver.

Oh, I'm sorry, you just said "navy" in your OP, not "block navy" which it obviously isn't. I've re-read your posts and still can't see where you said "block navy", but my apologies if you did. I don't think your response warranted the ??? reaction though. I was just trying to save you from a bit of possible grief given the way the stories from some weddings go on here.

No, I should be the one apologising! My reply was harsh and it wasn't warranted. I'm just being sensitive because some of the other replies have been not very nice. No woman wants to think she's going to look cheap and tacky at a wedding! I didn't mention block navy so my bad.

I like the dress OP and a wrap style dress is great for a more curvy figure.
I am a slightly larger dress size and always feel great in that type of dress.

Did I use the word dress in my post enough haha

I think it’s complete wearable, you could add some different colour accessories such as turquoise , bright pink or mustard if you wanted to add some colour.

Just coming back to update this with a warning: do NOT order from Debenhams online. Despite accepting my money and claiming to have processed my order, the parcel still hasn't been dispatched and looking online, it seems to be a recurring issue. So many 1* reviews and people complaining that it feels like they've been scammed.

I'm really hacked off – now I have no dress and no money to buy something else. I guess those posters who were sniffy about the cheapness were right all along. Although in my case I'm not even getting what I've paid for!

Personally I feel anyone suggesting Debenhams on a Style & Beauty board should be banned. For life …

Maybe take a look on Vinted, might pick up a bargain if you're on a tight budget. If someone can post same / next day you should get it pretty quickly.

Oh no OP. Nothing more frustrating than not getting an order you are expecting. I had similar from Debenhams but years ago before they were bought out. I'd ordered multiple things for Christmas, outfits, gifts etc and not one arrived. They said maybe the driver had stolen them all! I didn't get a refund till the new year 😡

That's really kind of you, cheers. Do you enjoy kicking people when they're feeling down? On second thoughts, no need to answer that. It's pretty obvious you do.

I'm sorry it happened to you too. I had no idea they had such a bad reputation. I remember them as a decent high street brand. I don't shop online much so I just assumed because it was Debenhams it must be legit. Kicking myself now.