Another wedding guest help needed.

[ApolloandDaphne]

I am going to my nephews wedding in London at the end of March. They are a stylish artsy couple. It a town hall type wedding with food afterwards. My usual wedding attire won't do. I am used to Scottish barn/ceilidh type weddings.

I am 63, 5'6", size 16/18, apple shaped. I would like something with long or 3/4 length sleeves, longish (but not maxi), no floral prints. I like natural fabrics. Will need dress and shoes. I can't wear high heels due to a hip issue.

I prefer to go to actual shops and i can get in to Edinburgh easily. Where should i be looking?

Karen Millen tends to have some interesting dresses. This is on sale but there are lots of others:
www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-mono-fluid-stripe-cotton-mix-woven-shirt-dress_bkk27880?colour=mono

How about Toast, there’s one in Edinburgh - usually lovely fabrics and timeless styles
www.toa.st/collections/womens-dresses

Oh apologies! I was sure I read pattern! 😩

www.jjshouse.com/uk/product/a-line-v-neck-asymmetrical-chiffon-evening-dress-with-ruffle-017275319-g275319?utm_term=275319&utm_size=10&ggntk=g&ggkey=&ggtgt=17&ggplm=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22459303386&gbraid=0AAAAADmGZzS7pjSAgqkdMskg89U8C7zjX&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImrOzoaadkgMVFIpQBh0eLgH1EAQYCCABEgLy4_D_BwE

There might be something here, search for empire line. www.johnlewis.com/browse/women/womens-dresses/empire-line/_/N-flwZ1z0ropj

You could try Sahara, maybe the bubble dress, like this one https://saharalondon.com/products/illusion-check-jersey-bubble-dress-ss26

Grizas could be worth a look, some stock in Ragamuffin.

What about this?
Check out this Lace Wrap Top Pleat Tux Midi Dress I found on Debenhams: https://dbnms.mobi/n4QJusdib0

Try TOAST, I think they might have fabrics and shapes to suit your desires. Plus they are very stylish.
www.toa.st/collections

This is a stunner of a dress, I have it and it looks a lot nicer in person as the fabric is very silky and flowy :) https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/sea/clothing/midi-dresses/jolie-ruffled-floral-print-crepe-de-chine-midi-dress/46376663162914818 a US 12 is a UK 16 and it is a generous size

All this brand has lovely fabrics and there are lots of flattering skimming shapes.

But it’s floral….

I've actually got a dress a bit like that already. It's definitely a back up dress if i can't find another one. It is just out of Fatface though. Nothing fancy.

Might be worth trying Vivaldi at Bruntsfield too? https://www.vivaldiaccessories.com/

When I’ve gone to arty sort of things I tend to wear all black with a patterned kimono that sort of thing? Or block colours. I have quite a few arty sort of clothes As really into design (my partner says at times I look like I should be an art teacher…not sure if that’s a compliment or not!) I’m in my 50s can only wear flats due to a disability and a 16-18 so I’ll have a hunt for the sort of thing I’d pick. I’m sure I saw something on Wallis late last night my sort of style as I have an unexpected September wedding and have nothing at all to wear!

What about this from Boden? https://www.boden.com/products/women-pip-zip-up-ponte-midi-dress-french-navy-garden-blossom-d1082nvy
Im an Apple shape and I find the Ponte fabric of these dresses smoothing and flexible, plus the zip neck allows you to create a v to give the right balance. 5 colours to chose from. Will work with flats and a coat too.

https://www.wallis.co.uk/product/principles-ombre-organza-contrast-shirt-dress_pdd12347?colour=orange

the colour way is something I’d wear but I can’t get on with shirt dresses myself but might be ok for you? I’d wear that if the buttons would stay together with a nice bangle.

Lots of websites don’t open the photos properly for me, can anyone actually see if that does have buttons? If not I might order it for myself. OP I wear arty stuff that sort of style but normally black trousers etc under a kimono over but that’s a very similar look but as a dress. It depends on what sort of arty stuff they are into the last art gallery I went in anything goes to be honest.

Try Tallulah and Hope - art inspired fashion! Always my most complimented dresses. Online only but you can try on at home at least. Gorgeous quality.

How about Unfolded? They have some nice dresses but you'd need to order soon as they make the dresses to order. Sorry I didn't have a link.

Have you looked at Tallulah and Hope?

lovely stylish arty dresses

Sahara have a great shop in Edinburgh, just off George St. Typically has a full range of sizes in stock and lots of options regarding dresses.

I ordered an Unfolded dress and it came just after Christmas. I really don't like it at all. It was a big mistake. I will stick to going into shops and trying stuff on.

@OneNewEagle shirt dresses and kimonos don’t work on apple shapes at all. The buttons gape, the belt rides up and makes you look pregnant and anything too unstructured leaves you looking like you’re wearing a dressing gown.

I think your black velvet trousers would be fine in March - it’s still likely to be chilly - maybe with a slightly cropped blouse.

You’re wanting something long, with long sleeves, and not a defined waist, and there isn’t much like that in the shops this year - you’ll mostly find two out of three. I have last years version of this dress https://www.reiss.com/style/su708052/h19167 which might fit the bill with a thin layer underneath to give you sleeves? It’s bizarrely flattering on the meno belly and fabric doesn’t feel sticky or scrunchy (I usually hate synthetic blends). The brown would be more fashionable than the green this year.

Yes! Why not. Perfect to wear for a town hall / pub wedding. Especially in March when it might still be chilly. Could you get a nice blouse to tuck in?

@ApolloandDaphnetry catwalk in Falkirk