Stepmother of groom outfit needed

[mrsmogg]

I feel like I am going round in circles trying to find the right look so hoping for some inspiration!
Summer wedding , church then marquee at the family home. Dress code is morning suits preferred so I need a hat too.

I am 40, size 10, 5'3 so would prefer midi length but I will get the dress tailored. Not yellow. I am brunette and fairly pale, jewel colours suit me. Would like something classy and contemporary, bonus points if I can wear it again for the races etc. budget up to £1000, would prefer to spend less and happy to buy on vinted etc as well.

And you can wear what you want- it doesn’t mean everyone has to agree with you.

Surely there’s a middle line between a shift dress from Hobbs and expensive sacks? I think Self Portrait is one of those sweet spots.

Exactly!

I like Self Portrait but the burgundy / navy options just seem so dull for a June wedding and garden reception?

I definitely want midi length and would prefer something more fitted, I just couldn't pull off some of the suggestions on here :)

I really don't like the Monsoon, The Folkster and the Selfridges ones.

I think the Self Portait lace one looks silly with the half lining. It's a shame as the shape is lovely. I have a green lace Edina Ronay dress, which is a very similar shape but much nicer material. The lace is cotton and fully lined in black silk.

I like the Self Portrait navy taffetta. The Cabbages and Roses taffetta however is real silk unlike the SP.

Love the navy SP dress but agree it’s not great for a summer wedding, colour wise.

I would, with your budget, consider taking that style to a dress maker and having it made to measure in a different colour. I’d get them made as two separate pieces too - a dress with straps wide enough to cover your bra (with whichever neckline suits you) and then the jacket to wear during service.

SP have lots of colours, not just navy or burgundy, but a lot of insipid pale yellow.

My friend is in a similar situation to you, also petite and has gone for this. It's a stunning colour. https://www.next.co.uk/style/su870450/v14369

5'3" is not petite. I'm 5"3.

From the OP's comments I think she's looking for something dramatic, especially with a budget of up to £1000. "Petite" is unlikely to fit the bill.

Surely there must be some lovely summer dresses, most of these are bland, boring and too heavy looking for a summer wedding

Fair enough...but the 'dramatic' suggestions so far have been truly awful! 😂

https://alemais.com/collections/dresses/products/luda-midi-dress

https://alemais.com/products/avery-spliced-midi-dress

A bit more colourful?

I would recommend those brands for a woman over 60, not a 40 year old! These brands will definitely age her.

I LOVE navy for a summer wedding it’s so sophisticated in amongst the ubiquitous and often tacky florals that are usually prevalent at a summer wedding. I would draw the line at burgundy though, that’s definitely a winter choice

I think most people understand that summer stock isn’t in yet, so suggestions (mine at least) are for brands or retailers to keep an eye on.

Me and Em might have something?

These from rixo are lovely

https://rixolondon.com/en-ie/products/arlena-dress-stone-blue

https://rixolondon.com/en-ie/products/devina-crimson

I second looking at Liberty, they have beautiful dresses which would also be perfect for things like the races, and not the standard wedding parent fare. They’d also look nice with a small hat, like pillbox style which wouldn’t overpower you.

I also love Zimmerman dresses though I’m too fat for them, but they are gorgeous

Wolf and Badger has some nice options...these are the ones that stuck out for me based on a Wedding Guest/midi dress search.

Summer stock is only just trickling in, I’d wait until March before making a decision.

Or Victoria Beckham if you prefer plain over floral. this in midnight looks fabulous and would be very elegant with nice shoes and hat

Yes! Looking for something dramatic and a bit more than the standard wedding guest attire.

Currently looking at Rebecca Vallance. Hadn't thought of Liberty and Wolf & Badger, so will take a look. Maybe I just need to be a little bit more patient though, I would like to get something sorter sooner so there is enough time to get it tailored (the lady I use specialises in wedding dresses so gets very busy at that time of year).

Could you book your appointment now for 3 weeks before the wedding so that it’s in the diary and you have a bit more time to find the dress?

Jesus God, imagine galumphing into a wedding wearing that!

OP, have some really gorgeous dresses.

https://theweddingshop.uk/product/john-charles-29303-navy-ivory-wedding-shop-exclusive/?attribute_pa_size=10&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19787464949&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzYuIuPfYkgMV9JdQBh3D9BfmEAQYFyABEgJQPvD_BwE

Look at John Charles of London

I think that might be exactly what the OP is not looking for.