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Wedding guest outfit - something special

96 replies

Helpineedtoswimandwanttohide · 31/01/2026 07:09

My little sister is getting married in July, and I’d really like a special dress for the day. It’s been a while since I’ve been to a summer wedding and since having a child, so feeling a bit lost.

I’m 37, a size 16 and tallish at 5’8, with G cup boobs. I have dark hair and suit jewel tones - no pastel colours please! Really worried about ending up looking frumpy in some of the more classic ‘wedding guest’ outfits. I do like the idea of a maxi dress.

Any help gratefully received! Budget up to £300.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
52
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 01:51

Another Tallulah & Hope one - good style for your shape, though the fabric could be a bit unforgiving even with really good smoothing underwear.

https://tallulahandhope.com/products/glorious-long-dress-ocean-embroidered

Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 02:20

Some lovely dresses in strong colours from this label, almost all silk or silk-blend - but they only seem to go up to a 14 ...

https://hannahartwear.com/collections/dresses

Wedding guest outfit - something special
Wedding guest outfit - something special
Wedding guest outfit - something special
Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 02:28

Though Harvey Nichols says Size 3 in the Hannah label is a 16-18, so maybe worth trying?

The Vivianna one is a looser fit & is a silk blend. Maybe too hippyish for you - I would happily wear this to a summer wedding in a barn though, blinged up with lots of gold jewellery & sandals!!

https://hannahartwear.com/products/vivianna-dress-spring-daisy-crimson

Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 02:32

Same label, different vibe, but out of stock in your size at the moment ...

https://www.harveynichols.com/hannah-artwear/luna-floral-print-silk-midi-wrap-dress-23442-reot-amour-212428/

Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 02:40

A gorgeous La Double J maxi, half price & one left in a Large - but still over budget ...

https://www.harveynichols.com/la-double-j/marlene-floral-pinted-silk-crepe-maxi-dress-34319-mult-iris-placee-223950/

Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 02:48

Looks good with dark hair, is linen-blend & striking.

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/farm-rio-floral-linen-maxi-dress-multicoloured-p01070742

Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 02:54

I'd happily wear this cotton Melissa Odabash one to a relaxed summer wedding, with a gold belt & sandals.

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/melissa-odabash-tallulah-printed-cotton-kaftan-red-p01041598

Wedding guest outfit - something special
Wedding guest outfit - something special
Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 02:59

Decidedly jewel-toned, though maybe a bit too lingerie-esque? Shame it's not silk.

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/rixo-amari-satin-midi-dress-green-p01084112

Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 03:13

Too pastel for you? Quite a strong coral - a nicer Alemais one than the one suggested by a PP, I think. And this one might even contain your boobs!

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/alemais-anika-floral-midi-dress-pink-p01041564

Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 03:16

A great colour, but midi not maxi - & polyester.

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/self-portrait-lace-trimmed-plisse-chiffon-midi-dress-green-p01127479

Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 03:25

I like the draped part from the back of the shoulder - quite a late 50s/early 60s detail.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/mikael-aghal/dresses/maxi-dresses/one-shoulder-floral-print-chiffon-maxi-dress/46376663162849930

Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 03:31

Not usually keen on Saloni - but really like this one! Maybe a bit too formal/evening style though? The Cheongsam style can be very flattering on a larger bust (I have a vintage embroidered silk one that I had adjusted to fit at the bust).

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/saloni/dresses/maxi-dresses/kelly-tie-detailed-silk-satin-midi-dress/46376663163072594

Wedding guest outfit - something special
EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 03:36

Too busy for my taste, but a pretty strong floral print & a very good shape.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/mikael-aghal/dresses/maxi-dresses/ruffled-floral-print-chiffon-maxi-dress/46376663162848624

Wedding guest outfit - something special
narcASD · 02/02/2026 03:39

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su868807/y16651

EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 03:43

I have no qualms about wearing dresses containing black - or white! - to weddings, but this may be too dark for you.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/mikael-aghal/dresses/maxi-dresses/ruffled-floral-print-chiffon-maxi-dress/1647597352801953

Wedding guest outfit - something special
narcASD · 02/02/2026 03:44

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su257877/y00032

EleanorMc67 · 02/02/2026 03:46

This is also pretty & striking I think if you like florals, but again may be too dark.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/mikael-aghal/dresses/maxi-dresses/ruffled-floral-print-georgette-maxi-dress/46376663162972201

Wedding guest outfit - something special
narcASD · 02/02/2026 03:47

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su221007/589866

narcASD · 02/02/2026 03:48

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su755100/h50048