Favourite glamorous brands for occasion dressing in 50s

[PermanentTemporary]

Any tips?

Thinking about wearing something non bridal for my wedding dress. Am 56, 16/18, usually a John Lewis dresser at most. Id like to increase my range of brands to look at. Probably up to £1k.

Following with interest! Im 56, getting married in May (announcing it Xmas day! ) Im size 18 and looking at non typical wedding dress so looking forward to suggestions x

Congratulations!

This probably won’t be helpful but for celebratory dressing I’m currently in love with:

Carven
Cecilie Bahnsen
Magda Butrym
Phoebe Philo
The Irish Twin

Although if I really were getting married I might well spend some painful hours dreaming of a vintage dress from a late 90s / turn of the century designer. (I’m a little older than you, @PermanentTemporary.)

It's a very specific look, but Katya Wildman (used to be Bombshell).
https://katyawildman.com/

Thank you! Some great stuff to look at…

Ok following those ideas I’ve ended up on net a porter which I guess isn’t that groundbreaking.., look at this though. Slight feeling that this is a colour I think suits me but actually doesn’t

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/norma-kamali/clothing/gowns/obie-draped-satin-gown/46376663162988468

God I love this. Only 4x my budget, and one left in an 18.
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/jenny-packham/clothing/gowns/carrie-cape-effect-draped-sequined-chiffon-gown/46376663162968377

Back towards more bridal. Love the liquid skirt
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/self-portrait/clothing/maxi-dresses/embellished-satin-maxi-dress/46376663162953052

The Outnet is always worth a look for occasion wear. If you like the Jenny Packham then you might like

Sorry not sure my link worked

This?

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/erdem/clothing/gowns/macie-cape-effect-belted-silk-and-lurex-blend-lame-gown/1647597283366083

Might be a good idea to check out the sale?

WOW. Loving the Gloriana vibe.

Omg I’m in love with this one. We are leaning towards a garden party reception (so it’s insane to look at this season) and this would be so lovely
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/oscar-de-la-renta/clothing/gowns/belted-floral-print-stretch-cotton-poplin-maxi-dress/1647597326052102

Thank you for the Outnet recommendation!! Wonderful. If only this wasn’t sold out in my size, more Tudor glamour.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/marchesa-notte/dresses/gowns/embellished-tulle-gown/46376663162872609

This is so pretty. Still harking after the de la Renta though.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/marchesa-notte/dresses/gowns/pleated-embroidered-tulle-gown/1647597303134820

I agree the Oscar de la Renta would be amazing.

Similarly grand:

https://horror-vacui.com/en-im

https://alemais.com/collections/dresses/products/michelle-shirtdress

https://www.ladoublej.com/en/ready-to-wear/categories/dresses/

Or …

https://erdem.com/products/long-sleeve-gown-pf25_g11_50193002

My vote is for the Noma Kamali dress, I have two and they are fabulous on!

Needle & Thread.

https://www.needleandthread.com/products/scallop-sequin-round-neck-ankle-gown-sandstone?_pos=2&_fid=0f56ce8f4&_ss=c

https://www.needleandthread.com/products/scatter-dot-cape-sleeve-ankle-gown-laurel

https://www.needleandthread.com/products/rose-vine-round-neck-gown-graphite

I love this - though it's very dramatic, as are the other dresses you've posted - are you a dramatic-looking person??! I mean as in, what's your colouring, do you have a fabulous mane of hair/striking haircut, what's your usual style etc? And what height are you? Would you be wearing heels or flatter shoes?

I don't think for this dress that slimness matters as much as height to carry off the almost Grecian-goddess style drama of it?

Gorgeous as evening wear - but maybe a bit OTT for a wedding? Mind you, I've just typed that & remembered my best friend got married in floor length purple sequinned lace ...!!

I think this style also suits someone with height better - fishtails etc tend to as they can swamp smaller women.

The skirt part is lovely, but the fact that it's a dress is odd? If it was actually separates, it would be a lot more versatile afterwards!

It's beautiful, but quite overwhelming even on the model - maybe because it's so entirely covered up including the neck & arms? Will also, because of the colour/volume combination, make anyone look at least a size larger than they really are?

Lovely too - if your colouring is intense enough not to be drowned out by the dress? And again - I think it needs height ... I say this as a 58 year-old, currently a size 16 & 5' 9", which is quite tall. So I don't like wearing very ditsy prints - but similarly I try to go with the maxim of the person wearing a dress, the dress shouldn't wear them? And I think this pattern could do the latter?

I like this as although it's sparkly, the simpler cut means it's dramatic but not OTT.

Very pretty. Depends on your colouring & height & style as to which would suit you more ... this one would I think suit more people. I like the slit sleeves - they add flow.