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Original poster

winter wedding guest dress

123 replies

WildflowerB · 09/11/2025 20:21

Im going to a wedding this December. I need a dress. Could be full length, could be more of a cocktail or party dress. I’m 5ft2, green eyes, brown hair, size 10 but big hips (!). I love chocolate brown & almost any green & orange. Any ideas?

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Thread gallery
44
Original poster
WildflowerB · 09/11/2025 20:22

Budget up to £500. I should have said

OP posts:
EscapadeVelocity · 09/11/2025 21:41

Oh God - I hate myself. I just saw a brown velvet Next dress and thought ‘That’s not bad.’ I feel myself sliding into a pit of wardrobe awfulness. This was the thing:

Brown dress

Even worse, its Phase Eight.

Please feel free to burn this post.

OP posts:
OP posts:
EscapadeVelocity · 09/11/2025 21:51

Brown, green and orange:

Doen dress

Original poster
WildflowerB · 09/11/2025 21:52

EscapadeVelocity · 09/11/2025 21:51

Brown, green and orange:

Doen dress

I love that but it’s cotton & quite low cut - won’t I freeze in winter?

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EscapadeVelocity · 09/11/2025 22:02

Oh! How weird - I just almost linked

Cawley Studio

because they do great colours, but the lead times for ‘Made to Order’ clothes might be problematic, and often the exact thing one wants isn’t available ready to wear. But anyway, take a look.

The green silk you link will need a velvet or fur coat, but it’s a lovely dress.

Cawley Studio

Cawley Studio

https://cawleystudio.com/

Original poster
WildflowerB · 09/11/2025 22:09

EscapadeVelocity · 09/11/2025 22:02

Oh! How weird - I just almost linked

Cawley Studio

because they do great colours, but the lead times for ‘Made to Order’ clothes might be problematic, and often the exact thing one wants isn’t available ready to wear. But anyway, take a look.

The green silk you link will need a velvet or fur coat, but it’s a lovely dress.

That is weird! I have not heard of them. I might go to try that one on rather than attempt to order something I haven’t seen but I am glad you think they’re a good thing.

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JDM625 · 09/11/2025 23:12

What is the venue OP? Even though its an event in winter, presumably you'll be inside and there will be heating? I'd certainly have a warm coat for outside, but personally wouldn't be wearing an excessively, hot dress inside.

Clearly we are all different but that 1st link OP to the rixo amari dress looks like a satin nightie or an old fashioned slip you'd wear under clothes. Satin reflects the light, so any ounce of cellulite, bumps, large hips will show. The bronze colour is also so drab. Green would be much nicer IMO. I'd always have a more structured dress for a wedding, but you know your shape and what suits you far more than us.

CaminoPlanner · 09/11/2025 23:25

JDM625 · 09/11/2025 23:12

What is the venue OP? Even though its an event in winter, presumably you'll be inside and there will be heating? I'd certainly have a warm coat for outside, but personally wouldn't be wearing an excessively, hot dress inside.

Clearly we are all different but that 1st link OP to the rixo amari dress looks like a satin nightie or an old fashioned slip you'd wear under clothes. Satin reflects the light, so any ounce of cellulite, bumps, large hips will show. The bronze colour is also so drab. Green would be much nicer IMO. I'd always have a more structured dress for a wedding, but you know your shape and what suits you far more than us.

I agree about the lace trim on that dress. But a good slip underneath would stop the satin from showing any lumps and bumps.

Original poster
WildflowerB · 10/11/2025 08:13

JDM625 · 09/11/2025 23:12

What is the venue OP? Even though its an event in winter, presumably you'll be inside and there will be heating? I'd certainly have a warm coat for outside, but personally wouldn't be wearing an excessively, hot dress inside.

Clearly we are all different but that 1st link OP to the rixo amari dress looks like a satin nightie or an old fashioned slip you'd wear under clothes. Satin reflects the light, so any ounce of cellulite, bumps, large hips will show. The bronze colour is also so drab. Green would be much nicer IMO. I'd always have a more structured dress for a wedding, but you know your shape and what suits you far more than us.

It’s a hotel wedding but I still think cotton is for summer / autumn & by December I would need something more wintry.
I’d love recs for structured dresses!

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Original poster
WildflowerB · 10/11/2025 09:42

Now worried I need something structured!
over budget but what do you all think of this?
https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/roksanda/dresses/midi-dresses/alma-knotted-cutout-crepe-midi-dress/46376663162937660

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Original poster
WildflowerB · 10/11/2025 11:09

JDM625 · 10/11/2025 10:22

The Monsoon one might be a goer - I like a dress with a waist. But it’s very polyester…

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JDM625 · 10/11/2025 11:33

But it’s very polyester…
I hate dress shopping for this reason. They are either polyster or velvet this time of year and as you said up thread, cotton is more summery. Maybe silk or a silk blend?

InTheNotswolds · 10/11/2025 11:34

Have a look at the velvet dresses on Aspiga. If I lived a life that wasn't WFH + muddy walks I'd wear them every day!!

Original poster
WildflowerB · 10/11/2025 11:38

JDM625 · 10/11/2025 11:33

But it’s very polyester…
I hate dress shopping for this reason. They are either polyster or velvet this time of year and as you said up thread, cotton is more summery. Maybe silk or a silk blend?

Yes that’s why I was originally looking at silk & satin

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Original poster
WildflowerB · 10/11/2025 11:42

InTheNotswolds · 10/11/2025 11:34

Have a look at the velvet dresses on Aspiga. If I lived a life that wasn't WFH + muddy walks I'd wear them every day!!

Not sure about these - it’s a London wedding, quite cool & edgy. These looks great for Cotswolds / Notswolds. I think other people will be in eg Roksanda, Regina Pyo, Vampires wife (if it was still going), Rixo, if that helps

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Drivingmissrangey · 10/11/2025 11:47

No specific suggestions but I would agree with your idea of satin or silk. Or heavy lace would also work. I love a winter wedding and think you have the opportunity to be more dressy than a summer wedding.

user1492809438 · 10/11/2025 12:03

Love the Me and em dresses but they are long [I am 5 feet tall] so unless you can get them altered I'd look either at their mini/midi dresses or their red velvet trouser suit?

MattCauthon · 10/11/2025 12:06

The Monsoon one looks like a bridesmaid's dress. The green silk is creased in the pictures! I thin it would be hard to carry off as a wedding guest. Not sure what's wrong with Phase 8 but I liked that first dress - I just wouldn't wear it to a wedding personally.

You said you like orange but not sure if this feels summery: https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/stella-mccartney/dresses/midi-dresses/stretch-knit-midi-dress/1647597340390272

Is this too short:

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/alice-plus-olivia/dresses/mini-dresses/opal-pussy-bow-paisley-print-chiffon-mini-dress/46376663162925992

I like this too but very red... my mother wouldn't approve at a wedding!

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/alice-plus-olivia/dresses/maxi-dresses/vernia-pleated-voile-maxi-dress/46376663162885962

Too busy?

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/camilla/dresses/maxi-dresses/belted-embellished-printed-silk-crepe-de-chine-midi-dress/46376663162840623